English 
Spanish When asked to picture tooth loss, most people think of someone with a funny-looking smile that’s full of holes. But the effects of tooth loss reach far more areas than just your outward appearance. A missing tooth affects not only how you look but also how you chew, talk, and even feel about yourself. A whopping 45% of adults in Florida have lost a permanent tooth due to dental problems like decay and gum disease. But there is a solution. Tooth implants can be used to fill those gaps in a straightforward and cost-effective way.
What Are Tooth Implants?
Imagine if your new teeth could attach themselves to a sturdy anchor mounted directly in your jawbone. That’s what a tooth implant—or dental implant—is. Made from a titanium alloy, these dental implants are securely placed into the gumline, replacing the missing tooth root. Unlike conventional dentures or bridges, the implants stimulate the jawbone, helping maintain bone density and the health of the surrounding tissue. Implants can help replace one tooth with a dental crown, multiple teeth with a dental bridge, or all of your teeth with implant dentures.
A Little Twist: Mini Dental Implants
Like many medical technologies, dental implants evolved to become smaller over time, leading to the innovation of mini dental implants. Mini implants are under 3 mm wide, less than half the size of their traditional counterparts. It’s the difference between the thickness of a toothpick versus the thickness of a pencil eraser. But their smaller stature doesn’t make them any less powerful—they boast success rates equal to or greater than larger implants. They’re especially handy for folks who’ve been told they need a bone graft procedure due to bone density loss.
Mini implants offer many other benefits over traditional implants:
- Speedy treatment: With traditional implants, there’s a 3-6 month waiting period for the implant to fully fuse with the jawbone before the final restoration can be loaded. Mini implants are ready to use on the same day they’re placed.
- Gentle procedure: These implants are placed by making a tiny pilot hole in the jawbone. The entire process is much less invasive than placing larger implants, which require surgical incisions.
- Fast recovery: Most patients report feeling back to normal within 24-48 hours. The mini implants are fully fused with your jaw in about 3 weeks.
- Strong & durable: With good oral health and a consistent dental hygiene routine, mini dental implants will last a lifetime.
- Cost-effective: Mini dental implants are often more affordable, thanks to fewer office visits, a more efficient placement process, and less material required for production.
Why Should You Replace Missing Teeth?
If missing teeth are getting in the way of enjoying that juicy steak or making you second guess your smile in photos, tooth implants are your ticket back to full confidence. In addition to filling those annoying gaps in your smile, they offer several oral health benefits:
- They prevent your other teeth from shifting into empty spaces.
- Implants restore your biting and chewing power, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods again.
- Your confidence in your smile and appearance will return.
- They make your speech more clear and articulate.
- Dental implants will keep your face’s natural structure intact by stimulating the jawbone.
Concerned About Cost?
At Aspire Dental Group in Lake City, FL, we believe everyone deserves a brilliant smile without breaking the bank. We understand your financial concerns and will work along with you to process your insurance, ensuring you get the most from your coverage. And for anything not covered by insurance? We’ve teamed up with multiple financing companies to offer flexible plans, helping you find a payment structure that suits your budget.
Get Tooth Implants Today
If you’re looking for a quick and effective way to replace a missing tooth, contact our office. Dr. Harvey and Dr. McNair are experts in the placement of mini dental implants. With 45 years of combined experience, you know you’re in good hands. Our practice also has an in-house ceramist, ensuring high-quality, quick access to crowns and bridges.
So, why wait? Dive into a future with a complete, radiant smile. Call us to schedule your free implant consultation and discover how tooth implants can truly be life-changing.
