Implant Dentistry

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that supports a crown, bridge, or denture. Implants are designed to function like natural teeth, providing a strong foundation for dental restorations.

Dentists recommend dental implants as a solution for missing teeth because they function like natural teeth and prevent bone loss in the area of an extracted or missing tooth. Unlike a bridge, implants do not require work on neighboring teeth, making them a more conservative option for tooth replacement.

The process of getting a single standard implant and crown involves multiple appointments. First, if a tooth needs to be removed, the dentist carefully extracts it. After 8-12 weeks, a 3D panoramic x-ray and mouth scan are taken to create a surgical guide. The implant is then placed, followed by a check on its stability after 2-3 months. Finally, the crown is placed on the implant, completing the procedure in as little as four months.

Implants can also be used to secure bridges or dentures, offering a stable and aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing multiple missing teeth. This approach enhances both function and appearance.

Caring for an implant is similar to caring for a natural tooth. It’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using tools like a waterpik or rubber tip stimulator to prevent inflammation around the implant.

While dental implants are generally successful, they can fail due to peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition that causes bone loss around the implant. If you experience pain or notice that your implant feels loose, contact us immediately for evaluation.

Mini implants are a smaller, one-piece alternative to traditional dental implants, typically with a diameter smaller than 3mm. These implants screw directly into the bone and feature a ball-shaped protrusion on top, which supports crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Mini implants offer several advantages, including being more affordable than standard implants, quicker healing times, and the ability to be placed in thinner bone that may not support a standard implant. They integrate faster into the bone, typically within four months, and the procedure is quick and generally painless.

While mini implants have benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. A 3D CBCT x-ray is often needed to determine candidacy. Patients who have recently had an extraction need to wait 3-4 months before placement unless bone grafting is done. Additionally, individuals who grind their teeth may not be ideal candidates as grinding can damage the implants.