Dental Implants
Many individuals contact Coast Dental Pleasant Hill inquiring whether dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth or to firmly anchor a denture. Dental implants offer a durable, long-term option, enabling you to eat, speak, and smile confidently for many years.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post, resembling a small 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, forming a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or fixed denture. Importantly, dental implants boast a success rate of over 95%, which is considerably higher than that of other tooth replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
In our Coast Dental Duluth office, we offer multiple methods to replace missing teeth using dental implants.
Single Tooth Replacement
For an individual missing tooth, a dental implant is placed into the bone to substitute the root of the tooth. After it has healed, a tailor-made crown, designed to match the color of the surrounding teeth and resistant to staining, is affixed to the implant, making it look like a natural tooth. A major advantage of dental implants is their immunity to decay and the elimination of the need for root canal treatments.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
Should you have multiple missing teeth, your dentist might suggest using dental implants to provide a sturdy base for a bridge. For example, in the case of three consecutive missing teeth, the common strategy involves placing an implant at both ends of the void. These implants then support a three-unit bridge. One of the key benefits of anchoring a bridge with dental implants is their robustness; unlike natural teeth, they are impervious to wear and decay.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Dental implants serve as reliable bases for full dentures, effectively replacing a whole arch of teeth. Generally, four implant posts are used by a dentist or specialist to firmly anchor the denture in place. Unlike conventional dentures, which may slide or move, implant-supported dentures offer consistent stability, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit in the mouth. This secure connection significantly improves comfort and facilitates easier speaking and eating.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Dental implants can be used to firmly attach full dentures that replace a complete set of teeth. Often, a dental professional will place four implant posts to provide a stable foundation for the dentures. In contrast to conventional dentures that may be prone to slipping or shifting, dentures anchored by implants remain securely fixed, offering a snug and comfortable fit within the mouth. This solid placement notably enhances comfort and simplifies actions such as talking and eating.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Considering dental implants as a long-term investment can often be seen as a cost-effective choice for enhancing your health, comfort, and overall well-being. While the initial cost of implants tends to be higher compared to other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges, dental implants have the advantage of longevity; indeed, most implants may never require replacement.
It’s advisable to consult with your dental insurance provider to understand what costs might be covered under your dental plan. Furthermore, Coast Dental Pleasant Hill offers third-party financing options that could assist in integrating the expense of dental implants into your household budget.
The initial step towards this process is to book a consultation to determine whether dental implants are a suitable solution for you. If you are missing one or more teeth, call our dentist in Atlanta at (770) 399-9300 today.
