Dental Implants
Many individuals contact Coast Dental Hudson inquiring whether dental implants are an effective option for replacing missing teeth or stabilizing a denture. Dental implants provide a durable and long-term solution, enabling you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence for many years.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post, resembling a small screw, that a dentist or specialist embeds into the bone beneath your gums. Over time, the bone will fuse with the dental implant, establishing a solid foundation for supporting a crown, bridge, or fixed denture. Notably, dental implants boast a success rate of over 95%, making them significantly more reliable than other tooth replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Hudson, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
If you have a missing tooth, think of a dental implant as a reliable new root that seamlessly integrates with your jawbone. Attached to this implant is a robust, stain-resistant artificial tooth or crown, carefully designed to match the color of your natural teeth. While the initial investment in a dental implant may be higher than other tooth replacement options, the long-term benefits are unparalleled, including an extremely high success rate. Additionally, an implant doesn’t succumb to decay, eliminates the need for root canals, and provides a feel almost identical to that of your natural teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
Facing the challenge of multiple missing teeth doesn’t always mean you need an individual implant for each tooth. Dental implants can act as strong supports for fixed bridges. Take, for instance, a scenario where you have three consecutive missing teeth. In this case, placing just two implants – one on each side of the gap – may suffice to securely support a bridge that spans the opening. This approach reduces the need for replacing each tooth separately. Unlike traditional methods that rely on adjacent natural teeth for support – which can lead to wear and an increased risk of decay and potential root canals – dental implants offer a standalone support system that helps to alleviate such issues.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants offer a solid foundation for a full set of customized artificial teeth, designed for permanent and stable use in either the upper or lower jaw. Often, as few as four implants can secure an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. In cases where significant jawbone loss has occurred, additional implants might be necessary to securely support a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These durable prosthetics, supported by implants, are crucial in maintaining the jawbone’s health and are crafted with the capability to last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
If you’re experiencing a loose fit with your upper or lower dentures due to tooth loss, consider switching to implant-supported dentures. These offer significantly enhanced stability, thereby improving comfort and boosting confidence while eating and speaking. Traditional dentures do not compensate for the loss of your natural tooth roots, which can lead to jawbone deterioration—a common issue following tooth loss. This deterioration can cause the bone ridges that support dentures to shrink, altering your facial structure and giving a prematurely aged appearance as the jawbone recedes. Implant-anchored dentures help distribute chewing forces evenly, aiding in the preservation of bone ridge height. They also provide better stability, minimizing the movement of lower dentures during speech. Additionally, dentures secured by implants can greatly reduce or even eliminate the need for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are often seen as a wise long-term investment for your health, comfort, and overall well-being. While the initial cost of implants is higher than other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges, they offer longevity; in fact, most implants never require replacement.
It’s advisable to consult your dental insurance provider to understand what portion of the cost might be covered under your plan. Moreover, Coast Dental Hudson partners with third-party financiers, which could help make the cost of dental implants more manageable within your family budget.
To determine if dental implants are the right choice for you, the initial step is to book a consultation. If you’re missing one or more teeth, don’t hesitate to contact our dentist in Hudson by calling (727) 379-9250 today.
