Put The Happy Back Into Your Holidays With Mini Dental Implants

The holidays are just around the corner and we all know what that means! It means celebrations, getting together with friends and family, and lots and lots of yummy food! 

For many people, however, all of these things that they once looked forward to are now their worst nightmare. The most detrimental result of missing teeth is the effects it has on someone’s confidence and social life. In the dental office we often hear: 

• “When I lost my teeth, I lost my smile.” 
• “I’m embarrassed to eat in front of friends and family because of my loose dentures.” 
• “I can’t chew any of my favorite foods anymore because I’m missing so many teeth.” 
• “Mask mandates were the best thing that ever happened to me because I could hide my teeth.” 

We hear these concerns every single day. And these insecurities can become very isolating, impacting people’s careers, relationships, and everyday life. 

Other Consequences of Missing Teeth

• Altered bite
• Added pressure on remaining teeth which can lead to tooth fractures, tooth shifting, and the loss of more teeth 
• Bone loss 
• Change in person’s facial features, “caved-in” appearance 
• Pain due to malocclusion 
• Malnutrition 
• Decayed teeth, inflammation, and infection present in the mouth can negatively affect your overall health 

How Common is Tooth Loss?

The American College of Prosthodontists reports that 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. That is more than half of the United States population. Unfortunately, it is often the feeling of embarrassment that keeps people from taking the first step to exploring options for their struggle, but you are not alone! 

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small post or screw, usually made of titanium, that serves as a substitute for the root of the tooth. A crown (a replacement tooth) is custom-made to match your natural teeth and placed on top of the post, completing the dental implant.

An alternative to bridges and traditional dentures, dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option. They can be used to replace one or several teeth and can also be used to hold removable dentures or fixed bridges in place. 

The Difference Between Mini Dental Implants and Conventional/Traditional Implants

Mini dental implants have a similar structure to traditional/conventional implants, but they are smaller. They consist of a one-piece screw that is less than 3mm in diameter and includes a ball-shaped end that extends from the jawbone. Conventional implants on the other hand, are made of two pieces (a post and then an added abutment) with a diameter of 3.25 to 5 millimeters. A crown is then placed on top of the abutment. 

Why Should I consider Mini Dental Implants?

Less Invasive Procedure 

Traditional dental implants typically require a significant incision and an invasive process of bone grafting before a post can be placed. Once the posts are placed, 6 to 12 months are necessary for healing and integration before attaching the abutment and artificial tooth or crown. With mini dental implants, however, there are no incisions that require sutures or complex preliminary bone grafts that entail months of healing. The mini dental implant can usually be placed and a crown can be attached within 3 to 6 weeks!

Lower Risk Of Complications 

Procedures of any kind have a risk of complications. However, because mini dental implants do not require deep incisions and in-depth surgery, the risk of infection is greatly reduced. The smaller diameter implant is less traumatic to the bone and has a shorter healing time due to better vascularity/blood flow to the area than conventional/traditional implants. 

Less Pain 

Because the process of mini dental implant placement is minimally invasive, there is less pain involved. Less invasive and less painful both result in shorter healing time, decreasing the need for pain medication. Most patients only take OTC pain relievers which allows them to get back to their usual day-to-day very quickly. 

Convenience 

Mini dental implants can be placed and the crown attached within a few weeks. There is no need for multiple visits which means less time off work and less time away from family/children or other obligations. You can have your smile back in weeks as opposed to 6 to 12 months with traditional implants! 

Cost 

The cost of mini dental implants is significantly lower than traditional implants because it is a shorter, less invasive procedure that requires fewer visits. 

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Maintaining and caring for your implants is very much like caring for your natural teeth. Brushing twice a day with proper technique and an electric toothbrush, flossing daily, and incorporating a Waterpik into your daily hygiene routine is crucial to healthy teeth, implants and gums. Staying on schedule for your routine dental cleanings and exams will also be pertinent in preserving a healthy foundation for your dental implants.

Put The Happy Back Into Your Holidays With Mini Dental Implants

If you’re ready to take that first step in replacing your missing teeth, getting rid of loose dentures, getting your smile back, and enjoying the foods you once loved, call today for a consultation. We would love to be part of your journey back to health, back to confidence, and back to being you.