Dental Implants
Many individuals reach out to Coast Dental Pine Hills inquiring whether dental implants could effectively replace missing teeth or provide stable support for dentures. Dental implants offer a durable, lasting solution, enabling you to eat, speak, and smile with assurance for many years.
A dental implant consists of a tiny titanium screw designed to be placed into the jawbone beneath your gums by a dentist or specialist. Over time, the bone fuses with the titanium post, forming a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or permanent denture. What’s remarkable is that dental implants boast a documented success rate exceeding 95%, making them a more reliable option than alternative methods for tooth replacement.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Orlando, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
Imagine a dental implant as a steadfast new root for your absent tooth. It integrates seamlessly with your jawbone, serving as a pillar for a durable, stain-resistant prosthetic tooth or crown. This artificial tooth is carefully designed to match the color of your surrounding natural teeth. Although the upfront cost of a dental implant may surpass that of other tooth replacement options, its long-lasting benefits are unmatched, highlighted by an outstanding success rate. Additionally, an implant is impervious to decay, eliminates the need for root canals, and offers a feel almost identical to that of your natural teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
For multiple missing teeth, individual implants for each are not always required. Dental implants can effectively support fixed bridges. For instance, a gap caused by three missing teeth could be bridged securely with just two implants, one at each end of the gap, reducing the necessity for one implant per tooth. Unlike conventional methods that rely on adjoining natural teeth for support, potentially leading to wear and heightening decay and root canal risks, dental implants offer a standalone support system, diminishing these concerns.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants provide a solid base for custom-fitted dentures, intended for durable and stable use in both the upper and lower jaw. Typically, only four implants are required to support a full arch of dentures. However, extensive jawbone loss may require more implants to effectively sustain a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These robust, implant-supported dentures are essential for preserving jawbone health and are designed to potentially last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Dental implants can anchor a full denture, essentially a complete set of replacement teeth. Typically, a dentist or specialist secures four implant posts in the jaw, onto which the denture is attached. These dentures, supported by implants, stay securely in place, eliminating the movement or slippage often experienced with traditional dentures. This secure fit greatly facilitates speech and eating.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are considered a cost-effective investment in the long run for your health, comfort, and overall well-being. While the upfront cost is higher than other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges, dental implants tend to last much longer, often without the need for replacement.
It’s advisable to consult your dental insurance provider to understand what portion of the cost could be covered under your plan. Additionally, Coast Dental Pine Hills offers third-party financing options that might assist in making dental implants a feasible addition to your budget.
To determine if dental implants are suitable for you, the initial step is booking a consultation. If you’re missing one or more teeth and are in the Orlando area, you can reach our dentist at (407) 293-9573 to schedule an appointment today.
