Dental Implants
Numerous individuals reach out to Coast Dental Blairstone inquiring whether dental implants could effectively replace lost teeth or provide stability for dentures. Recognized for their strength and durability, dental implants offer a reliable solution that supports eating, speaking, and smiling confidently for many years.
A dental implant is comprised of a titanium post, resembling a tiny screw; this post is surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath your gums by a dentist or specialist. Over time, the jawbone naturally fuses to the dental implant, forming a robust foundation for attaching crowns, bridges, or stable dentures. Furthermore, dental implants boast an impressive success rate exceeding 95%, outperforming other tooth-replacement methods in reliability.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Tallahassee, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
When dealing with the loss of a single tooth, a dental implant is implanted into the jawbone to replace the root of the missing tooth. A custom-made crown, designed to match the color of your natural teeth and resist stains, is then affixed to the implant. Although this approach comes with a higher upfront cost compared to other options, it is regarded as the most beneficial long-term solution for the replacement of a single tooth, thanks to its high success rate. An implant is not susceptible to decay, negates the need for root canal treatment, and offers the sensation of having a natural tooth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
In cases where you’re missing several teeth, it isn’t necessary to replace each one with a separate implant. Instead, dental implants can serve as sturdy supports for fixed bridgework. For example, if you are missing three teeth in a row, it may only require two implants at the ends of the space to support a middle crown, eliminating the need for it to have an individual implant. Opting for this technique means that there’s no reliance on existing natural teeth to hold the bridge, which can weaken them, heighten their susceptibility to decay, and increase the risk of necessitating root canal treatment. Dental implants provide a stand-alone support system that avoids these complications.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants can anchor a full arch of upper or lower replacement teeth that are permanently fixed in the mouth and do not require removal. Typically, only four implants are needed to support a complete set of replacement teeth. In cases where there is significant jawbone loss, more implants might be necessary to support a series of 10 to 12 teeth. Replacements secured by dental implants help preserve the integrity of the jawbone, remain securely in place, and are built to last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
If you have lost all of your upper or lower teeth, you might notice that your denture doesn’t fit as snugly as it once did. Using implants can significantly improve the fit and comfort of your dentures, enhancing your confidence to eat and speak without restraint. Traditional dentures can cause complications, as the absence of tooth roots leads to jawbone deterioration, diminishing the bone ridges that secure your dentures. This bone loss can alter your facial structure, causing it to sag and giving you a prematurely aged look as the jawbone shrinks. By positioning implants in the upper or lower jaw to support the removable denture, the force exerted when you chew is distributed more evenly, which helps maintain the bone ridge. This additional support also prevents the tongue from easily dislodging the lower denture. Furthermore, dentures that are anchored by implants greatly reduce or completely eliminate the need for denture adhesives.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
When considering the long-term advantages to your health, comfort, and overall well-being, dental implants are frequently viewed as a cost-effective choice. Although the upfront cost of implants is higher than other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges, dental implants tend to have a much longer lifespan; indeed, most implants do not require replacement.
It is advisable to consult with your dental insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage provided by your dental benefits. Additionally, Coast Dental Blairstone has relationships with third-party financing companies that may help you incorporate the expenses of dental implants into your family’s financial planning.
To find out if dental implants are suitable for you, the initial step is to book a consultation. If you’re missing one or more teeth and want to speak with our dentist in Tallahassee, please reach out at (850) 877-4313 today.
