Do you remember watching the old Looney Tunes or Tom and Jerry shows? Far too often, it seemed, a character would get hit in the face with a frying pan or a giant mallet. What would happen to their teeth? They’d fall out, one by one, with the sound of broken glass accompanying their precarious fall. As we age, the same thing essentially happens to our teeth—minus the giant mallet, that is. Our teeth tend to fall out one by one until we’re left with nothing but an empty set of gums. Among Americans over 65, approximately 26% have eight or fewer teeth, and 1 in 6 have no remaining teeth! The good thing is, no matter what your age, mini dental implants can quickly and effectively replace any number of missing teeth.
The Hard Truth About Missing Teeth
Missing teeth aren’t just a cosmetic issue; they can lead to various oral health problems that affect your overall well-being. When you have gaps in your mouth, the remaining teeth can shift into empty spaces, resulting in misalignment that complicates chewing and cleaning. Because proper cleaning is more difficult, this misalignment can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Missing teeth can also lead to bone loss in the jaw, where the tooth root used to be. This deterioration will alter the shape of your face over time, affecting your appearance and oral function.
The consequences of missing teeth extend beyond the physical to your emotional health. Many edentulous patients experience a loss of self-esteem and confidence, feeling self-conscious about their smiles in social and professional settings. This can lead to social withdrawal or hesitancy in conversations, affecting personal and work relationships. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a versatile and effective solution to replace missing teeth in dental implants.
Dental Implants vs. Mini Implants
There are two types of dental implants—the standard traditional implants, and mini dental implants. The standard dental implants, which measure about 5 mm thick, use a screw about as wide as a pencil eraser and an abutment piece. If you’ve experienced jawbone loss, these larger implements might not be an option due to their size. Their placement involves multiple stages, often a bone graft procedure, and requires patients to wait 3-6 months before they can accept their final custom restoration.
But mini dental implants solve all those problems without sacrificing efficiency or durability. At less than half the diameter of larger implants, they can be placed without surgical incisions and stitches. This means less invasiveness, less pain, and less time in the dentist’s chair. Mini implants can be placed and loaded with their final restoration in just one visit. They can be used immediately afterward, making the months of healing that traditional implants require to feel like an eternity in comparison.
Why Choose Mini Dental Implants?
A faster placement procedure isn’t the only benefit that mini dental implants bring to the table. Compared to traditional implants, they are:
- Simplified process: Choosing mini implants allows you to walk in for your appointment and walk out with new teeth on the same day. Traditional implants require extra appointments, which means extra scheduling, extra payments, and extra stress.
- Less painful: The placement technique for mini dental implants is efficient and minimally invasive, so many patients are pleasantly surprised at their comfort levels during and after the procedure. The mild discomfort you feel afterward should be gone within 24-28 hours.
- Built to last: With mini implants, durability isn’t compromised by size. Made from a strong titanium alloy and with teeth carved from zirconia, these implants are just as durable, if not more so, than conventional implants.
- More affordable: Remember the advantage of “easier placement, fewer appointments”? That reduction in time and office visits makes mini dental implants more affordable than standard ones, often halving the cost.
Whether it’s with a dental crown, an implant-supported bridge, or a complete set of implant dentures, mini implants address the concern of missing teeth, giving you back not just your smile but also peace of mind.
Financial Considerations
While mini implants are more cost-effective than many other dental restorations, we understand that costs can still be a concern. When you come in for your free consultation, our experienced staff will work with your dental insurance company to ensure you get the most out of your coverage. We also partner with several financing companies and can help you find a payment plan to fit your budget.
Fix Your Missing Teeth With Implants Today
If missing teeth have been a cause of distress, it’s time for a change. Dr. Fine, and his vast experience with mini dental implants, is ready to provide the best possible treatment. Schedule your free consultation, and let’s discuss how mini dental implants can be your pathway to restored confidence and oral functionality.