Dental Implants
Many individuals contact Coast Dental Punta Gorda inquiring whether dental implants are a suitable option for replacing missing teeth or securing dentures firmly. Dental implants offer a durable, long-term solution that empowers you to eat, speak, and smile 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 bone beneath your gums by a dentist or specialist. Over time, the bone integrates with the implant, forming a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or fixed denture. Most impressively, dental implants boast a success rate exceeding 95%, making them a more reliable option than many other tooth-replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Punta Gorda, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
Imagine a dental implant as a robust, new base replacing a missing tooth. It perfectly fuses with your jawbone, acting as the support for a strong, stain-resistant artificial tooth or crown, meticulously crafted to blend with the shade of your natural teeth. Although the initial investment in a dental implant might be greater than other tooth replacement solutions, its enduring advantages are unmatched, underscored by a remarkable success rate. Additionally, an implant is impervious to decay, obviates the need for root canals, and provides a sensation very similar to your natural teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When dealing with multiple missing teeth, it’s not always necessary to place an individual implant for each absent tooth. Dental implants can serve as robust supports for fixed bridges. For example, if there’s a gap from three missing teeth in a row, just two implants—one on each side of the gap—may be enough to securely support a bridge that covers the area. This method reduces the need to replace each tooth separately. Unlike traditional techniques that depend on adjacent natural teeth for support—which can cause wear and increase the risk of decay and the need for future root canals—dental implants provide an independent support system that mitigates these issues.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants offer a strong foundation for custom-fitted dentures, designed for long-lasting and stable attachment to either the upper or lower jaw. Generally, only four implants are needed to secure a full arch of prosthetic teeth. However, significant loss of jawbone may necessitate additional implants to adequately support a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These durable, implant-supported dentures are crucial in maintaining jawbone health and are built to potentially last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Dental implants can secure a full denture, representing a complete set of prosthetic teeth. Usually, a dentist or specialist installs four dental implant posts, to which the denture is firmly attached. This arrangement ensures the denture remains stable in the mouth, preventing the movement or slipping common with conventional dentures. Consequently, this leads to improved comfort while speaking and eating.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Consider dental implants as an economical choice in the context of a long-term investment in your health, comfort, and overall quality of life. While the upfront cost of implants is higher compared to other tooth replacement methods like dentures or bridges, implants come with a notably long lifespan—many never require a replacement.
It’s advisable to consult with your dental insurance provider to determine what portion of the costs could be covered under your dental benefits. Additionally, Coast Dental Punta Gorda offers third-party financing options that might assist in accommodating the expense of dental implants within your household budget.
The initial step is to arrange a consultation to determine whether dental implants are suitable for you. If you’re missing one or more teeth, contact our Punta Gorda dentist by calling (941) 639-5224 today.
