Dental Implants
Many individuals reach out to Coast Dental North Fort Myers inquiring whether dental implants could effectively replace missing teeth or stabilize dentures. As a durable and lasting solution, dental implants allow for confident eating, speaking, and smiling for many years.
A dental implant consists of a titanium screw-like post that a dentist or specialist embeds into the jawbone beneath the gums. Over time, the jawbone fuses with the dental implant, creating a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or fixed denture. Remarkably, dental implants boast a success rate exceeding 95%, standing out as a more reliable option compared to other methods of tooth replacement.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in North Fort Myers, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
Consider a dental implant as a steadfast new base for a missing tooth. It perfectly merges with your jawbone, acting as the anchor for a lasting, stain-resistant artificial tooth or crown, meticulously crafted to blend with your natural teeth’s color. Although the initial investment in a dental implant may exceed that of other tooth replacement methods, its extended advantages are unmatched, boasting an exceptional success rate. Additionally, an implant is resistant to decay, negates the necessity for root canals, and provides a sensation very similar to your original teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When several teeth are missing, it’s not always necessary to insert an individual implant for each absent tooth. Dental implants can serve as robust foundations for fixed bridges. For example, in the case of a three-tooth gap, placing just two implants – one at either end of the space – might be enough to firmly anchor a bridge that covers the entire gap. This strategy diminishes the requirement for replacing each tooth on its own. Unlike conventional methods that depend on surrounding natural teeth for support—potentially causing wear and heightening the chances of decay and root canals—dental implants provide a self-sufficient support structure that reduces these risks.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants act as a sturdy base for tailor-made dentures, intended for extended and stable usage in the upper or lower jaw. Frequently, just four implants can provide support for a whole arch of prosthetic teeth. Nevertheless, in instances of substantial jawbone loss, more implants may be required to dependably sustain a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These robust dentures, supported by implants, play a vital role in preserving the health of the jawbone and are engineered to last potentially for a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Switching to dentures supported by implants can significantly enhance the snugness of your upper or lower dentures if they’ve become ill-fitting due to tooth loss, improving your ease and assurance during eating and speaking. Unlike traditional dentures, which fail to halt the decline of jawbone caused by the absence of tooth roots—potentially altering your facial contours and adding years to your appearance—dentures anchored to implants more evenly distribute chewing forces, aiding in the preservation of bone structure. They also provide superior stability, reducing the movement of lower dentures while you converse, and can greatly reduce or even eliminate the need for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Considering dental implants as a long-term investment can prove to be cost-effective for your health, comfort, and overall well-being. While they may have higher upfront costs compared to other tooth-replacement options like dentures or bridges, dental implants tend to have greater longevity; indeed, most do not require replacement at all.
It’s advisable to consult with your dental insurance provider to ascertain which expenses may be covered under your dental plan. Additionally, Coast Dental North Fort Myers offers partnerships with third-party financiers, which could assist in accommodating the cost of dental implants within your household budget.
To determine if dental implants are the suitable choice for you, the initial step is to arrange a consultation. If you’re dealing with the loss of one or several teeth, please call our dentist in North Fort Myers at (239) 731-8811 to schedule your visit today.
