Mini Dental Implants in Wayne, NJ

In New Jersey, approximately 30% of adults aged 65 years and older have lost at least six teeth due to decay or gum disease. Losing teeth can significantly impact your daily habits, affecting your ability to eat, speak, and feel confident about your appearance. Mini dental implants replace missing teeth, helping patients struggling with tooth loss restore their oral function and quality of life. These narrow-diameter implants are a popular choice for those looking to address tooth loss quickly and effectively, as they often provide better outcomes than traditional implants.

Dr. Fine, a fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, has placed dental implants since 1989. Recognizing the remarkable advantages of mini dental implants, he was eager to offer this innovative tooth replacement option to his patients. To refine his skills, Dr. Fine completed comprehensive training under the guidance of Dr. Todd Shatkin, a world-renowned dentist who developed the mini implant technique that Dr. Fine uses. By mastering this technique, Dr. Fine has solidified his position as a leading authority in mini implant solutions. Fine Dental Care proudly holds the distinction of being a Mini Dental Implant Center of America.

What Is a Standard Dental Implant?

To appreciate the significant advantages of mini dental implants, it’s important to understand their predecessors. A standard dental implant consists of a screw and a connector piece called an abutment. The screw averages 5 mm in diameter, approximately the width of a pencil eraser. As a result, those with jawbone loss may be ineligible for traditional dental implants.

Placing a standard dental implant occurs in multiple stages. Due to their ample size, patients with insufficient jawbone volume or density must undergo a bone grafting procedure. Once the bone has fully healed, the implant can be surgically embedded in the jaw. Over a span of 3 months or longer, the implant will integrate with the jawbone completely. Only after this time has elapsed can the abutment be connected. Once the abutment piece is affixed to the implant, a restoration can be attached.

The complicated, multi-step procedure can be inconvenient, costly, and painful. Fortunately, mini dental implants eliminate these problems while addressing the same oral concern: tooth loss.

What Are Mini Dental Implants?

Unlike a standard implant, a mini implant has a single-piece design. The implant post has a screw on the bottom and a ball connector built into the top. The ball end connects to a restoration using a rubber O-ring. As their name suggests, mini implants are small, measuring half the diameter of a standard implant. Thanks to their narrow width, mini dental implants are suitable for a wide range of patients, even those who have experienced bone loss.

Despite their size, mini dental implants are incredibly strong and versatile. They provide long-lasting support for various dental restorations, including crowns for single-tooth restoration, dental bridges when several teeth are lost, or dentures to replace an entire set of teeth.

Small Size, Big Benefits

Mini dental implants offer numerous benefits due to their size, design, and placement technique.

  • Same-day procedure: Mini implants are known as same-day dental implants because they can be placed in just one visit. They also don’t require bone grafting in most cases. Their single-stage procedure means no more long waits for tooth replacement.
  • Minimally invasive: The patented placement technique that Dr. Fine uses is efficient and minimally invasive. Patients report unexpected comfort during and after the procedure.
  • Instant results: Because mini implants can be immediately loaded with a restoration, Dr. Fine can place the implants in your jaw and mount your crown, bridge, or denture in the same visit. While you may walk into Fine Dental Care with a faulty smile, you will walk out with a beautiful and functional one.
  • Quick healing: The convenience of mini dental implants extends to the recovery period. You won’t have to cancel your weekly plans, as most patients feel comfortable resuming their normal activities in just 24-48 hours.
  • Budget-friendly: Mini dental implants are substantially less expensive than standard implants, often cutting their cost in half.
  • Effective and long-lasting: Made from durable medical-grade titanium, mini dental implants are remarkably long-lasting. And, because they are only made from one piece, there is no opportunity for bacteria to invade the implant and compromise its effectiveness. With a success rate above 95%, mini implants yield high patient satisfaction.

Replacing your teeth is important following tooth loss since the jawbone begins receding almost immediately. By serving the same purpose as tooth roots, mini implants stimulate the jawbone to maintain its long-term health. If you are looking for a tooth replacement solution that improves your oral health and well-being, mini dental implants may be right for you.

The Process

The process for getting mini implants is just as streamlined as the implant design itself:

Consultation

The implant process at Fine Dental Care begins with a consultation with Dr. Fine. As a service to our patients, we provide a FREE implant consultation with a complimentary 3D scan of your mouth. During your consultation, Dr. Fine will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw, review your scan, and determine what your needs are. He will then explain the different implant options that can be used to restore your smile. After considering your needs, goals, preferences, and budget, he will create your personalized treatment plan.

Placement

This restorative procedure is designed to restore the function of your teeth. When your teeth aren’t working properly, efficient solutions are key to regaining your well-being. Thanks to the minimally invasive procedure, you can have new teeth in just one appointment.

To place your implants, Dr. Fine will first administer a local anesthetic at the treatment site. You won’t feel any pain because you are fully numb during the procedure. If you have dental phobia, we can also utilize nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral conscious sedation to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

Then, Dr. Fine will drill a tiny hole in your gums and screw the implant through the hole into your jawbone. Due to his refined skill set, Dr. Fine can place mini implants in a matter of minutes. However, while efficiency is a key feature of mini implant placement, Dr. Fine places a strong emphasis on meticulously evaluating the implants’ positioning and stability. He is a perfectionist, after all.

Once your implants are secure, Dr. Fine will mount the restoration, allowing you to leave the office with a fully functioning smile. If you feel any sensitivity following your procedure, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort. There is now an amazing solution.  A study from over a decade ago shows that most people taking 3 Advil (Motrin, Ibuprofen) and 1 Tylenol is more powerful than opioids and narcotics for pain relief and pain prevention. However, tenderness diminishes rapidly due to the procedure’s minimally invasive nature.

Aftercare

Tooth replacement with mini dental implants allows you to eat all your favorite foods. However, as the bone hardens in the first couple of weeks, we recommend avoiding hard foods or those with little seeds. This precaution ensures you’ll be able to savor your favorite dishes for many years.

Mini implants can replace your teeth for the rest of your life if you care for them properly. While an implant can’t get a cavity, you must maintain a strong oral hygiene routine to prevent gum disease, which can cause implant failure. Preventing gum disease is crucial for extending the life of your implants and preserving the health of your remaining teeth and gums. With consistent brushing, flossing, rinsing, and using a Waterpik, you can maintain optimal oral health.

Financing Options for Mini Implants

Mini dental implants provide an affordable and effective option for those struggling with tooth loss. Still, financial concerns leave some patients hesitating to prioritize their oral health. At Fine Dental Care, we work closely with various insurance providers to help you maximize your benefits. For managing out-of-pocket costs, we offer flexible financing options through third-party companies like CareCredit. Some plans even offer 0% introductory rates. And, with various term lengths, choosing a plan that fits your budget has never been easier.

Renew Your Smile with Mini Dental Implants

Losing even just one tooth can have a profound impact on your well-being. By restoring your smile quickly and effectively, mini dental implants can change your life. Choosing Dr. Fine at Fine Dental Care for your mini dental implants means entrusting your oral health to an experienced and skilled professional who has been placing dental implants for nearly four decades. Dr. Fine’s commitment to patient satisfaction and his mastery of advanced implant techniques ensure you receive the highest quality of care for your tooth replacement needs.

Ready to experience the advantages of mini dental implants? Contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation.