Dental Implants
Numerous individuals reach out to Coast Dental Naples inquiring whether dental implants could serve as an effective method to replace missing teeth or to anchor dentures securely. Dental implants present a durable and enduring option that empowers you to enjoy eating, speaking, and smiling with assurance for many years ahead.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post, designed to resemble a tiny screw. This post is surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath your gum line. As time passes, your bone fuses with the dental implant, forming a solid foundation for an artificial tooth (crown), bridge, or fixed denture. Impressively, dental implants boast a success rate exceeding 95%, which outstrips the performance of other tooth replacement alternatives.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Naples, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
Think of a dental implant as a reliable foundation for a missing tooth. It integrates seamlessly with your jawbone, providing a sturdy base for a durable, 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 stand unparalleled, highlighted by a remarkable success rate. Moreover, an implant is impervious to decay, eliminates the need for root canals, and offers a feel very similar to that of your natural teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When you’re missing several teeth, there’s no need to replace each one with its own implant. Dental implants can act as strong anchors for fixed bridges. For instance, if you’re missing three teeth in a row, it might be sufficient to place just two implants – one at each end of the gap – to securely support a bridge that spans the missing teeth. This approach reduces the need for individual replacements. Unlike traditional methods that rely on the adjacent natural teeth for support, which can lead to wear, increasing the risk of decay and root canals, dental implants offer a separate support structure that lessens these concerns.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants provide a strong foundation for custom-made dentures, designed for prolonged and stable use in either the upper or lower jaw. Often, only four implants are needed to support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. In cases where there is significant loss of jawbone, however, additional implants might be necessary to securely support a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These durable, implant-supported dentures are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the jawbone and are built 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 are fitting loosely due to tooth loss, enhancing comfort and confidence while eating and speaking. Traditional dentures don’t compensate for the loss of natural tooth roots, which can lead to jawbone deterioration and potentially alter your facial structure, aging your appearance. Implant-anchored dentures distribute biting forces more evenly, helping to preserve jawbone structure and reduce the movement of dentures during speech. This option also significantly lessens, or may even eliminate, the reliance on denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are often more economical in the long run, being a wise investment in your health, comfort, and overall well-being. While the upfront cost of implants may exceed that of alternatives like dentures or bridges, their durability stands out, with many never requiring replacement.
We advise discussing with your dental insurance provider to understand the coverage available under your plan. Additionally, Coast Dental Naples offers financing options through partnerships with third-party financiers, making it easier to incorporate the expense of dental implants into your family’s budget.
To determine if dental implants are suitable for you, the initial step is booking a consultation. If you’re missing one or more teeth and are interested in exploring this option, contact our dentist in Naples at (239) 430-1515 today.
