Dental implants are widely recognized as the #1 recommendation to replace missing teeth permanently. Although traditional dental implants and mini dental implants serve the same function, there are important differences to consider.
Traditional dental implants are small titanium posts that function as artificial tooth roots. They’re placed into your jawbone in the space of the missing tooth and are topped with a natural-looking tooth restoration. Once the implant fuses with your jawbone, a tooth restoration is attached to the top of your implant.
Depending on your situation, a dental crown, dental bridge, or implant-supported denture is recommended to top off your implant.
Benefits of traditional dental implants include:
- Prevention of bone loss
- They allow you to talk and chew with ease
- They hold dentures firmly in place
- They’re a permanent solution for tooth replacement
A patient must meet a series of criteria to qualify for dental implants, including adequate jaw bone mass (which you may not have due to genetics or health issues).
The mini dental implant procedure is less invasive than traditional dental implants. In fact, the procedure usually only requires one simple dental appointment. Because the procedure doesn’t require surgical flaps or sutures, patients typically experience less discomfort following this procedure. Because the mini dental implants are so time efficient, the procedure can be done at a fraction of the cost normally associated with traditional dental implants.
Other benefits of mini dental implants include:
- Simple, gentle and non-surgical
- Reduced healing time and fewer followup visits
- More affordable than traditional dental implants
- Preserves bone and facial structure
- Stabilizes dentures or cemented crowns and bridges
- Immediate and permanent results
If you’re missing one or more teeth or have uncomfortable, loose-fitting dentures, dental implant treatments can be restorative and life-changing.
Dr. Sullivan is one of the region’s leading specialists in mini dental implant procedures. To determine if dental implant procedures are right for you, schedule a free consultation with our friendly team. We’re happy to answer any questions that you may have!