Dental Implants
Numerous individuals reach out to Coast Dental Cape Coral with questions about the effectiveness of dental implants for replacing missing teeth or ensuring dentures stay securely in place. Dental implants are a strong and enduring option that can significantly enhance the ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence for many years.
A dental implant is made up of a small titanium post, looking much like a tiny screw, that is placed into the bone under your gums by a dentist or a special dental practitioner. As time passes, the bone fuses with the implant, creating a sturdy base for supporting a crown, bridge, or secured denture. Notably, dental implants are known for their high success rate, which surpasses 95%, marking them as a more dependable choice than other tooth replacement strategies.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Casselberry, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
When a single tooth is missing, a dental implant can be inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the lost tooth. An artificial crown, matched precisely to the color of your surrounding teeth and made from materials that resist fading, is then attached to the implant. While this option might involve a higher initial cost compared to other tooth replacement methods, it is often considered the most advantageous long-term solution because of its high success rate. The implant does not suffer from cavities, eliminates the possibility of needing future root canals, and provides a feel very similar to that of a natural tooth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When multiple teeth are absent, it’s not always essential to replace each one with an individual implant. Dental implants can effectively act as strong anchors for fixed bridges instead. For instance, in the situation where three teeth in a row are missing, placing two implants at both ends of the gap might suffice. A crown designed to bridge this space can be affixed to these implants, obviating the need for each crown to be supported by its own implant. This approach prevents the need to rely on adjacent natural teeth for support, which could potentially weaken those teeth, make them more susceptible to decay, and heighten the risk of requiring root canal procedures in the future. By providing a standalone support system, dental implants sidestep these issues.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants offer a secure foundation for a full set of upper or lower prosthetic teeth, which are meant to be permanently attached and not removable. Usually, only four implants are required to hold a full arch of prosthetic teeth securely. Yet, in instances of notable jawbone loss, additional implants might be needed to anchor a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These implant-supported prosthetics are crucial in maintaining the jawbone’s structural health. Designed for permanence, they stay firmly in place, aiming to last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
If you find that your dentures on the upper or lower jaw are not fitting as snugly as they once did due to missing teeth, using implants can significantly improve the fit and comfort of your dentures, and greatly enhance your ability to eat and speak with confidence. Traditional dentures do not replace tooth roots, which can lead to deterioration of the jawbone. This deterioration can reduce the bone ridges that help secure the dentures, potentially altering the shape of your face to appear more sunken and prematurely aged as the jawbone diminishes. By incorporating implants to secure the dentures, there is a more even distribution of chewing forces, aiding in the preservation of the bone ridge. This additional stability also prevents the lower denture from moving unexpectedly, caused by actions of the tongue. Moreover, anchoring dentures with implants can greatly reduce, or perhaps even eliminate, the need for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are often considered a cost-effective choice when regarded as a long-term investment in your health, comfort, and quality of life. While they are initially more expensive than other tooth-replacement options like dentures or bridges, dental implants have a much longer lifespan and most never require replacement.
It’s advisable to consult with your dental insurance provider to determine what portion of the cost may be covered under your dental benefits. Additionally, Coast Dental Casselberry offers third-party financing options that might help make the cost of dental implants more manageable within your family budget.
To begin, schedule a consultation to find out if dental implants are the right choice for you. If you are missing one or more teeth, please contact our dentist in Casselberry at (407) 831-2255 today.
