Broken Tooth Repair

Mini Dental Implants: A Less Invasive Option?

All dental implants are not the same. Depending on how big the implant itself is, it will be classified as either a standard dental implant or a mini dental implant (sometimes called a denture implant).

Regardless of size, they are all titanium implants that fuse to the patient's jawbone and form the base for replacement teeth.

Two out of three dentists offer dental implant therapy, found a recent survey. One out of five think that regular dental implants are always better than mini dental implants.

However, the majority of dentists think mini tooth implants are good for a variety of patients.

A mini implant is smaller and thinner than a regular dental implant. In addition, mini tooth implants are also considerably more affordable. The mini dental implant surgery is also less invasive, takes less time, and heals faster.

"Mini implants have worked very well for my patients because of their low cost and immediate loading," said one dentist. One way dental implant dentists and prosthodontists use mini implants is to help denture patients.

When a patient's dentures don't stay put, the lower denture can be stabilized with mini dental implants; this is known as denture stabilization. The bottom denture will then snap onto the implants, offering better support and retention.

Mini dental implant surgery can appeal to patients since mini dental implants cost less. "They make dental implants affordable for many," declared one dentist.

"There is seldom an occasion anymore when I can't replace traditional implants therapy with minis," raved another. "I'm so thankful I can now offer a less expensive alternative that still brings a lot of joy to those patients that receive them."

Mini dental implant therapy works well for some patients, but it is not for everybody. "Mini implants are good for patients who don't want or can tolerate regular implants, but failure rates are higher with these minis," said an Arizona dentist.

A patient's dental implant dentist or prosthodontist can help determine the best course of action.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Teeth Implants, Close Up and Natural - Is Implant Dentistry for You?

Teeth implants are a tooth replacement therapy offering natural-looking options for patients. Dental implants anchor artificial or prosthetic teeth into the jawbone. Their performance is nearly equal to natural teeth, providing a secure and comfortable fit, a natural appearance, and a big dose of confidence for people of all ages.

A tooth implant duplicates the tooth's structure. Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone is made of titanium. This metal does well in the body and rarely causes any reaction in patients. It is the same material that is used in knee and hip replacements.

• The implant is cylindrical in shape, resembling a screw, and may even have a thread-like surface. They're uniquely designed with small holes at the outside surfaces for a very good reason. Like the roots of natural teeth, tooth implants stimulate bone growth. It even fools Mother Nature! Over time, the bone tissue actually grows into the small holes, securing the implant.
• The abutment rests over the metal implant. It's a small piece of metal whose purpose is to connect the prosthesis to the tooth implant.
• The prosthesis is the replacement tooth, a natural-looking crown or bridge (if there are multiple teeth missing). A prosthesis that's used to replace a complete set of teeth can be either fixed or removable. A removable prosthesis can be taken out for easy cleaning; a fixed one can only be removed by the dentist, but usually offers better reliability for chewing.

How Do These Different Teeth Implants Parts Work Together?

Since the tooth implant duplicates the tooth's structure, each part contributes to a natural-like functioning of the teeth. Whether replacing one or more teeth, the process of repair is the same. The teeth implants insertion procedure involves three main steps:

1. The first is the surgical insertion of the metal implants.
2. This is followed by a second surgery, about three to six months later, to insert the abutment.
3. The third step, usually two to four weeks later, is custom-making the prosthesis and attaching it to the abutment. There are typically several adjustments needed until the prosthesis is attached to the abutments.

Once the prosthesis comfortably fits, your future is secure. You'll enjoy comfort, confidence, and security in meeting the world and smiling in a whole new way with your new teeth implants.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.