69% of adults in the United States have lost at least one tooth by the time they’re 44 years old. Losing a tooth or multiple teeth is a significant event that’s caused by a variety of issues. If you have missing teeth, there are permanent ways to replace them.
Dental implants are an option for those suffering from tooth loss. It’s the preferred method for dentists when dealing with patients who have missing teeth.
Another option is mini dental implants, but how do those differ from dental implants? This guide will cover everything you need to know about both procedures and why dental implants are the way to go.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a recent innovation but are one of the most popular procedures to replace missing teeth. The implants are made from small titanium rods. They’re then surgically inserted into a patient’s jawbone.
The post adheres to the socket of your missing tooth. The jaw bone will then grow back around the dental implant, securely holding it to the jaw. This process is called fusion or osseointegration.
The process of the jaw bone growing back takes around three to six months. A small post is then attached to the implant. The artificial teeth then adhere to the post.
Depending upon your needs, there are a variety of types of implants you can get. If you’re missing one tooth, you can get a single tooth implant.
An implant-supported bridge replaces sections where you have multiple missing teeth. The artificial teeth get supported by more than one implant. How many implants you need will be discussed between you and your dentist during your consultation.
Benefits of Dental Implants
While higher in cost than other alternatives, dental implants will last a lifetime. They overall have a higher success rate and are considered the premier permanent tooth replacement solution. The materials used are biocompatible, which means your body won’t reject them.
Additionally, they’ll help prevent any bone loss from occurring in your jaw. When there’s a tooth missing, the jaw bone is exposed and will deteriorate due to no stimulation.
A dental implant replaces not only your tooth but the root as well. The implant provides stimulation for your jaw bone to start growing back.
Dental implants also keep nearby teeth stable. The space caused by a missing tooth can result in your adjacent teeth starting to shift toward the gap. This can negatively affect how you chew and the appearance of your smile.
Who’s a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you have broken, decayed, or missing teeth, you’re a candidate for dental implants. Like we mentioned before, you will need to have adequate jaw bone mass for this option.
What Are Mini Dental Implants?
A mini dental implant is a smaller version of a traditional dental implant. To be a candidate for a dental implant, you need to have adequate bone in your jaw. However, tooth loss can also result in bone loss.
With a mini implant, you won’t need to have a bone graft in your jaw bone. The healing time for a bone graft can sometimes last up to a year.
A mini dental implant has a small titanium rod that’s about the thickness of a toothpick. The rod has a tiny ball on the exposed end instead of being capped with the post. The elastic O-rings use this ball as an anchor in order to attach the teeth to the implant.
Benefits of Mini Implants
Mini implants are an excellent option for those who have lost bone mass in their jaw. You’ll avoid needing to have a bone graft, which will increase your healing time.
Since mini implants are smaller, they are able to fit into smaller parts of your mouth. They’re ideal for missing smaller teeth.
Since the implants are smaller, the surgery isn’t as invasive. You’ll also need less downtime.
Mini dental implants can also be used to stabilize dentures. Traditional dentures can become loose and slide around. Mini dental implants will prevent that from happening.
Who Is a Candidate for Mini Dental Implants?
If you’ve suffered from bone loss in your jaw, you might want to explore mini dental implants. However, discuss all of your options with your dentist.
What’s the Difference Between Dental Implants and Mini Dental Implants?
As we mentioned before, you need to have a good amount of jaw bone mass for dental implants. Mini dental implants don’t require as much bone mass and are an excellent way to replace missing teeth without opting for dentures.
Mini implants are also smaller in size than dental implants. A regular dental implant is about 3.4-5.8 millimeters in diameter. Since mini implants are smaller, they can be used to replace smaller teeth.
Since they are about half the size of a regular implant, your dentist will use two mini implants in areas where one dental implant is needed. As a result, more stress gets put on your jawbone due to the different weight distribution. Dental implants have a longer lifespan because of this.
Since regular implants can last a lifetime, your need for future repairs and additional repairs is minimized. Even though mini implants cost less than dental implants, many patients get plagued with long-term issues.
A qualified dentist in the Buffalo area will evaluate you and address your specific concerns. Dental implants are the ideal solution for replacing missing teeth and giving you a smile you love.
Contact Rosenberg Dental to Learn More About Dental Implants
You don’t need to suffer from missing teeth. Boost your self-confidence and improve your life by getting a permanent tooth replacement with Rosenberg Dental.
Contact our office today to learn more about if you’re a candidate for dental implants.
