Dental Implants
A common inquiry at Coast Dental Grand Bay Plaza is whether dental implants are an effective choice for replacing missing teeth or stabilizing dentures. Indeed, dental implants are durable and steadfast, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with assurance for many years.
Essentially, a dental implant comprises a titanium post, resembling a miniature screw. This post is surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath your gums by a dentist or a specialized professional. Over time, the jawbone naturally fuses with the dental implant, forming a solid foundation for attaching a crown, bridge, or secure denture. Notably, dental implants boast a success rate of over 95%, a figure that notably exceeds that of other tooth-replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Fort Myers, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
If you’re dealing with a missing tooth, consider a dental implant as a dependable new root that fits perfectly within your jawbone. Atop this implant, a sturdy, stain-resistant fake tooth or crown is affixed, meticulously crafted to match the hue of your natural teeth. Though the upfront cost of a dental implant might exceed that of other tooth replacement methods, its enduring advantages are unmatched, including a remarkably high success rate. Moreover, an implant is impervious to decay, does away with the necessity for root canals, and offers a sensation nearly indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
If you’re facing the loss of several teeth, individual implants for each one aren’t always necessary. Dental implants can serve as robust anchors for fixed bridges. For example, if you have a space from three missing teeth in a row, just two implants—at either end of the space—might be enough to firmly anchor a bridge that covers the gap. This strategy diminishes the requirement for individual tooth replacement. In contrast to conventional practices where adjacent natural teeth provide support—which might wear down those teeth and raise their susceptibility to decay and potential root canals—dental implants provide an independent support system that reduces these concerns.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants provide a strong base for a complete set of tailor-made artificial teeth, intended for permanent and steady use in either the upper or lower jaw. Typically, as few as four implants can anchor a full arch of prosthetic teeth. In situations where there is substantial loss of jawbone, more implants may be required to firmly hold a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These long-lasting prosthetics, backed by implants, play a vital role in preserving the health of the jawbone and are designed with the potential to last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Experiencing a loose fit with your upper or lower dentures due to tooth loss can be remedied by switching to implant-supported dentures, which greatly enhance their stability, delivering improved comfort and confidence during eating and speaking. Traditional dentures fail to address the loss of your natural tooth roots, leading to the possibility of jawbone deterioration—an issue that often arises with tooth loss and can result in the shrinking of bone ridges essential for holding dentures. This bone loss can also change your facial shape, giving you a prematurely aged, collapsed appearance as the jawbone recedes. Implant-anchored dentures distribute the chewing forces more evenly, thus helping to maintain the height of the bone ridge. They also provide greater stability, reducing the chances of lower dentures moving when you talk. Furthermore, dentures that are secured by implants can greatly lower or even remove the need for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Considering dental implants as a long-term investment might reveal them to be a cost-effective choice for your health, comfort, and general well-being. While the initial price of implants is higher than other tooth replacement alternatives like dentures or bridges, they generally have a much longer lifespan, with many never requiring replacement.
It’s a good idea to consult your dental insurance provider to understand what costs may be covered under your dental plan. Additionally, at Coast Dental Grand Bay Plaza, we offer third-party financing options that could help you fit the expense of dental implants into your household budget.
To determine whether dental implants are suitable for you, the initial step is to arrange a consultation. If you’re missing one or several teeth, you can reach out to our dentist in Fort Myers by dialing (239) 482-2296 today.
