Dental Implants in Long Beach, MS

Losing a tooth might seem like a minor issue initially, but it sets off a chain reaction—like tipping over the first domino in a long row. Once one tooth is gone, the surrounding teeth begin to shift into the empty space. This movement throws off your bite alignment, leading to uneven wear, potential jaw pain, and an increased risk of additional tooth loss. But it doesn’t stop there. Without the stimulation from a tooth root, the jawbone in that area begins to weaken due to lack of use, leading to bone loss over time. This bone loss can alter the shape of your face, causing a sunken or aged appearance. Luckily, the Centre for Smile Designs offers dental implants to stop the domino effect and restore your oral health. If you’re looking for dental implants in Long Beach, MS, we can help.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the most reliable option for replacing missing teeth. Manufacturers make dental implants out of a strong and durable metal called titanium. Medical professionals have used titanium in medical situations since the 1950s, and for good reason. Its biocompatibility allows it to fuse with the jawbone through a natural process called osseointegration.

During this process, new bone tissue develops and bonds with the implant, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with existing bone structure. As a result, the implant post mimics your natural tooth root, creating a strong and stable foundation for false teeth.

Dental implants are also incredibly versatile. They can support a dental crown to replace a single tooth, a dental bridge to restore multiple teeth in a row, or a denture to replace an entire set of teeth.

The Difference Between Traditional Implants and Mini Implants

Traditional and mini dental implants are two types of dental implants, each with unique characteristics and advantages.

The most noticeable difference between the two is size. Traditional implants typically measure around 5 mm in diameter, whereas mini implants are less than 3 mm wide. The compact size of mini implants offers significant advantages. They are ideal for patients who have experienced bone loss since they require less bone for secure placement. This feature makes dental implants accessible to more people. Additionally, their smaller size often eliminates the need for bone grafting.

The smaller size of mini implants allows for a less invasive procedure overall, leading to less pain, a quicker recovery, and a shorter healing time. Plus, you won’t have to worry about as many follow-up visits to our office. For many patients, the convenience of mini dental implants is unparalleled.

Beyond size, traditional and mini implants differ in construction. Traditional implants have three components: the implant post, the abutment, and the restoration. The implant post is inserted in the jawbone, and the abutment is the connector between the post and the final restoration. In contrast, mini implants use a single-unit design, combining the post and abutment. This seamless structure eliminates the micro-gap found in traditional implants, reducing the risk of bacterial buildup and peri-implantitis—an inflammatory condition that can threaten implant success.

While traditional implants remain a popular option, their cost can be a barrier for some patients. Fortunately, mini dental implants provide a more affordable alternative due to their streamlined design and less complex procedure.

Whether you need to replace a single tooth or a full arch, mini implants can restore function and aesthetics. At our practice, Dr. John Hopkins specializes in mini dental implants for those in and near Long Beach, MS, looking for a simple, gentle, and efficient treatment.

Getting Dental Implants in Long Beach, MS

At the Centre for Smile Designs in nearby Gulfport, you’ll begin your tooth replacement journey with a free implant consultation. At this visit, Dr. Hopkins will assess your dental needs and preferences. Using a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, he will create high-resolution 3D images of your mouth, allowing him to examine your teeth, jaws, and surrounding tissues from every angle. If mini dental implants are a suitable option, you’ll schedule your procedure.

When you come in for your implant placement, we’ll administer local anesthesia to numb the area where Dr. Hopkins will place the implants, ensuring you’re as comfortable as possible. Dr. Hopkins will then create a small pilot hole in your jaw. He’ll then gently screw the mini implant into this hole, make sure it’s secure, and then attach your restoration to the post. If you need a more extensive restoration like a bridge or denture, Dr. Hopkins will provide a temporary restoration while your custom teeth are crafted at the dental lab. Rest assured, you won’t have to go without teeth!

Get Dental Implants in Long Beach, MS, Today!

Losing a tooth may seem like just a small inconvenience at first, but it can set off a chain reaction of shifting teeth, bone loss, and long-term oral health issues. Fortunately, mini dental implants offer a simple, effective way to stop this domino effect and restore your smile. With their minimally invasive placement, faster healing time, and affordability, mini implants are a life-changing solution for many patients. At the Centre for Smile Designs in nearby Gulfport, MS, Dr. John Hopkins and his team are dedicated to making the process as seamless as possible.

Don’t let missing teeth impact your confidence or health any longer—schedule a free implant consultation today!