Dental Implants
Many individuals contact Coast Dental Golden Gate inquiring whether dental implants could serve as an effective replacement for missing teeth or to provide stability for dentures. Dental implants offer a durable, enduring solution that enables you to eat, speak, and smile with assurance for many years.
A dental implant consists of a small, titanium screw-shaped post that is inserted into the bone beneath your gums by a dentist or specialist. Over time, the bone fuses around the dental implant, forming a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or fixed denture. Notably, dental implants boast a success rate exceeding 95%, a figure substantially higher than many other tooth replacement methods.
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
Should you have a missing tooth, a dental implant can serve as a reliable new root, seamlessly integrating with your jawbone. On this implant, a durable, stain-resistant artificial crown is placed, designed to closely resemble the color of your natural teeth. While the initial investment for a dental implant may be higher than other tooth replacement options, its long-term benefits are unparalleled, boasting a significantly high success rate. Additionally, an implant is resistant to decay, eliminates the need for root canals, and provides a feel almost identical to that of your real teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When you’re missing multiple teeth, it isn’t always necessary to replace each one with an individual implant. Dental implants can act as strong supports for fixed bridges. For instance, if you have a gap due to three consecutive missing teeth, just two implants—one at each end of the gap—may suffice to securely support a bridge spanning the area. This approach reduces the need to replace each tooth individually. Unlike traditional methods that rely on adjacent natural teeth for support—which can weaken those teeth and increase their risk of decay and potential root canals—dental implants offer a standalone support structure that minimizes these risks.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants offer a robust foundation for a full set of custom artificial teeth, designed to be permanent and stable for the upper or lower jaw. Often, only four implants are needed to anchor an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. In cases of significant jawbone loss, additional implants might be necessary to securely support a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These durable prosthetics, supported by implants, are crucial in maintaining jawbone health and are built to potentially last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
If you find that your dentures, be it upper or lower, start to lose their snug fit due to tooth loss, transitioning to dentures supported by implants can significantly improve their fit, offering greater comfort and confidence while you eat and talk. Regular dentures don’t compensate for the loss of your natural tooth roots, which may result in jawbone atrophy—a common side effect of tooth loss that can cause the bone ridges that are crucial for holding dentures in place to diminish. This bone loss might also alter your facial contours, contributing to an older, sunken look as the jawbone shrinks. Dentures anchored by implants help to spread out the force from chewing more evenly, which aids in preserving the bone ridge’s height. The enhanced security also minimizes the risk of lower dentures shifting out of place during conversation. Moreover, implant-secured dentures can substantially reduce or even eliminate the reliance on denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants can be viewed as a cost-effective choice when considered as a long-term investment in your overall health, comfort, and quality of life. While the initial cost of implants may be higher than other tooth replacement solutions, such as dentures or bridges, they have the advantage of lasting much longer; indeed, most implants may never require replacement.
It’s advisable to consult with your dental insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage under your dental benefits. Furthermore, Coast Dental Golden Gate offers partnerships with third-party financing options that may assist in integrating the cost of dental implants into your family’s budget.
The best way to determine if a dental implant is the right choice for you is by scheduling a consultation. If you’re missing one or more teeth and want to explore this option, please contact our Naples dentist at (239) 597-7032 today to set up your appointment.
