Dental Implants
Many people contact Coast Dental Cape Coral inquiring whether dental implants could be an effective remedy for replacing missing teeth or for securing dentures firmly in place. Dental implants offer a robust and durable solution that enables confident eating, speaking, and smiling for many years ahead.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post, which resembles a tiny screw. This post is inserted into the bone beneath your gums by a dentist or specialist. Over time, the bone integrates with the dental implant, providing a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or fixed denture. Importantly, dental implants boast a proven success rate exceeding 95%, making them a more reliable option compared to other forms of tooth replacement.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Cape Coral, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
In the case of a single-tooth loss, a dental implant is placed within the jawbone to serve as a substitute for the root of the lost tooth. An artificial crown is then affixed to the implant. This crown is carefully crafted to match the shade of your adjacent teeth and is constructed with materials designed to resist fading over time. Although this option may require a larger upfront expense compared to other options, it is widely regarded as the most beneficial long-term tooth replacement solution due to its impressive success rate. The implant is impervious to cavities, negates the need for potential future root canals, and offers a sensation that closely resembles that of a natural tooth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When several teeth are missing, it isn’t always necessary to replace each missing tooth with a separate implant. Instead, dental implants can serve as robust supports for fixed bridges. For example, if three adjacent teeth are missing, it may be adequate to place two implants at the ends of the missing span. A crown bridging the gap can then be mounted on these implants without requiring its own implant. Opting for this method eliminates the reliance on surrounding natural teeth for support, which could potentially weaken these teeth, make them more prone to decay, and increase the likelihood of needing root canal treatments. Dental implants provide an independent support system that avoids these complications.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants can securely anchor a full set of upper or lower prosthetic teeth, which are permanently attached and not meant to be taken out. Typically, just four implants are needed to secure a complete arch of prosthetic teeth. However, in cases where significant jawbone loss has occurred, more implants may be necessary to support a series of 10 to 12 teeth. These implant-supported prosthetics play a pivotal role in preserving the structural integrity of the jawbone. They remain firmly in place and are designed to last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
If you’re experiencing an absence of teeth in your upper or lower jaw, it’s possible that your current dentures no longer fit as well as they once did. By adopting implants, the fit and comfort of your dentures can be greatly improved, markedly enhancing your ability to eat and speak confidently. The issue with traditional dentures lies in the absence of tooth roots, which leads to jawbone deterioration. This process reduces the bone ridges that are essential for securing dentures, potentially altering the shape of your face to appear more sunken and prematurely aged as the jawbone shrinks. Introducing implants to anchor the dentures supports a more even distribution of chewing forces, which helps in maintaining the bone ridge. This added stability also keeps the lower denture from shifting unintentionally when affected by the tongue. Furthermore, securing dentures with implants significantly reduces, or might entirely eliminate, the need for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Looking at the big picture, dental implants are typically seen as a wise long-term investment for your health, comfort, and overall quality of life. While the initial cost of implants is higher than other tooth-replacement options like dentures or bridges, they offer greater longevity; in fact, many implants may never require replacement.
It’s advisable to consult with your dental insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage under your dental benefits. Additionally, Coast Dental Cape Coral collaborates with third-party financial companies, which might offer options to make the cost of dental implants more manageable within your family budget.
The initial step towards considering dental implants is to schedule a consultation to ascertain their suitability for your specific needs. If you’re dealing with the loss of one or more teeth, contact our dental office in Cape Coral by calling (239) 574-2000 today.
