Dental Implants
Frequently, individuals contact Coast Dental North Lakeland inquiring whether dental implants are a viable option for replacing missing teeth or securing dentures firmly. Dental implants are a durable and enduring solution that empowers you to enjoy eating, speaking, and smiling with assurance for many years.
A dental implant is composed of a titanium post resembling a tiny screw. This post is carefully inserted by the dentist or specialist 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. Most impressively, dental implants boast a success rate exceeding 95%, which is considerably greater than that of other tooth-replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Lakeland, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
Consider a dental implant to be a steadfast new base for a lost tooth. It melds smoothly with your jawbone, offering a pillar for a resilient, stain-defying artificial tooth or crown, meticulously crafted to blend with your own tooth’s shades. Although the initial investment for a dental implant might surpass that of alternative tooth replacement choices, its extended advantages stand unmatched, including an exceptional rate of success. Additionally, an implant is resistant to decay, obviates the necessity for root canals, and provides a sensation virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When dealing with several absent teeth, it isn’t always necessary to insert an individual implant for each one. Dental implants can serve as robust anchors for fixed bridges. For example, for a sequence of three consecutive missing teeth, placing merely two implants—one at either end of the sequence—might be enough to firmly anchor a bridge covering the entire area. This strategy minimizes the requirement for individual tooth replacement. Unlike conventional methods that depend on adjacent natural teeth for anchor, potentially causing wear and heightening the chances of decay and root canal necessity, dental implants provide a standalone support mechanism that reduces such risks.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants provide a sturdy base for tailor-made dentures, crafted for extended and stable usage on either the upper or lower jaw. Typically, just four implants are sufficient to support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. Nevertheless, in situations where there is considerable jawbone loss, more implants may be required to effectively sustain a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These robust, implant-supported dentures play a vital role in preserving the structure of the jawbone and are designed to potentially last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Switching to implant-supported dentures can notably enhance the snugness of your upper or lower dentures if they’re ill-fitting due to tooth loss, boosting both your comfort and assurance while eating and speaking. Conventional dentures fail to halt the decline of the jawbone caused by the absence of tooth roots, which may change your facial contours and add years to your appearance. Dentures secured by implants distribute the forces of biting more evenly, aiding in the preservation of the bone structure. They provide improved steadiness, reducing the movement of the lower denture during conversation, and can greatly decrease or even eliminate the need for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are frequently seen as a cost-efficient choice when regarded as a long-term investment in your health, comfort, and overall well-being. While the initial cost of implants can be higher than other methods of tooth replacement such as dentures or bridges, dental implants have a much longer lifespan, with many never requiring replacement.
It’s advisable to consult with your dental insurance provider to determine what expenses might be covered under your dental plan. Additionally, Coast Dental North Lakeland offers third-party financing options that could assist in integrating the cost of dental implants into your family’s budget.
The initial step towards this process is booking a consultation to find out if dental implants are a suitable solution for you. If you’re missing one or more teeth and would like to explore this option, reach out to our dental office in Lakeland by calling at (863) 937-0190 today.
