Mini Dental Implants

Dental implants are not out of your reach now that you’ve found the dental team at Albany County Dental Associates. They’re committed to affordable dentistry  practices that support your ultimate well-being. Implants are the ideal choice for replacing missing teeth for a number of reasons. And mini dental implants can serve people who have small teeth, a narrow space that needs to be completed or front teeth or premolars that need replacing. Learn how they might work for you.

Tooth loss impacts nearly 15 million Americans; close to five million Americans lose their teeth because of sports-related injuries every year. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) reports that dentists place up to 300,000 dental implants  annually, and the demand for implants around the globe grows each day.

According to the AAOMS:  “More and more people are getting dental implants to replace missing teeth. They’re a long-term solution that’s imbedded in your jawbone, just like your natural teeth. Plus, unlike fixed bridges or removable dentures, dental implants will not affect neighboring healthy teeth or lead to bone loss in the jaw. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.”

Mini dental implants are the latest innovation in the restorative dentistry world. One of the best things about them is that you get the same results from the mini dental implants that you get from traditional dental implants. Consult with your dentist at Albany County Dental Associates find out whether mini implants are viable for your teeth.

Mini Implants vs. Regular Implants

Implants include titanium screws that go deep into your gums and jaw bone. This offers stability and strength to withstand your biting and chewing motions. But often your bone and gum health aren’t ideal for regular implants. Or perhaps the location where you need the implants is inconvenient or hard to reach for your dentist.

Mini dental implants are considerably smaller in size versus regular implants. They’re about 2.0 to 3.5mm in diameter, unlike the 3.5 to 6.0mm size of regular implants. This means that with mini implants, you have to go a little further into the gums and bone to secure them. This makes them perfect for small teeth or for replacing your front teeth or premolars.

Advantages of Mini Dental Implants

Phobia of dentists is called dentophobia; it affects about 40 million people, according to Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Most people shun long-term dental treatments because of this fear. As a result, many who would benefit from traditional implants don’t get them because the process can take as long as six to nine months.

With the mini version, however, you only need to undergo one surgery. It takes just one or two hours, and recovery is complete within 48 hours. You can get your crowns or mini implant dentures in a much shorter time, too. When you rely on the cosmetic dentists  at Albany Dental, they take care of your mental state as much as your physical well-being.

Getting the Treatment for Minis

The process begins with a thorough examination of your teeth, bones and gums. Bone density is vital for getting your new teeth, especially for mini implant dentures. It’s unlikely you’ll need a bone graft when you get mini implants.

Mini dental implants don’t need as much preliminary preparation as regular implants require. You can get the entire treatment in one sitting, without the need of sutures. You may be sent home with temporary teeth that day. If you continue to feel anxious or are very sensitive, talk to your dentist about the latest techniques in sedation dentistry.

How the Implants Work

Just because the implants are mini doesn’t mean they can’t sustain crowns, bridges or even mini implant dentures. The whole technique relies on minimizing pressure on your jaw bone and gums while you bite or chew, especially if your bones are already fragile.

Titanium metal is pro-human, which means there is hardly any rejection of the material. And best of all, whether you choose mini or regular implants, both help preserve the bone mass of your jaw and stimulate additional growth.

Aftercare for Mini Implants

Whether you get mini, same day  or regular implants, all need proper oral care. According to Authority Dental: The lifespan of mini implants varies, depending on a number of factors, which include:

• Osteoporosis or other bone diseases
• Smoking
• Lack of implant care
• Alcohol or substance abuse

Your dentist gives you in-depth instructions on how to correctly brush your teeth, preferably with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Flossing is a necessity to remove food particles and bacteria between your implants, as well as in the spaces between the natural teeth you have left.

And you need to maintain regular, professional dental cleanings and checkups. Your dentist can quickly remedy any problems and keep your implants in pristine condition. Losing your teeth doesn’t have to be the end of life as you know it — implants give you back the control to eat, laugh and talk as you had before tooth loss.