Mini Dental Implants in Lake City, FL

Tooth loss is a problem that affects many Americans, and it’s something that worsens as we age. In fact, 1 out of every 4 adults age 65 and older have 8 or fewer remaining teeth, and 1 in 6 have lost all of their teeth. Missing teeth can affect your life in many ways. You may struggle to eat certain foods, experience oral health issues, or feel embarrassed about the gaps in your smile. At Aspire Dental Group, we offer superior tooth replacement solutions due to the benefits offered by mini dental implants.

These innovative implants can replace any number of missing teeth, helping patients regain their chewing and speaking functionality to achieve better oral health. They also provide a boost of confidence thanks to their unparalleled stability, as well as their natural look and feel. Mini implants have a number of advantages over traditional dental implants, which allow them to provide consistently better results.

Understanding Dental Implants

Mini dental implants and traditional dental implants share the same goal—to replace missing tooth roots and provide a stable base for a crown, bridge, or implant denture. This allows both implant options to give a much more stable and secure solution than traditional dentures or bridges were able to offer.

To fully appreciate the benefits of mini implants, it’s important to understand where they differ from their older, larger predecessor. Traditional dental implants consist of a screw averaging about 5 millimeters in diameter that connects to a separate abutment, or connecting element.

The conventional implant procedure unfolds in multiple stages. Because older implants are larger, patients with an insufficient jawbone must undergo a bone grafting procedure before the implants are placed.

After the bone has fully healed from the bone graft, the implants are surgically embedded in the jawbone. The patient then waits 3 months, or longer, for the implant to fully fuse with the jaw. Finally, after all these steps, the abutment is connected to the implant, and the artificial tooth is attached.

This lengthy, multi-step process adds time, cost, and risk of complication to the tooth replacement process. Fortunately, mini implants eliminate almost all of these concerns while offering other additional advantages.

What Are Mini Dental Implants?

Mini dental implants are a narrower and more streamlined version of traditional implants. They consist of a single post with a screw on one end and an O-ball connector on the other. The artificial tooth connects to the ball end with a rubber ring. They measure less than 3 mm in diameter, so they are a great option for patients who may not be eligible for larger implants due to the condition of their jawbones.

Mini implants may be smaller, but that doesn’t make them any weaker. While they are about as wide as a toothpick, mini implants exhibit remarkable strength, as they are constructed from durable titanium.

Their design is strong and versatile enough to support any dental restoration. Mini implants provide long-lasting support for crowns, bridges, or dentures. In the unlikely event that the implants ever have to be replaced, that will be easier as well due to their small size and our efficient, minimally invasive technique.

The Benefits of Mini Dental Implants

One of the best things about mini dental implants—and why we use them at Aspire Dental Group—is that they offer so many advantages over traditional implants:

• Same-day procedure: Larger implants require multiple visits and procedure steps, but mini implants can typically be placed in a single day.
• Minimally invasive: The process of placing smaller implants isn’t just faster; it’s less invasive as well. Patient comfort and care are prioritized from beginning to end.
• Instant results: Because mini implants are immediately strong and stable, your crown, bridge, or dentures are mounted at the same visit. You’ll walk into the office for your procedure and walk out that day with a brand-new smile.
• Quick recovery: The minimally invasive placement technique used with mini implants makes for a quick healing process. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and are back to their normal routine in 24-48 hours.
• More affordable: Mini implants are significantly cheaper than the traditional alternative because the entire process is more efficient. In most cases, the cost is cut in half.
• Durable and effective: Constructed from medical grade titanium, mini implants are no less durable despite their smaller size. And with a streamlined, single-piece design, they offer a better defense against bacterial infection. With an impressive success rate, mini implants are the clear choice for the majority of tooth replacement issues.

Replacing your missing teeth quickly is important for your oral health. If left unaddressed, the remaining teeth start to shift, and bone density begins to deteriorate rapidly. By acting as artificial replacements for missing tooth roots, mini implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent the loss of surrounding tissue and bone. If you’re looking for a restorative dentistry procedure that helps you look and feel better, mini implants are a great solution.

The Mini Implant Process

The process of getting mini implants, just like the implant itself, is smooth and streamlined from start to finish.

Consultation

The mini implant process at Aspire Dental Group starts with a consultation between you and Dr. Harvey or Dr. McNair. Here, we’ll discuss your dental concerns and review your medical history. We’ll also evaluate the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to suggest the best solutions for you. After discussing your preferences and budget, we’ll tailor a personalized treatment plan to fit your needs.

Placement

To place your mini dental implants, we will first administer a local anesthetic. This will fully numb the treatment area, so you won’t feel a thing during your procedure. We prioritize patient comfort, so you can rest assured that we’ll make the implant process as stress-free as possible.

After the area is numb, the doctor drills a small hole through your gums and screws the implant into your jawbone. While the placement of mini implants is an efficient procedure, Dr. Harvey and Dr. McNair will take the time to ensure each implant is in exactly the right position.

Once we confirm that the implants are perfectly placed and secure, we can mount the tooth restoration, and your new smile will be complete. Though the procedure is painless, if you feel any discomfort afterward, you can use a cold compress and over-the-counter medication to manage it. However, because of the less invasive placement procedure, any tenderness you feel should fade quickly.

Aftercare

It’s true that tooth replacement with mini dental implants will give you a strong and secure bite once again. Still, it’s important to watch what you eat in the first few weeks. As the bone hardens around the implants, we recommend avoiding hard foods or foods with tiny seeds. Careful aftercare measures will set you up for long-term success and the ability to enjoy your favorite foods again.

If you take care of them properly, mini implants can last a lifetime. While it’s true that mini implants are more resistant to infection, it’s important to keep a proper oral hygiene routine so the surrounding area and the rest of your mouth stay healthy. Preventing issues like gum disease is crucial to making sure that you don’t have further complications down the line. Daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing, and regular visits to Aspire Dental Group will help you maintain excellent oral health.

Financing Options for Mini Implants

Mini dental implants are more affordable than traditional implants, but costs are always a concern with any dental procedure. At our practice, we want affordable oral healthcare to be available to everyone. That’s why we partner with multiple lending partners—such as CareCredit and Proceed Financing—to offer flexible financing options. For patients who have dental insurance, our team will help you understand your coverage and get the most out of your benefits. Regardless of your financial circumstances, our goal is to bring back your smile.

Fix Your Smile With Mini Dental Implants

Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or an entire arch, we can help. Issues such as difficulty eating or self-consciousness about your smile will become a thing of the past. With mini dental implants, you can look forward to newfound functionality and confidence.

With a combined 45 years of experience, Dr. Harvey and Dr. McNair bring a wealth of experience to our team. They’ll ensure that you get the best possible care and feel comfortable and confident throughout your transformation. If you’re looking to revitalize your smile and regain your quality of life, schedule a complimentary implant consultation today. A better smile with mini implants begins here at Aspire Dental Group in Lake City, FL.