Dental Implants
Many individuals contact Coast Dental Winter Park inquiring whether dental implants could effectively replace missing teeth or stabilize dentures. Dental implants offer a durable and long-term option, enabling you to eat, speak, and smile confidently for many years.
A dental implant consists of a small, screw-like titanium post. This post is implanted into the bone beneath your gums by a dentist or specialist. Over time, the bone integrates with the dental implant, forming a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or fixed denture. Notably, dental implants boast a success rate exceeding 95%, making them a more reliable choice than other tooth replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Winter Park, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.

Single Tooth Replacement
Think of a dental implant as a sturdy, new foundation for a missing tooth. It fuses perfectly with your jawbone, providing a base for a strong, stain-resistant artificial tooth or crown that is meticulously crafted to match the shade of your existing teeth. Although the initial expense of a dental implant might be greater than other tooth replacement methods, its long-term advantages are significant, underscored by an exceptional success rate. Furthermore, an implant is resistant to cavities, negates the need for root canals, and mimics the sensation of your natural teeth almost exactly.

Multiple Tooth Replacement
In situations where multiple teeth are missing, there’s no need to place an individual implant for each absent tooth. Dental implants can serve as robust supports for fixed bridges. For example, in a scenario where three consecutive teeth are missing, installing just two implants—one at each end of the missing span—may be enough to firmly anchor a bridge covering that section. This strategy lessens the necessity for replacing each tooth separately. Unlike traditional methods that depend on adjacent natural teeth for stability—leading to potential wear, increased decay risk, and the possibility of needing root canals—dental implants provide independent support, alleviating these issues.

Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants offer a robust foundation for custom-fitted dentures, providing a secure and stable fit for both upper and lower jaws. Typically, only four implants are necessary to solidly support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. In cases of significant jawbone loss, additional implants may be required to adequately support a denture consisting of 10 to 12 teeth. These durable, implant-supported dentures are crucial for maintaining jawbone health and are designed to potentially last a lifetime. Furthermore, they help preserve the natural contour 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, resembling a complete row of artificial teeth. Typically, a dentist or specialist will place four implant posts that become the solid base for the securely attached denture. These implant-supported dentures remain firmly in position, avoiding the common issue of shifting or slipping associated with traditional dentures. This added stability not only increases comfort but also greatly improves functionality during activities like speaking and eating. Moreover, the secure attachment provided by dental implants creates a more natural feel and look, enhancing the wearer’s confidence.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
When considering their value as a long-term investment in your oral health, comfort, and general well-being, dental implants can often be seen as a cost-effective choice. While the upfront cost of implants exceeds that of other tooth-replacement solutions like dentures or bridges, dental implants are more durable and typically do not need replacing.
It’s advisable to consult with your dental insurance provider to determine what portion of the cost could be covered by your dental benefits. Moreover, Coast Dental Winter Park offers financing options through third-party partnerships which could assist you in fitting the expense of dental implants into your household budget.
The initial step is to book a consultation to discover whether dental implants are suitable for you. If you have lost one or several teeth, contact our dental office in Winter Park at (407) 673-9111 to schedule your appointment today.