Missing teeth or loose dentures can limit what you eat, speak, and smile. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, over 3 million Americans per year decide to fix their tooth loss problems with dental implants. At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, Dr. Zirakian specializes in mini dental implants. While traditional dental implants have helped patients restore their smiles, mini implants are a more accessible, cost-effective, and efficient solution. This breakthrough in dental technology can help you quickly regain the full, confident smile you once had.
Understanding Mini Implants
Mini dental implants are smaller versions of standard dental implants. Instead of a large titanium post and an additional connector, mini implants are a slim, single-piece design that screws into your jawbone. Traditional implants average 5 mm wide, while minis are less than 3 mm wide—that’s roughly the size of a toothpick. This makes mini implants ideal for those with less bone density, a common issue after tooth loss.
Why Consider Mini Implants?
There are many advantages that mini implants have over traditional implants:
- Suitability: Conventional implants often require
bone grafts due to the space they take up in the jawbone. If a patient has insufficient jawbone volume, they need to undergo a bone grafting operation or are deemed ineligible for implants. If you have ever been told you were not a good candidate for traditional implants, mini implants are a great alternative with equivalent success rates. - Saves time and money: Placing mini implants is a much simpler procedure, meaning you’ll spend less time in the dental chair. And, less complexity means reduced costs. These implants are typically half the price of their traditional counterparts.
- Less invasive: Because no big incisions are made when placing mini implants, you’ll heal much faster than you might have thought possible. You can expect less discomfort and less downtime, allowing you to get back to your normal routines quickly.
- Stability and versatility: No more worrying about dentures slipping while talking or eating. Mini implants firmly anchor your dentures in place. They also form the foundation for artificial crowns and bridges. Whether you have lost one tooth, many teeth, or all your teeth, mini dental implants can help.
While mini dental implants are more affordable than conventional alternatives, we realize that cost is still an important factor in choosing a tooth replacement solution. To make your preferred treatment fit with your budget, we’ve partnered with multiple financing companies to offer various payment plans. These plans allow you to pay for your procedure in manageable monthly installments. And if you’re worried about working through the complexities of dental insurance, our team will help you understand your coverage and coordinate with your insurance company.
The Procedure: No Stress, Just Results
After you’ve decided that mini implants are right for you, our process is straightforward and typically requires just one visit for implant placement. You can expect the following steps:
- A precision digital X-ray helps Dr. Zirakian determine exactly where to place the implants in your jawbone.
- On the day of your procedure, we will numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
- A tiny, pin-hole incision is made, and the implants are securely placed in your jawbone.
- Your replacement tooth or teeth are attached to the implants.
- With your new implants in place, you can smile proudly and eat comfortably.
Post-procedure, you might experience some minor discomfort, but that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Stick to soft foods for a couple of days, and you’ll be back to your routine in no time.
Maintaining Your Mini Implants
The care routine for mini implants is simple! Just like your natural teeth, regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups keep them in top shape. If you’ve got developed habits like nail-biting or ice-chewing, it might be time to kick them, as these behaviors can compromise the health of your natural teeth, implants, and restoration.
Ready for a Change? Let’s Talk!
Imagine enjoying your favorite foods again, speaking without hesitation, and flashing a bright, confident smile. That’s what mini implants offer.
Trusting Dr. Zirakian and the seasoned team at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center means you’re in experienced hands. So, why wait to restore your bite and regain a confident smile? Schedule your free consultation today, and let us introduce you to the transformative power of mini implants.
