Dental Implants
Many individuals reach out to Coast Dental St. Petersburg with inquiries about whether dental implants could effectively replace their missing teeth or provide stability for a denture. Dental implants are a durable and enduring option that can restore your ability to eat, converse, and smile with assurance for many years.
A dental implant is essentially a titanium post with a screw-like shape. This post is inserted by a dentist or specialist into the jawbone beneath the gum line. Over time, the jawbone fuses with the implant, forming a robust foundation for attaching a crown, bridge, or permanent denture. What’s most impressive is that dental implants boast a success rate exceeding 95%, outperforming other teeth replacement alternatives in reliability.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in St. Petersburg, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
Think of a dental implant as a sturdy, new base for a missing tooth. It integrates perfectly with your jawbone, acting as the foundation for a long-lasting, stain-resistant crown or artificial tooth that is meticulously crafted to match the shade of your existing teeth. Although the initial investment for a dental implant might be greater than other tooth replacement methods, its enduring benefits are significant, underscored by a high success rate. Moreover, an implant is resistant to cavities, negates the necessity for root canals, and provides a sensation very similar to your natural teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
In situations where multiple teeth are missing, it’s not always necessary to place an individual implant for each absent tooth. Dental implants can serve as solid supports for fixed bridges. For example, in the case of having a gap from three consecutive missing teeth, it may only be necessary to insert two implants, one at each end of the gap, to effectively secure a bridge covering that space. This strategy lessens the need for replacing each tooth individually. Unlike traditional methods, which depend on adjacent natural teeth for support and can lead to wear, increased decay risk, and potential need for root canals, dental implants provide independent support, alleviating these issues.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants serve as a robust foundation for custom-made dentures, providing a secure and stable fit for both upper and lower jaws. Typically, just four implants are enough to solidly support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. However, in cases of significant jawbone deterioration, more implants may be necessary to adequately support a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These durable, implant-supported dentures are crucial in maintaining jawbone health and are designed to last potentially a lifetime. Furthermore, they help maintain the natural contour of the face, preventing the sunken appearance often associated with tooth loss.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Dental implants offer a dependable solution for anchoring full dentures, effectively replicating an entire row of teeth. Typically, a dentist or specialist installs four implant posts, providing a sturdy base to which the denture is firmly attached. Unlike traditional dentures that tend to shift or slip, these implant-supported dentures remain securely in position in the mouth. This improvement in stability not only elevates comfort but also greatly improves function when speaking and eating. Moreover, the snug fit provided by dental implants contributes to a more natural look and feel, enhancing the confidence of the wearer.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants can be considered an economical choice when seen as a long-term investment in your overall health, comfort, and quality of life. While the upfront costs of implants are higher compared to other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges, they have the advantage of longevity, with many never requiring replacement.
To understand how much of the cost your dental insurance might cover, we advise speaking with your provider about the specifics of your dental benefits. Additionally, at Coast Dental St. Petersburg, we offer financing options through third-party partners, which could help make the cost of dental implants manageable within your family budget.
To determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, we encourage you to book a consultation. If you’re dealing with the loss of one or more teeth, please contact our St. Petersburg dentist today by calling (727) 525-4499.
