Dental Implants
Many people contact Coast Dental Fleming Island to inquire if dental implants are a suitable option for replacing missing teeth or securing dentures. Dental implants offer a robust and durable solution that supports confident eating, speaking, and smiling for many years.
A dental implant is a titanium post, resembling a small screw, that a dentist or specialist implants into the bone beneath your gums. Over time, the bone integrates with the implant, forming a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or fixed denture. Moreover, dental implants boast a success rate exceeding 95%, significantly higher than other tooth replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Fleming Island, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
If you have a missing tooth, a dental implant can serve as a replacement for the root by being firmly placed into the jawbone. An artificial crown that is both durable and resistant to staining, and color-coordinated with your natural teeth, will then be attached to the implant. While the initial expense of a dental implant may be higher than other tooth replacement solutions, it is often considered the most valuable long-term investment due to its impressive success rate. Additionally, an implant is not susceptible to decay, eliminates the possibility of needing root canals in the future, and provides a feel almost indistinguishable from that of a natural tooth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When you have several missing teeth, it isn’t always required to replace each one with a separate implant. Dental implants can act as strong supports for fixed bridges. For instance, a span created by three consecutive missing teeth might only need two implants at each end of the gap to support a bridge covering the area. This method reduces the necessity of an implant for every missing tooth. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on adjacent natural teeth for support — which can weaken those teeth and heighten their susceptibility to decay and the need for future root canals — dental implants offer an independent support structure that mitigates such risks.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants offer a solid foundation for a full set of prosthetic teeth for either the upper or lower jaw, designed to be permanent and non-removable. Often, as few as four implants can securely support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. However, in situations where there is significant jawbone loss, additional implants might be necessary to firmly anchor a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These permanent, implant-supported dental prosthetics are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the jawbone and are crafted to potentially last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
If you find that your dentures for either the upper or lower jaw are no longer fitting as snuggly as before due to tooth loss, opting for implants can greatly enhance the fit of your dentures, thereby improving your level of comfort and confidence while eating and speaking. In contrast to traditional dentures, which fail to replace tooth roots, implants play a vital role in stopping the jawbone from deteriorating—a typical consequence of tooth loss that leads to the shrinkage of bone ridges crucial for keeping dentures stable. This reduction in bone can also alter your facial structure, resulting in a more aged and sunken look as the jawbone recedes. By anchoring dentures with implants, the force produced during chewing is more evenly spread out, assisting in preserving the height of the bone ridge. This increased stability also lessens the chance of the lower denture dislodging during tongue movements. Moreover, using implants to secure dentures can significantly reduce, or completely remove, the necessity for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Opting for dental implants can be a financially savvy choice when considered a long-term investment in your health, comfort, and overall well-being. While implants initially cost more than other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridgework, they tend to last much longer; in fact, the majority of implants may never need replacing.
It’s a good idea to consult with your dental insurance provider to understand what portion of the cost might be covered under your dental benefits. Additionally, Coast Dental Fleming Island partners with third-party financing services, which could offer assistance in integrating the cost of dental implants into your family’s budget.
The initial step is to book a consultation to determine if dental implants are the right choice for you. If you’re missing one or more teeth, don’t hesitate to contact our dentist in Fleming Island at (904) 215-7855 today.
