Dental Implants
Many people contact Coast Dental Inverness to inquire whether dental implants are an effective solution for replacing missing teeth or securing dentures. Dental implants provide a robust, durable fix, enabling you to eat, speak, and smile with assurance for many years.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post, resembling a small screw, that your dentist or specialist installs 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. Additionally, with a proven success rate of over 95%, dental implants are significantly more reliable than other tooth replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Inverness, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
Think of a dental implant as a reliable new foundation for a lost tooth, seamlessly integrating with your jawbone. It provides support for a durable, stain-resistant fake tooth or crown, carefully designed to match the color of your natural teeth. While the upfront cost of a dental implant may be higher than other tooth replacement options, its long-term benefits are unparalleled, with an outstanding success rate. Moreover, an implant is resistant to decay, eliminates the need for root canals, and delivers a feel almost identical to that of your original teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When facing the problem of multiple missing teeth, it’s not always required to place an individual implant for every missing tooth. Dental implants can act as strong supports for fixed bridges. For instance, if you are missing three consecutive teeth, installing just two implants – one on each end of the gap – could suffice to securely support a bridge spanning the space. 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 raise the risk of decay and root canals, dental implants offer a standalone support structure that lessens these risks.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants serve as a solid foundation for a custom-made set of dentures, designed for prolonged and secure use in either the upper or lower jaw. Often, merely four implants can anchor an entire arch of artificial teeth. Nonetheless, in cases where there is significant loss of jawbone, additional implants might be needed to securely support a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These durable prosthetics, supported by implants, are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the jawbone and are engineered to potentially last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Switching to implant-supported dentures can greatly increase their stability if you’re experiencing looseness in your upper or lower dentures caused by tooth loss. This change can elevate both your comfort and confidence when eating and speaking. Traditional dentures fail to compensate for the lack of natural tooth roots, resulting in a gradual weakening of the jawbone— an issue that arises following tooth loss. As the bone ridges the dentures sit on begin to shrink, this can alter your facial structure and potentially impart an older appearance due to jawbone shrinkage. Implant-anchored dentures distribute chewing forces more evenly, aiding in the preservation of bone ridge height. They deliver stronger stability, which helps minimize movement of the lower dentures while speaking. Moreover, securing dentures with implants can greatly diminish or even eliminate the need for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants can be seen as a cost-effective choice when considered a long-term investment in your overall health, comfort, and happiness. Though initially more costly than alternative tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges, dental implants tend to be more durable, with many not requiring replacement at all.
It’s advisable to consult with your dental insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage under your dental benefits. Coast Dental Inverness also offers assistance through third-party financing partnerships, which might help you fit the cost of dental implants into your household 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 several teeth, reach out to our Inverness dentist today at (352) 637-1114.
