Dental Implants
Many individuals reach out to Coast Dental Tallahassee to inquire whether dental implants are an effective method for replacing missing teeth or ensuring dentures stay in place. Recognized for their durability and longevity, dental implants offer a reliable way to eat, speak, and smile confidently for many years.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post designed like a tiny screw, which is inserted into the bone beneath your gums by a dentist or specialist. Over time, the bone integrates with the titanium post, creating a solid foundation for supporting a crown, bridge, or fixed denture. Impressively, dental implants boast a success rate over 95%, making them a more reliable option for tooth replacement compared to other methods.
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
Picture a dental implant as a robust, new base for a lost tooth. It merges flawlessly with your jawbone, acting as the foundation for a hard-wearing, stain-resistant fake tooth or crown meticulously crafted to blend with the shade of your surrounding teeth. Though initially more expensive, the enduring advantages of a dental implant are noteworthy, underscored by an exceptional success rate. Plus, an implant is not susceptible to tooth decay, bypasses the requirement for root canals, and provides a sensation very close to that of your real teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
In scenarios where multiple teeth are missing, it’s not necessary to insert an individual implant for each absent tooth. Dental implants can serve as strong supports for fixed bridges. For example, in a situation where three consecutive teeth are missing, installing just two implants, one at each end of the missing section, could be adequate to firmly anchor a bridge covering that gap. This method minimizes the need for replacing each tooth separately. Unlike traditional techniques that depend on adjacent natural teeth for support—thus leading to wear, increasing decay risk, and the potential need for root canals—dental implants provide independent support, alleviating these issues.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants offer a robust foundation for custom-made dentures, providing a secure and stable fit for both upper and lower jaws. Typically, just four implants are necessary to solidly support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. However, in cases where there is significant loss of jawbone, additional implants may be required to adequately support a denture set consisting of 10 to 12 teeth. These durable, implant-supported dentures are crucial for maintaining the health of the jawbone and are designed to last a lifetime. Furthermore, they help maintain the natural shape of the face, preventing the sunken appearance often associated with tooth loss.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Dental implants offer a dependable way to secure a full denture, which replicates an entire row of prosthetic teeth. Typically, a dentist or specialist installs four implant posts that act as a sturdy base for the denture to fasten to securely. Unlike traditional dentures that tend to shift or slip, these implant-supported dentures remain stable within the mouth. This improved steadiness not only boosts comfort but also greatly enhances functionality, particularly when speaking and eating. Moreover, the snug fit provided by dental implants results in a more natural look and feel, thereby increasing the wearer’s confidence.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are often seen as a cost-effective choice when regarded as a long-term investment in your health, comfort, and overall well-being. Although initially more expensive than other tooth-replacement options like dentures or bridges, dental implants tend to last much longer, with many never requiring replacement.
It’s advisable to consult with your dental insurance provider to determine what part of the cost might be covered by your dental benefits. Additionally, Coast Dental Tallahassee offers third-party financing partnerships that might help fit the cost of dental implants into your family budget.
To explore whether dental implants are the right solution for you, the initial step is to schedule a consultation. If you are missing one or more teeth, contact our dentist in Tallahassee at (850) 878-7999 today.
