If you need to replace missing teeth, then you should know that Dr. Walter Mick offers several options. Dental implants are often considered the gold standard because they most closely replicate the structure and performance of a natural tooth. For some patients, however, traditional dental implants are not feasible. They may need the implant in a small place where an implant won’t fit, or they may not have sufficient jawbone mass. In either case, there are mini dental implants in Reynoldsburg, OH. Let Dr. Mick examine your oral health to see if these smaller implants might be right for you.
What do we mean when we talk about mini dental implants (MDI)? With small implants, there is a smaller diameter post that does not require traditional oral surgery. Standard implants have titanium posts that must be surgically embedded in your jaw. Then the bone and implant need time to fuse in order to secure the post.
With mini-implants, on the other hand, the anchors are positioned in one non-invasive treatment and the MDI will be able to firmly hold your dentures in place.
Mini implants range in size from approximately 2 mm to 3mm in diameter. This small size is what makes the procedure less invasive, which can be a game changer for patients that are fearful of oral surgery. Four implants can be placed at one time for a quicker treatment and a shorter recovery time.
In addition, for people with decreased bone density, mini-implants may be the perfect option because they eliminate the need for bone graft surgery. Thus, there is a shorter recovery time and you can be fitted for dentures at the same appointment.
Like traditional implants, the mini-implant acts like a tooth root, so it is securely held in place. But unlike a traditional implant, the head of this one looks like a very small ball that fits into the special mechanism that runs along the underside of dentures. Held firmly in place, dentures will fit comfortably on top of your gums and be able to withstand the pressures of chewing and biting.
For many people, mini-implants are a more convenient and affordable means of reversing the troubles that come along with tooth loss or ill-fitting dentures. They are most often used along the lower jaw to secure a denture, but they can be used just about anywhere and are especially good in tight places.
With MDI, you’ll be able to speak and eat with confidence. You’ll also have a healthier mouth because there will be fewer bacteria trapped under your dentures.
If you’d like to learn more about mini dental implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mick. He can evaluate your oral health and help you decide if these implants are the best way to restore your smile.