Dental Implants
Many individuals reach out to Coast Dental Gandy inquiring whether dental implants are a viable option for replacing missing teeth or stabilizing dentures. Recognized for their strength and longevity, dental implants can enable you to eat, speak, and smile with renewed confidence for many years.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post, resembling a miniature screw. This post is surgically placed into the jawbone beneath your gums by a dentist or specialist. Over time, the bone fuses to the implant, establishing a solid foundation for an artificial tooth (crown), bridge, or fixed denture. Moreover, dental implants boast a success rate exceeding 95%, which is considerably higher than other tooth-replacement methods.
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
If you’re dealing with a missing tooth, a dental implant can serve as a reliable new root, seamlessly integrating with your jawbone. On this implant sits a durable, stain-resistant artificial crown, designed to perfectly blend with your natural teeth in color. While the initial investment in a dental implant is higher than other tooth replacement options, its long-term benefits are unparalleled, boasting an impressive success rate. Additionally, an implant is resistant to decay, eliminates the risk of needing root canals, and provides a feel almost indistinguishable from that of your real teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When dealing with multiple missing teeth, it isn’t necessary to replace each one with a separate implant. Dental implants can effectively act as strong supports for fixed bridges. For instance, a gap from three missing adjacent teeth might only need two implants, one at each end, to securely support a bridge that covers the space. This approach reduces the need to replace each tooth individually. Unlike traditional methods that rely on adjacent natural teeth for support—potentially weakening them and increasing their risk of decay and future root canals—dental implants offer a self-sufficient support system that minimizes these risks.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants offer a solid foundation for a full set of prosthetic teeth, either for the upper or lower jaw, designed to be permanent and fixed. Often, just four implants are enough to firmly support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. However, in situations where there’s significant jawbone loss, additional implants might be necessary to stably anchor a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These permanent, implant-supported prosthetics are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the jawbone and are built to potentially last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
If your dentures, whether for the upper or lower jaw, begin to lose their snug fit due to tooth loss, transitioning to implant-supported dentures can significantly improve their fit, offering greater comfort and confidence during eating and speaking. Traditional dentures fail to compensate for the loss of tooth roots, leading to jawbone deterioration—a common consequence of tooth loss that results in the shrinking of bone ridges crucial for denture stability. This bone loss can also alter your facial structure, giving a more aged, sunken look as the jawbone recedes. Implant-anchored dentures help distribute chewing forces more evenly, aiding in the preservation of the bone ridge’s height. This enhanced stability also minimizes the risk of lower dentures dislodging when you talk. Additionally, dentures secured by implants can significantly reduce or completely eliminate the need for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are often seen as a cost-effective choice when considered a long-term investment in your health, comfort, and well-being. While the initial cost of implants is higher compared to other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridgework, they tend to last much longer and, in many cases, do not require replacement.
It is advisable to consult with your dental insurance provider to determine what portion of the cost might be covered under your plan. Coast Dental Gandy also collaborates with third-party financiers to potentially help fit the cost of dental implants into your family budget.
To find out if dental implants are the right solution for you, the first step is to book a consultation. If you are missing one or more teeth, please contact our dentist in St. Petersburg at (727) 577-3844 today to schedule your appointment.
