Dental Implants
Numerous individuals reach out to Coast Dental Bloomingdale inquiring whether dental implants could be an effective solution for replacing missing teeth or stabilizing a denture. Dental implants offer a robust and durable option that enables you to eat, speak, and smile confidently for many years.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post with a shape akin to a small screw. This post is inserted into the bone beneath your gums by a dentist or specialist. Over time, the bone fuses with the dental implant, forming a sturdy foundation for a crown, bridge, or fixed denture. Impressively, dental implants boast a success rate exceeding 95%, making them a more reliable choice compared to other tooth replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Brandon, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
When addressing the loss of a single tooth, a dental implant is placed into the jawbone to substitute the root of the missing tooth. A custom crown, tailored to blend seamlessly with the color of your natural teeth and designed to be stain-resistant, is attached to this implant. Despite being more expensive initially than other alternatives, this method is considered the most advantageous long-term solution for replacing a single tooth due to its high success rate. An implant does not decay, eliminates the necessity for root canal treatments, and provides the feel of a natural tooth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When multiple teeth are missing, it’s not always necessary to replace each one with an individual implant. Dental implants can instead be used as solid anchors for fixed bridges. For instance, the loss of three consecutive teeth might only require two implants on either side of the gap, supporting a crown in the middle without the need for its own implant. Choosing this approach removes the dependence on existing natural teeth to support the bridge, a factor that could otherwise weaken them, make them more prone to decay, and raise the likelihood of needing root canal therapy. Dental implants offer an independent support structure that circumvents these issues.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants have the capability to secure a full arch of upper or lower prosthetic teeth, which are permanently affixed in the mouth without the need for removal. Often, just four implants are sufficient to anchor a full set of prosthetic teeth. However, in situations involving considerable loss of jawbone, additional implants could be required to support a series of 10 to 12 teeth. Prosthetic teeth anchored by implants contribute to maintaining the integrity of the jawbone, stay firmly fixed in place, and are designed to endure for a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
If you’ve lost all of your upper or lower teeth, you may find that your denture no longer fits as well as it used to. Utilizing implants can markedly enhance the fit and comfort of your dentures, boosting your confidence in eating and speaking freely. Traditional dentures present issues because the lack of tooth roots contributes to the deterioration of the jawbone, reducing the bone ridges that keep your dentures in place. This bone loss can change your facial structure, leading to sagging and a prematurely aged appearance as the jawbone recedes. By installing implants in the upper or lower jaw to support the removable denture, the pressure from chewing is more evenly distributed, aiding in the preservation of the bone ridge. This added stability also keeps the tongue from easily displacing the lower denture. Moreover, dentures secured with implants significantly lessen or even eliminate the need for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
When considering dental implants as a long-term enrichment to your health, comfort, and overall quality of life, they often represent a cost-effective choice. While implants may have a higher initial price tag than other tooth-replacement options like dentures or bridges, they generally outlast these alternatives and most do not require replacement.
It’s a good idea to get in touch with your dental insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage your plan offers for dental implants. Additionally, Coast Dental Bloomingdale works with third-party financing companies, which can offer assistance in accommodating the expense of dental implants within your household budget.
To begin, we encourage you to arrange a consultation to find out if a dental implant is suitable for you. If you’re missing one or more teeth and are interested in exploring your options, please contact our Brandon dentist at (813) 643-6969 to schedule your appointment today.
