Dental Implants
Many people contact Coast Dental Merritt Island inquiring whether dental implants are a suitable choice for replacing missing teeth or securing dentures. Dental implants offer a durable and long-lasting solution that allows you to eat, speak, and smile confidently for many years.
A dental implant is a titanium post, shaped like a small screw, that is inserted into the bone beneath your gums by a dentist or specialist. Over time, the bone integrates with the implant, providing a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or fixed denture. Moreover, dental implants boast a success rate of over 95%, which is considerably higher than other tooth replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Merritt Island, 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 to anchor a strong, stain-resistant artificial tooth or crown. This crown is 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 exceptional success rate. Moreover, an implant is immune to decay, eliminates the need for root canals, and offers a feel almost identical to that of your natural teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When addressing the issue of multiple missing teeth, it’s not always necessary to place a separate implant for each missing tooth. Dental implants can act as strong supports for fixed bridges. For instance, if you’re missing three teeth in a row, it might suffice to place just two implants – one on each end of the gap – to securely support a bridge that spans the missing teeth. This approach reduces the need for individual tooth replacement. Unlike traditional solutions that rely on adjacent natural teeth for support, which can lead to wear and increase the risk of decay and root canals, dental implants offer an independent support system that lowers these risks.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants serve as a strong foundation for custom-made dentures, designed for durable and secure usage in either the upper or lower jaw. Often, merely four implants are enough to anchor a complete arch of prosthetic teeth. Yet, in cases where there is significant loss of jawbone, additional implants might be necessary to firmly support a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These robust, implant-supported prosthetics are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the jawbone and are crafted with the durability to potentially last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Switching to implant-supported dentures can greatly improve the stability of your upper or lower dentures if they fit loosely due to tooth loss. This enhancement increases comfort and confidence while eating and speaking. Traditional dentures fail to replace natural tooth roots, leading to gradual jawbone deterioration – often causing changes to facial structure and an aged appearance due to jawbone reduction. Implants can evenly distribute biting forces, helping maintain bone ridge height and reduce the movement of dentures during speech. Furthermore, implants often reduce or eliminate the need for denture adhesives by providing superior stability.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are often seen as a cost-effective long-term investment in your health, comfort, and well-being. While the initial cost of implants is higher than other tooth-replacement options like dentures or bridges, they tend to last much longer and most never require replacement.
We advise checking with your dental insurance provider to determine what portion of the cost might be covered under your plan. Additionally, Coast Dental Merritt Island offers partnerships with third-party financiers that can help make the cost of dental implants more manageable within your budget.
To find out if dental implants are the right choice for you, schedule a consultation today. If you are missing one or more teeth, contact our Merritt Island dentist at (321) 449-0833.
