Many patients believe that the dental implant process is lengthy. They may hesitate to ask their dentist whether they are good candidates for dental implants because they are worried it will take months to receive them.
At Paramount Dental Arts, we offer an implant option that we can often complete in just one day. Mini dental implants, or MDIs, are fast, convenient, and effective alternatives to traditional single-tooth implants.
About Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants are unique because they are significantly smaller than standard single-tooth implants.
They are an excellent option for patients with smaller areas between teeth and a viable solution for patients who do not have enough bone mass to place a traditional single-tooth implant.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Protect Tooth Alignment
Gaps between teeth often lead to alignment issues. The remaining teeth tend to drift into open spaces, becoming crowded and crossed.
Boost Oral Health
Crooked teeth are significantly more challenging to keep clean, leading to higher rates of tooth decay and gum disease.
Strengthen The Jawbone
A missing tooth leads to jawbone atrophy. Placing a dental implant allows the jawbone to receive regular chewing stimulation to keep it robust.
Complete Your Smile
With dental implants, you can laugh, smile, and eat your favorite foods without problems. You will feel more relaxed and less self-conscious, improving your quality of life.
The Mini Dental Implant Process
Consultation
The first step is meeting your dentist to determine your eligibility for implants. Your dentist will take a series of highly detailed digital images to assess your oral health and bone structure. Based on these results, your dentist will recommend your best implant option.
Surgery
With mini implants, placement surgery is non-invasive and often requires only local anesthesia. Mini dental implant surgery may not require sutures.
First, the dentist makes a small incision in the gum and drills a small opening in the jawbone. Then, they insert the tiny anchor into the opening and secure the gum around the implant if necessary.
With mini dental implants, your dentist can often place the final restoration on the same day as surgery.
Healing
The healing process after mini dental implants is simple compared to single-tooth implants. Minor swelling may last about 48 hours. The jawbone under the gum may be sensitive and uncomfortable for a few weeks to a month. After a month has passed, your implant will feel like a natural tooth.
Keeping Your New Implants Healthy
- Brush and floss as your dentist recommends
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash
- Keep all dental appointments to check the health of your implant
- Avoid hard and sticky foods like hard candy, caramel, and taffy
- Do not chew ice, bite your nails, or chew objects like pens
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How long do mini dental implants last?
Mini dental implants typically last five to ten years. Following the above care guidelines can lengthen their lifespan.
What is the success rate for mini dental implants?
On average, mini dental implants succeed in about 95% of cases.
Call Paramount Dental Arts
If you are interested in receiving dental implants, we have several options to accommodate your needs. Please call our Clifton, NJ, office at 973-777-1772 to schedule a consultation and learn more about our dental implant procedures.