Tooth loss is a universal issue. Everyone experiences it as we lose our baby teeth, but many of us experience it later in life due to accidents, tooth decay, or the natural aging process. In fact, according to the CDC, as recently as 2020, almost 30% of adults in New Jersey aged 65 and older have lost six or more teeth from decay or gum disease. But for a problem so many people face, wouldn’t it be great if there was an efficient, reliable, and affordable way to replace missing teeth? There is, with mini dental implants! Understanding how they work is the key to understanding the cost of mini dental implants and all the benefits they can provide.
Understanding Dental Implants
Traditional dental implants stabilize loose dentures and anchor replacement teeth like crowns and bridges to your jawbone. They also replace missing tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and preventing the deterioration that comes with missing teeth.
The implant comes in two parts, the screw, which we place directly into your jawbone, and the abutment, which connects the restoration to the screw. The screw averages 5 mm in diameter, which is about the width of a pencil eraser. If you’ve already had bone loss in the jaw or naturally have a smaller jawbone, we may need to perform a bone graft before any implant placement can proceed.
Once we place the implant into the jaw, the titanium alloy body needs time to fuse with the bone. This process, called osseointegration, can take three months or more to complete. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until the osseointegration is finished before the implant can support your final, custom teeth. Combining this wait time with the healing timeline for a bone graft could mean half a year or more until you can enjoy your new smile.
The Advantages of Mini Dental Implants
To solve the issues of traditional implants, Dr. Fine prefers to use the sleek, modern innovation of mini dental implants. These smaller, single-piece titanium implants are half the size but just as sturdy. They measure less than 3 mm in diameter, which is about as thick as a toothpick. This smaller profile gives them several advantages over larger implants.
- Instant results: Imagine getting your missing teeth replaced in just a day! With mini implants, you can. Traditional implants require multiple visits and long wait times, but we can load your new teeth immediately after placing your mini implant.
- Less invasive procedure: To place a mini implant, we quickly and painlessly create a small pilot hole with a local anesthetic. No incisions, stitches, or bone grafting are required, and most patients report little to no discomfort afterward.
- Impressive durability: These implants aren’t just small; they’re tough. Made from titanium, they boast a fantastic success rate and will last a lifetime if properly cared for.
- More affordable: Mini implants cost about half as much as traditional implants, making them an option for a wider range of patients.
How Do You Calculate the Cost of Mini Dental Implants?
The cost of replacing teeth or stabilizing dentures with mini dental implants depends on several factors.
- Number of implants and type of procedure: Replacing a single tooth with one implant and a dental crown will cost much less than replacing a full set of teeth with multiple implants.
- Lower manufacturing cost: Mini implants are smaller, single-piece implants that cost less to manufacture than larger, two-piece traditional implants.
- More efficient placement process: You’ve heard the phrase, “time is money,” right? The surgical procedure to place traditional implants can take up to an hour, while Dr. Fine can place mini implants in minutes.
- Fewer follow-up appointments: Because we can attach the restoration during the same procedure we place the implant, there are fewer follow-up appointments, which helps keep costs low.
We understand that the cost of any dental procedure can be a concern. At Fine Dental Care, we’re all about providing high-quality service at an affordable price. At your free implant consultation, we’ll review your insurance plan, helping you get the most out of your benefits. We also partner with multiple lending companies to provide flexible payment plans; some even have a 0% introductory rate. With choices for every budget, you’re sure to find a plan that works for you.
Rediscover Your Smile With Mini Dental Implants
If you’ve been struggling with missing teeth or loose dentures, it’s time for a change. A solution that’s efficient, cost-effective, and long-lasting is here in mini dental implants. Why wait any longer? Book your free implant consultation and learn how mini dental implants from Fine Dental Care could be your best tooth replacement solution.
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