Dental Implants
Many individuals reach out to Coast Dental Sun City inquiring whether dental implants are an effective solution for replacing missing teeth or securing dentures. Dental implants offer a durable and long-term option that allows for confident eating, speaking, and smiling over the years.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post, designed like a tiny screw, which a dentist or specialist inserts into the jawbone beneath the gums. Over time, the bone fuses with the implant, providing a robust foundation for a crown, bridge, or secured denture. What’s most impressive is that dental implants boast a success rate exceeding 95%, outperforming other tooth replacement alternatives.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Ruskin, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
Envision a dental implant as a robust, fresh foundation in place of a lost tooth. This implant unites with your jawbone, forming the anchor for a resilient, stain-defying artificial tooth or crown. This crown is meticulously crafted to blend with the shade of your natural teeth. Despite the initial investment for a dental implant being higher relative to other tooth replacement choices, the enduring advantages it offers are exceptional, underscored by an impressive success rate. Moreover, an implant is not susceptible to dental decay, negates the requirement for root canals, and provides a sensation that closely resembles your own teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
In situations where multiple teeth are missing, there’s no need to place an individual implant for each absent tooth. Dental implants can serve as robust supports for fixed bridges. For example, in the case of a sequence of three consecutive missing teeth, it might be adequate to insert just two implants, one on each side of the missing span, to securely support a bridge covering the gap. This technique decreases the need for replacing each tooth separately. Unlike traditional methods that depend on adjacent natural teeth for support—thus risking increased wear, potential decay, and the possibility of requiring root canals—dental implants provide independent support, alleviating these risks.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants offer a robust foundation for custom-fitted dentures, providing a secure and stable fit for both upper and lower jaws. Typically, a full arch of prosthetic teeth can be solidly supported by just four implants. However, in cases of significant jawbone deterioration, additional implants may be necessary to adequately underpin a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These durable dentures, anchored by implants, are crucial in maintaining the health of the jawbone and are designed to endure for a lifetime. In addition, they help preserve the natural shape of the face, preventing the sunken appearance often associated with tooth loss.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Dental implants offer a trustworthy solution for anchoring full dentures that replicate a whole set of artificial teeth. Generally, a dentist or specialist inserts four implant posts that act as a sturdy base for the denture to be securely attached. Unlike traditional dentures that tend to shift or slip, these implant-supported versions remain steadfast in the mouth. The increased stability not only elevates comfort but also greatly improves functionality, making speaking and eating much easier. Additionally, the snug fit provided by dental implants contributes to a more natural look and feel, enhancing the wearer’s self-assurance.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants can be seen as a cost-effective choice in the long run, considering their impact on your health, comfort, and overall quality of life. While the upfront cost is higher compared to other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, with many never requiring a replacement.
It’s advisable to consult with your dental insurance provider to understand what part of the cost might be covered under your plan. Additionally, Coast Dental Sun City offers financing options through partnerships with third-party financiers, helping make the cost of dental implants more manageable within your family budget.
To explore whether dental implants are the right solution for you, the initial step is booking a consultation. If you’re dealing with the loss of one or more teeth, reach out to our Ruskin dentist today at (813) 641-2945.
