Dental Implants in Gulfport, MS
Are your missing teeth making you struggle to enjoy your favorite foods because your dentures shift or fall out? Is your speech affected because your denture adhesive isn’t working as well as it should? You’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in six adults over 65 are missing all of their teeth.
Mini dental implants are FDA-approved medical devices that offer patients a long-lasting and effective way to replace missing teeth or stabilize dentures. After placement, there should be little to no discomfort, and you can begin enjoying food again.
John Hopkins, DDS, uses the latest technology, including CBCT X-rays, for restorative procedures like mini dental implants. This technology supports better diagnosis and less invasive treatments. Contact the Centre for Smile Designs today to schedule a mini dental implant consultation with Dr. Hopkins.
Minimally Invasive Alternative to Dental Implants
Mini dental implants work similarly to traditional implants but are smaller in diameter to accommodate less bone structure. Conventional implant posts are 3.75 millimeters in diameter, but their smaller counterparts range between 1.8 and 3 millimeters. Thus, the smallest implants are approximately half the size of standard dental implants.
In addition, mini dental implants have a simplified design. Traditional dental implants have two pieces: a post and an abutment that is attached to it. The artificial tooth or denture attaches to the abutment.
In contrast, mini dental implants have a single post with a ball at one end and a rubber O-ring that secures the replacement teeth in your mouth.
Their smaller size enables Dr. Hopkins to place mini dental implants in patients with shallow or weak jawbone tissue. The procedure to place them is much less invasive than conventional dental implants.
Who Can Get Mini Dental Implants?
Conventional dental implants require more bone depth, strength, and density to support the metal post successfully. Unfortunately, some patients lose bone density when they have missing teeth.
Generally, larger implants require a minimum of 6 millimeters of bone width, so those who have experienced bone deterioration might not meet the requirements.
For many people with bone loss, mini dental implants are an ideal solution. Dr. Hopkins might also recommend them for:
- Cost-effective tooth replacement for those on a budget
- Tooth replacement for those reluctant to have traditional implant surgery
- More secure retention for dentures
Mini dental implants are natural looking and can provide you with a tooth replacement for many years.
Benefits of Mini Implants Compared to Traditional Dental Implants
Like any dental procedure, mini dental implants have their benefits and drawbacks. However, for most patients, the pros far outweigh the cons.
Promote Jawbone Health
When mini dental implants are inserted, they stimulate the jawbone and promote a healthy bone structure. These metal posts can also prevent patients from developing the appearance of a sunken face, which often happens to those who choose dentures for long-term tooth replacement.
Resemble Natural Teeth
Mini dental implants mimic a natural tooth in appearance and performance. Because of this benefit, more patients are investing in these tooth replacement options. They improve your mouth’s function and enhance your smile.
Only One Visit Required
Because of their smaller size, the surgery can be completed in a single visit to the Centre for Smile Designs. This factor makes the process faster and easier compared to traditional dental implants.
A Permanent Tooth Replacement Solution
Mini dental implants are not temporary. When you practice proper home care and keep your routine appointments with Dr. Hopkins, you can expect them to last for years.
No Bone Grafting Required
Smaller implants are more convenient for patients with less jawbone tissue. Most patients do not need an additional bone grafting procedure, which will save you money.
Lower Costs than Traditional Dental Implants
Mini dental implants cost significantly less than regular dental implants, making them more appealing to many patients.
Drawbacks of Mini Dental Implants
If you grind your teeth, dental implants may not be a good choice for you. When this problem is unresolved, the new teeth will wear down, and the metal posts can become damaged.
If your mini dental implants support a denture, they will have rubber O-rings that fit around the balls on the metal post. These rings can wear out and become loose, requiring you to replace them. Frequently taking your dentures out can lead to more frequent replacement of the O-rings.
Because of their size, two mini dental implants may be required in places where a single conventional implant would work. In some cases, standard dental implants might have a longer life span because they can distribute weight more evenly, taking stress off the jawbone. They also provide a larger surface area and a stronger chewing force.
The Cost of Mini Dental Implants Explained
Many patients already know that dental implants are a significant investment. One conventional implant can cost over one thousand dollars, but not mini dental implants. However, the cost varies between patients because every case is different.
Some factors that contribute to the cost of mini implants include:
- Other dental treatments that must be completed before implant placement
- The type of restoration being used for the artificial teeth or tooth
- The size of the post
Mini dental implants don’t require bone grafting, further reducing the cost of the procedure.
Your mini dental implant cost includes the local anesthetic administered to numb the area, the metal post, and the permanent restoration.
How Long Do Mini Dental Implants Last?
Your mini dental implants are considered to be a permanent restoration and should have a long life span. How long your implants last depend on several factors:
- Oral hygiene routine
- Untreated gum disease
- Tobacco use
- Excessive drug and alcohol use
- Medical conditions like osteoporosis
The smaller implant posts have a strong chewing and biting pressure tolerance, although they are not quite as strong as standard dental implants.
Trust the Centre for Smile Designs to Restore Your Missing Teeth
Dr. Hopkins has over 40 years of experience treating patients and families like yours. Trust our team to deliver exceptional patient care and meet your oral health needs.
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