Dental Implants
Many individuals reach out to Coast Dental Melbourne inquiring whether dental implants are an effective choice for replacing missing teeth or stabilizing dentures. Dental implants offer a durable, long-term solution, enabling you to eat, speak, and smile with assurance for many years.
A dental implant consists of a small, screw-like titanium post. This post is inserted into the bone beneath your gums by a dentist or specialist. Over time, the bone fuses with the dental implant, forming a sturdy foundation for a crown, bridge, or permanent denture. Importantly, dental implants boast an impressive success rate of over 95%, far exceeding that of other options for tooth replacement.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Melbourne, 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 missing tooth, seamlessly integrating with your jawbone to support a durable, stain-resistant artificial tooth or crown. This crown is carefully designed to match the color of your natural teeth. While the initial cost of a dental implant may be higher than other tooth replacement options, its long-term benefits are unparalleled, with an outstanding success rate. Furthermore, implants are resistant to decay, eliminate the need for root canals, and offer a feel very close to that of your natural teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When facing the situation of multiple missing teeth, it’s not always required to place a separate implant for each lost tooth. Dental implants can act as strong bases for fixed bridges. For instance, if you’re missing three teeth in a row, it might only be necessary to install two implants – one on either side of the gap – to securely support a bridge that spans the missing area. This approach reduces the need to individually replace each tooth. Unlike traditional methods that rely on adjacent natural teeth for support – which can lead to wear and an increased chance of decay and the need for root canals – dental implants offer an independent support structure that lessens these concerns.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants serve as a solid foundation for custom-made dentures, designed for long-term and stable use in either the upper or lower jaw. Often, just four implants are needed to support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. However, in cases where there is significant loss of jawbone, additional implants might be necessary to securely support a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These durable, implant-supported prostheses are crucial in maintaining jawbone structure and are built to potentially last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Switching to implant-supported dentures can greatly improve the fit of your upper or lower dentures, enhancing comfort and confidence while eating and speaking. Unlike traditional dentures, which can lead to jawbone shrinkage over time due to the absence of natural tooth roots, implant-supported dentures help preserve your facial structure by distributing biting forces more evenly, hence maintaining the bone’s integrity. They offer enhanced stability, minimizing movement during talking, and often reduce or eliminate the need for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are often seen as a cost-effective choice when considering the long-term benefits for your health, comfort, and overall well-being. Though the initial price is higher than other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges, implants tend to last much longer and usually don’t require replacement.
We advise you to consult your dental insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage under your plan. Additionally, Coast Dental Melbourne offers third-party financing partnerships that can assist in accommodating the expense of dental implants within your household budget.
To explore whether dental implants are suitable for you, the initial step is scheduling a consultation. If you’re missing one or more teeth, please contact our Melbourne dentist at (321) 255-6303 today.
