Dental Implants
Many individuals reach out to Coast Dental Tuscawilla with questions about whether dental implants could effectively replace lost teeth or stabilize a denture. Recognized for their durability and longevity, dental implants allow for confidently enjoying everyday activities like eating, speaking, and smiling for many years.
A titanium post designed to mimic a small screw comprises the dental implant. This post is surgically inserted into the bone beneath your gums by a dentist or specialist. Over time, the bone integrates with the titanium implant, providing a strong foundation for a crown, bridge, or permanent denture. One of the greatest advantages of dental implants is their impressive success rate, which exceeds 95%—a rate significantly higher than many other tooth replacement methods.
How Dental Implants Work
At our Coast Dental office in Winter Springs, we can use dental implants to replace missing teeth in several ways.
Single Tooth Replacement
Visualize a dental implant as a robust, fresh foundation for a lost tooth. It fuses flawlessly with your jawbone, acting as the anchor for a tough, stain-defying artificial tooth or crown meticulously crafted to blend with the shade of your surrounding teeth. Though the initial investment for a dental implant might surpass that of alternative tooth replacement solutions, its enduring advantages are significant, underscored by an exceptional success rate. Moreover, an implant is resistant to decay, negates the necessity for root canals, and delivers a sensation very similar to your own natural teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When multiple teeth are missing, it’s not necessary to place an individual implant for each absent tooth. Instead, dental implants can serve as robust pillars for fixed bridges. For example, in the case of three consecutive missing teeth, it is possible to place just two implants—one on each side of the space—to securely anchor a bridge that covers the entirety of the gap. This strategy minimizes the need for individual implants per tooth. Dental implants provide independent support, unlike traditional methods that depend on the adjacent natural teeth, which can lead to increased wear, a higher risk of decay, and potential need for root canals. By choosing implants, these issues can be significantly reduced.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants offer a solid foundation for custom-fitted dentures, providing a secure and stable fit for both upper and lower jaws. Typically, only four implants are necessary to robustly support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. However, in cases with significant loss of jawbone, additional implants may be required to adequately support a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These durable, implant-secured dentures are crucial for maintaining jawbone health and are designed to potentially last a lifetime. Furthermore, they help preserve 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 complete denture, resembling a full row of artificial teeth. Typically, a dentist or specialist will place four implant posts that act as a strong base to which the denture is securely attached. These implant-supported dentures remain firmly in place, avoiding the common problem of shifting or slipping that often occurs with traditional dentures. This added stability not only increases comfort but also substantially improves functionality during activities like speaking and eating. Moreover, the secure fit provided by dental implants promotes a more natural look and feel, enhancing the wearer’s confidence.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants can often be seen as an economical choice when considering their long-term benefits to your health, comfort, and overall quality of life. While the initial cost of implants might exceed that of other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, dental implants tend to have a much longer lifespan, with many not requiring replacement at all.
It’s advisable to consult with your dental insurance provider to determine what part of the cost might be covered by your plan. Furthermore, Coast Dental Tuscawilla offers third-party financing options which could assist in accommodating the expense of dental implants within your household budget.
The initial step towards this investment is to book a consultation to find out whether a dental implant is the suitable solution for you. If you’re missing one or more teeth and are considering your options, contact our Winter Springs dentist office at (407) 696-4474 today.
