Dental Implants
Many individuals reach out to Coast Dental Riverview inquiring whether dental implants would serve as an effective solution for replacing missing teeth or securing dentures firmly in place. Dental implants offer a durable, long-term fix, empowering you to eat, speak, and smile confidently for many years ahead.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post, resembling a small-sized screw, which is inserted into the bone beneath your gums by a dentist or specialist. Over time, your bone integrates with the dental implant, forming a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or fixed denture. Importantly, dental implants boast a success rate over 95%, making them a more reliable option compared to other tooth-replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Riverview, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
Imagine a dental implant as a solid, fresh base for a missing tooth. It fuses naturally with your jawbone, acting as the anchor for a robust, stain-proof artificial tooth or crown, precisely crafted to blend with the shade of your existing teeth. Although the initial expense of a dental implant might surpass that of alternative tooth replacement methods, the enduring advantages it provides are unmatched, underscored by a remarkable success rate. Additionally, an implant is impervious to decay, sidesteps the necessity for root canals, and delivers a sensation remarkably similar to your own teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When dealing with multiple missing teeth, it’s not always essential to place an individual implant for each absent tooth. Dental implants can serve as robust supports for fixed bridges. For example, if you’re missing three adjacent teeth, installing just two implants—one at each end of the space—may be enough to securely support a bridge covering the gap. This method lessens the need for individual tooth replacement. Unlike traditional techniques that depend on adjacent natural teeth for support—which can cause wear and increase the risk of decay and the necessity for root canals—dental implants provide independent support that mitigates these issues.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants offer a strong foundation for custom-fitted dentures, designed for lasting and stable attachment to either the upper or lower jaw. Often, merely four implants are necessary to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. Yet, significant loss of jawbone might necessitate additional implants to adequately support a complete set of 10 to 12 teeth. These durable, implant-supported dentures are crucial in maintaining jawbone health and are crafted to potentially endure for a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Dental implants can secure a full denture, representing an entire row of artificial teeth. Usually, a dentist or specialist installs four dental implant posts, to which the denture is solidly attached. These dentures, supported by implants, remain stable in the mouth, avoiding the slipping or shifting common with conventional dentures. This stability leads to improved comfort while speaking and eating.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are often seen as a financially sensible choice when considering their long-term benefits to your health, comfort, and quality of life. While the initial cost of implants may be higher compared to other forms of tooth replacement like dentures or bridges, their durability is unmatched, with many implants lasting a lifetime without needing replacement.
It’s advisable to contact your dental insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage under your plan. Additionally, Coast Dental Riverview offers financing options through partnerships with third-party financiers, which could help integrate the expense of dental implants into your household budget.
To determine whether a dental implant is the right solution for you, the initial step is scheduling a consultation. If you’re missing teeth and want to explore your options, reach out to our Riverview dentist today at (813) 549-0931.
