Dental Implants
Many individuals contact Coast Dental Sarasota Crossings inquiring whether dental implants are a viable option for replacing missing teeth or stabilizing dentures. Dental implants provide a durable, long-term remedy that enhances the ability to eat, converse, and smile confidently for many years.
A dental implant is a small, titanium screw-like post. This post is inserted into the jawbone beneath the gums by a dentist or specialist. Over time, the bone integrates with the dental implant, forming a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or secured denture. Moreover, dental implants boast an impressive success rate over 95%, significantly outperforming 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
Envision a dental implant as a robust, new base for a missing tooth. It fuses perfectly with your jawbone, acting as the anchor for a strong, stain-resistant artificial tooth or crown that is meticulously crafted to match your natural teeth in color. Although the initial investment in a dental implant might exceed that of other tooth replacement methods, its enduring advantages are unmatched, underscored by an excellent success rate. Additionally, an implant is decay-resistant, obviates the need for root canals, and provides a sensation very similar to that of your natural teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When multiple teeth are missing, it’s not always necessary to have an individual implant for each one. Dental implants can effectively serve as secure supports for fixed bridges. For example, if you have three adjacent missing teeth, merely two implants, placed on each side of the open space, could be enough to firmly anchor a bridge that covers the span. This technique minimizes the need for individual tooth replacement. Unlike traditional methods that depend on adjacent natural teeth for stability—potentially causing them to wear and increasing the risk of decay and subsequent root canals—dental implants provide independent support that mitigates these risks.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants offer a strong foundation for custom-made dentures, designed for long-lasting and stable fit in either the upper or lower jaw. Often, only four implants are needed to support an entire arch of false teeth. Yet, 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 crafted to potentially last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Dental implants can secure a full denture, representing a whole row of artificial teeth. Usually, a dentist or specialist installs four implant posts, to which the denture is solidly attached. This arrangement of implant-supported dentures ensures a stable fit in the mouth, avoiding the sliding and shifting common with conventional dentures. Consequently, users experience improved comfort while speaking and eating.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are often viewed as a cost-effective choice when considered a long-term investment in your health, comfort, and personal well-being. While initially more costly than alternative tooth-replacement methods like dentures or bridges, dental implants are durable and typically do not require replacement.
We recommend checking with your dental insurance provider to determine what portion of the cost may be covered under your dental benefits. Additionally, Coast Dental Sarasota Crossings offers partnerships with third-party financiers that can help make the cost of dental implants more manageable within your family budget.
To explore whether dental implants are the right solution for you, the first step is to book a consultation. If you’re missing one or more teeth, please contact our dentist in Sarasota at (941) 343-9777 today.
