Dental Implants
Many individuals contact Coast Dental Mandarin to inquire about the suitability of dental implants for replacing missing teeth or stabilizing dentures. Dental implants are durable and long-lasting, providing a solution that enables you to consume food, engage in conversation, and smile confidently for many years ahead.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post, resembling a tiny screw, that a dentist or specialist 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 secured denture. Notably, dental implants boast a success rate exceeding 95%, which is considerably higher than that of other tooth-replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Jacksonville, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
Think of a dental implant as a steadfast new foundation for a missing tooth, seamlessly integrating with your jawbone to provide reinforcement for a strong, resistant to discoloration artificial tooth or crown. This crown is carefully designed to match the color of your existing teeth. While the upfront cost of a dental implant may be higher than other tooth replacement solutions, its enduring benefits are without equal, evidenced by an exceptional success rate. Moreover, an implant is impervious to decay, eliminates the need for root canals, and offers a feel almost indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
In the case of multiple missing teeth, there’s no need to place a separate implant for every lost tooth. Dental implants can act as solid anchors for fixed bridges. For instance, if you’re missing three teeth in a row, it’s possible just to place two implants—one at each end of the gap—to securely support a bridge that spans the missing teeth area. This approach reduces the need for individual tooth replacements. Unlike traditional tooth-replacement techniques that rely on adjacent natural teeth for stability—thereby risking wear, decay, and the potential for root canals—dental implants offer an independent support structure that lowers these concerns.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants provide a strong foundation for custom-made dentures, designed for prolonged and secure use in either the upper or lower jaw. Often, a mere four implants can anchor a complete arch of artificial teeth. Yet, in cases where significant loss of jawbone has occurred, a greater number of implants could be necessary to firmly maintain a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These durable, implant-supported dental prosthetics are crucial for maintaining jawbone integrity and are crafted with the durability to potentially serve for a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Switching to implant-supported dentures can significantly improve the fit of your upper or lower dentures if they are becoming loose due to tooth loss. This enhancement dramatically increases your comfort and confidence while eating and talking. Traditional dentures fail to compensate for the loss of natural tooth roots, which causes gradual jawbone deterioration—a typical effect of tooth loss. As the bone ridges supporting the dentures shrink, this can lead to alterations in your facial structure, often resulting in an appearance that looks prematurely aged due to the loss of jawbone. Implant-secured dentures distribute chewing forces more uniformly, aiding in the preservation of the bone ridges’ height. They offer improved stability, minimizing the movement of the dentures during speech. Furthermore, securing dentures with implants can significantly lessen, or even wholly negate, the reliance on denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are considered a financially savvy choice when regarded as a long-term investment towards your health, comfort, and overall happiness. Initially, the cost of implants might be higher compared to other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges. However, dental implants have a much longer lifespan, with many never requiring replacement.
It’s advisable to discuss with your dental insurance provider to understand what portion of the cost could be covered under your dental benefits. Additionally, Coast Dental Mandarin offers third-party financing options that could help fit the cost of dental implants into your family’s budget.
To determine if a dental implant is the right solution for you, the initial step is booking a consultation. If you’re missing one or more teeth, don’t hesitate to contact our dental office in Jacksonville at (904) 260-4244 today.
