Dental Implants
Many individuals contact Coast Dental Beneva to inquire whether dental implants are a suitable option for replacing missing teeth or securing dentures. Dental implants offer a robust and lasting solution that enables you to eat, speak, and smile with assurance for many years.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post, resembling a small screw, which is inserted by a dentist or specialist into the bone beneath your gums. Over time, the bone integrates with the implant, providing a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or fixed denture. Notably, dental implants boast a success rate exceeding 95%, a figure substantially higher than other tooth replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Sarasota, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
For a single missing tooth, a dental implant is positioned into the bone to substitute the tooth’s root. A tailor-made crown, matching the natural shade of your teeth and resistant to staining, is then attached to this implant. This method, despite having a higher initial cost than other alternatives, is considered the most advantageous long-term solution for replacing a single missing tooth due to its high success rate. An implant is immune to decay, eliminates the need for root canal therapy, and provides the feel of a natural tooth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
If you are missing multiple teeth, you don’t need to replace each one with an individual implant. Dental implants can effectively anchor fixed bridgework. For instance, if three adjacent teeth are missing, two implants can be placed at both ends of the gap to support a crown in the middle without needing its own implant. This method has the benefit of not depending on natural teeth for bridge support, which can lead to weakening, increased risk of decay, and possible root canal issues in those teeth. Dental implants avoid these problems by providing independent support.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants are capable of anchoring a complete arch of upper or lower replacement teeth that are firmly fixed within the mouth and don’t require removal. Often, just four implants are sufficient to carry a full set of replacement teeth. However, in instances of extensive jawbone loss, additional implants may be needed to support a sequence of 10 to 12 teeth. Tooth replacements secured by dental implants help maintain jawbone integrity, won’t shift out of place, and are designed to endure for life.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
If you’ve lost all your upper or lower teeth, you may find that your denture does not fit as tightly as it should. Implants can enhance the comfort of your dentures, boosting your confidence to eat and speak freely. Traditional dentures can lead to issues because when tooth roots are missing, your jawbone starts to deteriorate, reducing the bone ridges that hold your dentures in place. This bone loss can change your facial structure, leading to sagging and a prematurely aged appearance as the jawbone recedes. By installing implants in the upper or lower jaw to anchor the removable denture, the pressure is evenly distributed, helping to preserve the bone ridge. This extra stability also keeps the tongue from easily dislodging the lower denture. Additionally, dentures secured by implants greatly reduce or eliminate the need for denture adhesives.
