Mini Dental Implants in Countryside, IL
In the United States, 120 million people have at least one missing tooth, while more than 36 million do not have any teeth at all. One of the options available for people who are missing teeth and want to regain their bite without having to resort to dentures is to get dental implants. At Hope Dental, we’re proud to offer mini dental implants to give you your smile back.
What Are Mini Dental Implants?
Dental implants are devices that function as natural teeth and get affixed right into your jaw.
Mini dental implants function like other dental implants but are much smaller. They have fewer parts, including a titanium post that works as a tooth root and O-rings on which we place the false tooth. Their smaller size makes them less complicated to install while also shortening patient recovery time.
The right candidates for mini dental implants are people:
- With missing teeth
- In good overall health
- Seeking fast treatment
- Ineligible for traditional implants
Some people are not good candidates for mini dental implants, including those who have:
- Diabetes
- Periodontitis
- Bone diseases
- Vascular diseases
- Blood clotting issues
Mini dental implants do not require as much jawbone density as traditional implants, but they still require some. If you have suffered significant bone loss, you may not be able to get the procedure.
Benefits of Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants are much smaller, so the process of fixing them in place is not as complex. We do not have to make the incisions into your gums that we would need for standard implants, and we also do not need to drill right into your jaw to get them in position.
Not only does it make the process faster for us to perform, but it also reduces your recovery time.
Mini dental implants require less jawbone density. If you have suffered some bone loss in your jaw, you would need to get a bone graft for a standard dental implant procedure. A bone graft can take months to heal, delaying your implant procedure.
With a mini implant, bone grafting isn’t necessary. Because the implants are so small, we can put them in place in tight areas of your mouth as well as in areas where you do not have as much bone density.
Mini implants also tend to cost less than traditional implants, making them the right option for those who need to replace multiple teeth.
Mini dental implants can help prevent facial collapse as well by stopping the kind of bone loss that can occur when you remove a tooth. The roots of your teeth stimulate your jawbone, allowing bone cells to continue growing, but after a tooth extraction or loss, this stimulation disappears.
To prevent your jawbone from breaking down and changing the way your face looks, the titanium posts in mini dental implants work just as your tooth roots do.
The entire process of placing mini dental implants is faster than that of traditional implants. Traditional implants require multiple visits because false teeth cannot go onto traditional dental implant screws before your jaw and gums heal. With mini implants, we can usually place the false teeth on the mini implants on the same day.
Unlike dentures, you do not have to worry about mini dental implants coming loose when you speak or eat. You also do not have to deal with adhesives or removing dentures before going to sleep.
Mini dental implants can also help stabilize dentures if you need to replace many teeth at the same time. The dentures can snap into place using the implants.
Preparing for Mini Dental Implants
If you have missing teeth and want to find out whether mini dental implants are the right treatment option, schedule a free consultation with us.
At this consultation, we will assess your oral health to ensure that you’re a good candidate for mini dental implants. We might need to take X-rays to see the condition of your jawbone and determine the exact location for the implant.
We will also need to know about any medications you take or health conditions you may have. You have the chance to ask questions as well. If you have dental anxiety, let us know so that we can offer sedation options.
One of the most common concerns people have about getting mini dental implants is the cost of the procedure. At Hope Dental, we will always give you a clear breakdown of all costs and offer payment options, including third-party financing.
The Mini Dental Implants Procedure
We begin by applying a local anesthetic to numb the gums and jaw. If you request sedation options, we will ask you to come to the appointment a bit earlier to allow the sedatives to take effect.
After the anesthetic, we drill a small hole into your gum, into which we insert the titanium post. Using special instruments, we tighten the post into place.
We then attach the false tooth to the post using the O-rings that allow it to snap into place. Because we do not have to cut into the gumline, there’s no need for sutures.
The procedure usually lasts about an hour.
Caring for Mini Dental Implants
After the procedure, you want to avoid hard or sticky foods for a few days. If you feel any discomfort, you can use over-the-counter painkillers and ice packs. Most people can return to their normal activities within a day or two.
Caring for mini dental implants is almost the same as caring for your natural teeth.
You want to brush them at least twice a day as well as floss them daily to remove any food particles that may attract bacteria. Use a soft-bristled brush and avoid abrasive toothpaste options. You also want to use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Once the area around the mini dental implant has healed, you don’t have to worry about any food restrictions. You can enjoy all the things you love to eat, even corn on the cob and steak.
If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about getting a mouthguard. Putting a lot of pressure on your implants can damage them.
If you take care of your mini dental implants, they can last for years. To prevent damage and the need for replacing the implants, you should schedule regular checkups with us.
Get Mini Dental Implants
If you have missing teeth and want to regain your smile along with the full use of your bite, mini dental implants can help. They do not require a complex procedure, which allows you to get back to your daily life quickly.
At Hope Dental in Cook County, IL, Dr. Russell Ras has over 30 years of experience helping people who have lost teeth or have other dental concerns they want to address. With his state-of-the-art facilities and dedication to offering the latest treatments to all his patients, Dr. Ras is one of the leading experts in the area.
Don’t hesitate to contact Hope Dental today to book a free consultation.
Questions & Answers
Dental implants are a solution for many but having enough healthy bone to support your implants is a key factor. If your jaw has become worn and thin over the years, a bone graft may be necessary before an implant procedure can be executed. Book your consultation with Dr. Ras to see if dental implants are right for you.
Dr. Ras completes all of his procedures with his expertise and leading dental technology. This allows for precision and as little discomfort as possible. With proper aftercare, you can expect minimal swelling and almost no bleeding. You can count on our team to help you every step of the way, including with your after care.
Absolutely! Dental implants are practically indistinguishable from natural teeth and will leave you feeling confident and comfortable with your new and improved smile.
It is important to care for your implants the same way you would your natural teeth. Make sure to continue brushing, flossing, and attending your regular checkups.
The cost of your dental implants will depend on the custom solution that is right for you. After your first consultation, our treatment coordinator will provide you with a quote.
Dental implants are a covered procedure by most dental insurance companies, but we advise you to contact your insurance provider to find out what your plan covers.
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