Dental Implants

Dental implants are the best choice when replacing missing teeth, although there are several options.  Sometimes only one missing tooth needs to be replaced and all that is needed is one implant with an implant crown fitted onto it.  Other patients, possibly for added retention, decide to anchor an implant/crown onto one of their natural teeth.  Many of our patients have loose fitting dentures and choose implants that are fitted into housing in the denture to help with stabilization.  For whatever reason, dental implants are the best choice because they provide wonderful benefits when replacing missing teeth.

Mini Dental Implants 

Here at Hope Dental, we use Mini Dental Implants.  These dental implants slightly are smaller in diameter, allowing us to place them directly into the jaw – thereby eliminating the need for surgery.  Most root form implants require cutting a flap in the gum that allows the provider to make a whole in the jawbone.  A healing period of 3-6 months is required.  The patient is then brought back and, if all is well, the crown is fabricated and eventually cemented on.  We use Mini Dental Implants because Dr. Ras is able to insert the slightly smaller in diameter implant directly into the bone.  At that same appointment an impression is taken and within two weeks, the implant crown is cemented in place. One of the most common use for MDIs is the stabilization of dentures. MDIs are firm anchors that provide plenty of retention, which means there is no longer any need to suffer with ill-fitting, loose dentures. An MDI is a smaller dental implant (similar to a screw) that is designed to replace the natural tooth root.  MDIs are generally constructed from titanium because of it’s bio-compatibility.  The design and structure of MDIs also make these dental implants a great choice for replacing missing teeth because it promotes quick healing and long lasting results. The head portion of the implant looks very much like a ball. This ball fits firmly into the housing and together these structures hold the dentures at a designated level. The dentures sit comfortably on the gum tissue and are able to withstand significant amounts of pressure and natural force.

What are the advantages of MDIs?

MDIs are a  breakthrough for people with missing teeth and for denture wearers.  One significant advantage MDIs have over root form implants is that they offer a viable treatment choice for patients looking for the least invasive, most cost effective treatment to replace missing teeth.  Depending on the quality and density of jawbone available at the implant site, several of these mini implants may be implanted at one time. Unlike root form implants, MDIs don’t require invasive surgery, which makes MDIs a gentler option.  Root form implants can be more expensive to place because the treatment typically requires minor surgery of the gums and a 4-6 month healing period resulting in more visits.

Here are some of the other advantages of MDIs for dentures:

• Denture stability.
• No slipping of dentures when eating or speaking.
• No denture adhesives.
• Clearer speech.
• Easier chewing and biting.
• Easier cleaning.
• Better fitting denture.
• Higher success rate.
• No food under denture.
• Less invasive procedure.
• Most cost effective choice.
• Quick treatment time.
• Most natural retention.

If you are missing teeth or if you are suffering from a loose denture, choose dental implants and change your smile today!