Dental Implants
Numerous people reach out to Coast Dental Pasadena inquiring whether dental implants could effectively replace lost teeth or anchor a denture securely. Dental implants are a robust and enduring option, enabling you to enjoy eating, speaking, and smiling with assurance for many years.
A dental implant is made of titanium and is designed to resemble a miniature screw. During the procedure, the dentist or a trained specialist will insert this post into the bone beneath your gum line. Over time, the bone integrates with the dental implant, establishing a sturdy foundation for a crown, bridge, or affixed denture. Notably, dental implants boast an impressive documented success rate of over 95%, markedly surpassing that of alternative 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
Think of a dental implant as a reliable new foundation for a missing tooth. It integrates seamlessly with your jawbone, providing a base for a durable, stain-resistant artificial tooth or crown, skillfully crafted to match the color of your natural teeth. Although the upfront cost of a dental implant may be higher than other tooth replacement options, its long-term benefits are unparalleled, highlighted by an outstanding success rate. Additionally, an implant is resistant to decay, eliminates the need for root canals, and offers a feel almost identical to that of your natural teeth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
When managing the loss of several teeth, it isn’t always required to insert an individual implant for each missing tooth. Dental implants can act as strong anchors for fixed bridges. For instance, in the case of a gap resulting from three consecutive missing teeth, placing just two implants—one at either end of the gap—could suffice to securely anchor a bridge spanning the area. This approach reduces the need for replacing each tooth individually. Unlike traditional methods that rely on surrounding natural teeth for bridge support, which can lead to wear and heighten the risk of decay and root canals, dental implants offer an independent support system that mitigates these risks.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants provide a robust base for tailor-made dentures, built for enduring and secure application in both the upper and lower jaws. Typically, a complete arch of prosthetic teeth may be supported by as few as four implants. However, extensive jawbone deterioration could require extra implants to dependably anchor a set of 10 to 12 teeth. These strong, implant-anchored dentures play an essential role in preserving the health of the jawbone and are designed with the potential to last a lifetime.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
Dental implants can secure a full denture, embodying an entire sequence of substitute teeth. Commonly, only four dental implant posts are needed for installation by the dentist or specialist. Once attached to these posts, the implant-supported dentures maintain a firm position in the mouth, bypassing the typical movements and shifting associated with conventional dentures. Such firmness facilitates easier speech and dining experiences.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are often considered a prudent long-term choice for your health, comfort, and overall happiness. Although they come with a higher initial price tag compared to other tooth-replacement options like dentures or fixed bridges, dental implants are a more durable solution and often do not require replacement.
It’s advisable to contact your dental insurance provider to determine what portion of the cost may be covered by your plan. Additionally, Coast Dental Pasadena offers financing options through third-party partnerships that can help incorporate the expenses of dental implants into your family budget.
The initial step is to arrange a consultation to explore whether dental implants are suitable for you. If you’re missing one or more teeth and are considering an implant, please ring our dentist in St. Petersburg at (727) 384-9655 to schedule your visit today.
