Dental Implants
Numerous individuals reach out to Coast Dental East Lake inquiring whether dental implants could effectively replace missing teeth or firmly hold a denture in place. Dental implants offer a robust and enduring solution, enabling you to eat, speak, and smile confidently for many years.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post designed like a small screw. This post is inserted by the dentist or specialist into the bone beneath your gums. Over time, the bone integrates with the implant, forming a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or fixed denture. Significantly, dental implants boast a documented success rate exceeding 95%, a figure notably higher than that of other tooth replacement modalities.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Oldsmar, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
When dealing with a missing tooth, a dental implant can replace the root by being securely embedded into the jawbone. A durable, stain-resistant artificial crown, color-matched to your natural teeth, will then be affixed to it. Although the upfront cost of a dental implant may exceed other tooth replacement options, it is frequently regarded as the best long-term investment because of its high success rate. Moreover, an implant is resistant to decay, avoids the potential necessity for future root canals, and offers a sensation nearly identical to that of a real tooth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When faced with multiple missing teeth, it’s not always necessary to replace each one with an individual implant. Dental implants can serve as robust supports for fixed bridges. For example, a gap resulting from three missing teeth in a row may require just two implants at both ends of the void to anchor a bridge that spans the entire space. This approach minimizes the need for one implant per missing tooth. Unlike traditional methods that depend on adjacent natural teeth for support—potentially weakening those teeth and increasing their risk of decay and the need for future root canals—dental implants provide a standalone support structure that reduces such risks.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants provide a sturdy base for a full set of prosthetic teeth for either the upper or lower jaw, intended to be permanent and non-removable. Typically, as few as four implants can stably support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. In cases where there is significant loss of jawbone, more implants may be required to securely anchor a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These permanent, implant-supported dental prosthetics play a key role in preserving the structure of the jawbone and are built to potentially last a patient’s lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
If you notice that your dentures for either the upper or lower jaw no longer fit as tightly due to tooth loss, choosing implants can significantly improve the fit of your dentures, enhancing your comfort and confidence during eating and speaking. Unlike traditional dentures, which do not replace tooth roots, implants are crucial in preventing the deterioration of the jawbone—a common result of tooth loss that causes the shrinking of bone ridges vital for denture stability. This decrease in bone can also affect your facial structure, leading to a more sunken appearance and contributing to an older look as the jawbone recedes. By securing dentures with implants, the forces produced while chewing are more evenly distributed, helping maintain the height of the bone ridge. This added stability also reduces the risk of the lower denture coming loose during movements of the tongue. Additionally, anchoring dentures with implants can greatly reduce, or entirely eliminate, the need for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are often seen as a worthwhile long-term investment for your health, comfort, and overall well-being. While they might have a higher initial cost compared to other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges, dental implants are designed to last; indeed, they seldom require replacement.
It’s a good idea to consult with your dental insurance provider to understand what portion of the cost might be covered under your plan. Additionally, Coast Dental East Lake offers partnerships with third-party financiers, which could help make the cost of dental implants more manageable for your family’s budget.
To determine whether dental implants are the right choice for you, the initial step is to schedule a consultation. If you’re missing one or more teeth and are considering this option, please call our Oldsmar dentist at (727) 787-0202 today.
