Dental Implants
Numerous individuals reach out to Coast Dental Dunedin inquiring whether dental implants could be an effective replacement for missing teeth or to provide more stability to their dentures. Dental implants are a durable and enduring option that empowers you to eat, speak, and smile with assurance for many years ahead.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post designed like a tiny screw, which a dentist or a specialized professional inserts into the bone beneath your gums. Over time, the bone fuses with the dental implant, forming a robust foundation for a crown, bridge, or a permanent denture. Moreover, dental implants boast an impressive success rate exceeding 95%, a figure that stands substantially higher compared to other tooth-replacement alternatives.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Dunedin, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
When you’re dealing with a missing tooth, a dental implant can be placed into the jawbone to act as a substitute for the tooth’s root. Afterward, a durable, stain-resistant artificial crown that blends with the color of your natural teeth will be attached. While the upfront cost of a dental implant may be higher than other tooth replacement options, it is frequently regarded as the most beneficial long-term solution, thanks to its high success rate. Furthermore, an implant does not decay, obviates the need for possible future root canals, and offers a sensation very similar to that of a natural tooth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
If you are missing several teeth, it’s not always necessary to replace each one with an individual implant. Dental implants can serve as robust anchors for fixed bridges. For example, if you have a gap from three consecutive missing teeth, it might only require two implants, one at each end of the span, to support a bridge that spans the entire gap. This approach avoids the need for an implant for every missing tooth. Unlike conventional methods that depend on adjacent natural teeth for support—which can weaken those teeth, heighten their risk of decay, and might lead to the need for root canal treatments in the future—dental implants provide a self-sufficient support structure, thereby eliminating these concerns.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants provide a stable base for a full set of prosthetic teeth on either the upper or lower jaw, which are created to be permanently attached and non-removable. Typically, only four implants are required to securely anchor an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. In cases where there is significant jawbone loss, more implants may be needed to solidly support a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These permanent, implant-supported prostheses are vital for preserving the jawbone’s structure and have the longevity to potentially serve the patient for life.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
If you notice that your dentures for the upper or lower jaw no longer fit securely due to tooth loss, choosing implants can significantly improve the fit of your dentures, enhancing both comfort and confidence when eating and speaking. Unlike traditional dentures that do not replace tooth roots, implants help prevent the deterioration of the jawbone—a common result of tooth loss that reduces bone ridges essential for denture stability. This bone loss can also alter your facial structure, giving it a more sunken appearance and contributing to an aged look as the jawbone recedes. By securing dentures with implants, the forces from chewing are more evenly distributed, which helps maintain the height of the bone ridge. This added stability also reduces the risk of the lower denture slipping out during movements of the tongue. Furthermore, anchoring dentures with implants can significantly reduce, or even eliminate, the need for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are often considered a cost-effective choice when looked at as a long-term investment in your health, comfort, and overall quality of life. While the upfront cost of implants might be higher compared to other tooth-replacement options like dentures or bridges, dental implants are designed to last; most do not require replacement.
It’s a good idea to contact your dental insurance provider to inquire about the extent of coverage for dental implants under your plan. Additionally, Coast Dental Dunedin offers financing options through third-party partnerships, which could make incorporating the cost of dental implants into your family’s budget more manageable.
To determine whether dental implants are the best solution for you, the initial step is setting up a consultation. If you have one or several missing teeth and want to explore your options, contact our Dunedin dentist today at (727) 736-1777.
