Dental Implants
Many inquiries come to Coast Dental New Smyrna Beach from individuals wondering if dental implants are the right choice for replacing missing teeth or securing a denture. Known for their strength and durability, dental implants offer a reliable way to enjoy eating, talking, and smiling with confidence for many years.
A dental implant is a small, titanium screw-like post that a dentist or specialist embeds into the bone beneath your gums. Over time, the bone fuses to the implant, forming a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or secured denture. Moreover, with a success rate exceeding 95%, dental implants boast a higher reliability than other tooth-replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in New Smyrna Beach, 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 anchor a strong, 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 enduring benefits are unparalleled, with a noteworthy success rate. Moreover, an implant is immune to decay, eliminates the need for root canals, and delivers a feel akin to your own teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
If you have several missing teeth, you might not need an individual implant for each one. Dental implants can act as solid pillars for fixed bridges. For instance, a three-tooth gap could be bridged securely with just two implants, one on each side of the void. This approach reduces the need for one implant per missing tooth. Unlike traditional methods that rely on adjacent natural teeth for support, which can lead to wear and a higher risk of decay and root canals, dental implants offer an independent support system that reduces these concerns.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants serve as a strong foundation for custom-made dentures, designed for long-lasting and secure use in either the upper or lower jaw. Often, only four implants are needed to hold a full arch of prosthetic teeth in place. Yet, in cases of significant jawbone loss, additional implants might be necessary to securely support a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These durable, implant-supported prosthetics are crucial for maintaining the jawbone’s structure and are crafted to potentially endure for a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Switching to implant-supported dentures can greatly enhance the stability of loose-fitting upper or lower dentures, improving comfort and confidence during eating and talking. Traditional dentures fail to prevent jawbone deterioration—a consequence of missing natural tooth roots—which can lead to facial structure changes and an older appearance due to bone loss. Implant-anchored dentures evenly distribute biting forces, helping to preserve bone structure and minimize lower denture movement during speech. They also significantly lower or eliminate the need for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Consider dental implants as a worthwhile, long-term investment in your health, comfort, and overall quality of life. They may have a higher upfront cost compared to dentures or bridges, but they tend to last significantly longer, often without the need for replacement.
We suggest contacting your dental insurance provider to determine if your plan contributes to the cost of implants. Additionally, at Coast Dental New Smyrna Beach, we offer third-party financing options that can help make dental implants a manageable expense for your budget.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, the initial step is a consultation. If you have missing teeth and wish to discuss your options, call our New Smyrna Beach dentist today at (386) 428-3228.
