Dental Implants
Many people contact Coast Dental Cape Coral inquiring about the effectiveness of dental implants for filling gaps left by missing teeth or stabilizing dentures. Dental implants offer a durable and reliable solution that can greatly improve eating, speaking, and smiling with assurance over the long term.
A dental implant consists of a petite titanium post, resembling a small screw, which is inserted into the bone beneath your gums by a dentist or a specialized dental professional. Over time, the bone integrates with the implant, forming a solid foundation for attaching a crown, bridge, or secure denture. Notably, dental implants boast a high success rate of over 95%, establishing them as a more reliable option compared to other tooth replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Clearwater, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
In cases where there is a missing tooth, a dental implant can be placed in the jawbone to act as a substitute for the root of the absent tooth. This is followed by the attachment of an artificial crown, which is carefully color-matched to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth and crafted from materials that prevent discoloration. Although opting for a dental implant may represent a higher upfront cost in comparison to other tooth replacement options, it is frequently regarded as the most beneficial solution for the long term, boasting a notable success rate. Additionally, the implant is impervious to cavities, negates the need for potential future root canals, and offers a sensation very close to that of a real tooth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When multiple teeth are missing, it isn’t necessary to replace each one with a separate implant. Dental implants can serve as robust supports for fixed bridges. For example, if three consecutive teeth are missing, installing just two implants at each end of the gap may be sufficient. A crown, designed to span this gap, can then be mounted on these implants, eliminating the need for each crown to have its own implant. This method avoids the dependence on adjacent natural teeth for support, which could otherwise weaken these teeth, increase their vulnerability to decay, and amplify the likelihood of needing root canal treatments in the future. By providing an independent support system, dental implants bypass these potential problems.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants provide a stable base for an entire set of upper or lower non-removable prosthetic teeth that are intended to be permanently fixed in place. Typically, a full arch of prosthetic teeth can be reliably supported by just four implants. However, in cases where there is significant jawbone loss, more implants may be required to secure a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These implant-supported prostheses play an essential role in preserving the structural integrity of the jawbone. They are crafted to be permanent and are meant to remain securely affixed, potentially lasting for the patient’s lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
If you notice that your upper or lower jaw dentures are not fitting as tightly as they used to because of teeth loss, utilizing implants can significantly improve how well your dentures fit, making them more comfortable and greatly boosting your ability to eat and speak confidently. Unlike traditional dentures that don’t replace tooth roots and can lead to jawbone deterioration, this issue can lower the bone ridges that dentures rely on for stability, potentially changing your face’s shape to look more sunken and prematurely aged as the jawbone recedes. Incorporating implants to anchor the dentures ensures a more balanced spread of chewing forces, helping to preserve the bone ridge’s height. This improved stability also keeps the lower denture from shifting unexpectedly, which could be caused by tongue movements. Furthermore, securing dentures with implants can significantly reduce, or even eliminate, the reliance on denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are often seen as a cost-effective choice when considering the long-term benefits to your health, comfort, and overall well-being. While the initial cost of implants is higher than other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges, their durability stands out; most implants don’t ever require replacement.
We advise checking with your dental insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage under your plan. Additionally, Coast Dental Clearwater offers financing options through partnerships with third-party financiers, which could help integrate the cost of dental implants into your budget.
The initial step is setting up a consultation to determine if dental implants are suitable for you. If you’re dealing with the loss of one or more teeth, contact our Clearwater dentist today at (727) 799-1010.
