Mini dental implants are a great option for patients who may need to replace missing teeth, but who are not candidates for conventional dental restorations. Some patients do not want the more invasive surgery required for regular dental implants, while others may lack the bone mass required in their jaw to hold regular implants.
Dentists can replace lost teeth in a variety of ways: with bridges, dentures or dental implants. Traditional bridges and dentures are devices that sit on the surface of a patient’s gums. However, dental implants are inserted directly into the jawbone and thus are not removable.
The procedure starts with a periodontist or oral surgeon placing a titanium post (also called an abutment) into the bone of the jaw. In time, usually several months, the jawbone fuses around the abutment. Once the titanium abutment is fused to the bone of the jaw, a small post is attached to the abutment which then acts as an anchor for artificial teeth.
Some patients may prefer dental implants to dentures because they are permanent, and do not shift or slip in the way dentures may sometimes do.
Mini dental implants are very similar to regular implants, but (as the name would suggest) are slightly smaller. Mini implants are composed of two parts: a titanium post with a ball-shaped anchor, and a socket fitted with a rubber O-ring. The socket allows for the artificial tooth to be attached to the post.
Mini dental implants support most types of artificial teeth and do not vary much in this regard from regular dental implants. Mini dental implants are also sometimes used to more permanently secure loose or lower arch dentures affixed to the lower jaw.
Mini dental implants can often be installed by a dentist in one visit. Regular dental implants require a procedure that occurs over several months and requires at least two separate appointments. In some cases, additional bone grafting treatments must be performed before there is sufficient bone volume or density to support the posts of regular dental implants. In some cases, patients are not good candidates for more invasive surgery or have lost too much bone mass in their jaws to receive a full-sized implant. In such cases, mini implants may be the best option.
Mini dental implants require the same sort of care as do natural teeth. Patients are advised to brush twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride and to floss at least once a day. If the gums are still sensitive after the dental implant procedure, use of an extra soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended to minimize discomfort and promote more rapid healing.
Losing one’s natural teeth can be traumatic, and can affect a person’s confidence. Mini dental implants are an immediate solution which allows a patient to speak and eat normally again, without having to wait months for regular dental implants.
Request an appointment here: https://www.poindexterdental.com or call Poindexter Dental, Inc. at (713) 244-5501 for an appointment in our Houston office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Mini Dental Implants in Houston, TX.
Partial dentures are a great way to improve your smile, oral health, and ability to function by replacing missing teeth. It is helpful to have a full understanding of what partial dentures are and why they are often the more preferable treatment solution for patients to decide if treatment is right for you.This review defines…
Being dissatisfied with your teeth can affect your self-esteem and how you present yourself to the world, but fortunately, cosmetic dental services can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. In this guide, we discuss the transformative potential of cosmetic dental services, including teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.A healthy smile is more than just…
Dental bridges can be supported by adjacent natural teeth (traditional fixed bridges) or by dental implants (implant dentistry bridges) on each side of the restoration. It is helpful to understand the differences with each option before making a final decision as to which of the two popular teeth replacement solutions is right for you. Implant…
If you have opted for implant dentistry to replace your missing teeth, you will need to decide on fixed or removable restorations. Read on to learn about implant dentistry and your options. Removable implant-supported restorations can be snapped on and off the abutments anytime there is a need to take off. In contrast, fixed restorations…