Mini Dental Implants in Denver, CO
One thing advancements in technology have shown us over the years is that bigger isn’t always better. Take smartphones, for example. Unlike wall-mounted telephones that tether you to one room, these portable marvels follow you anywhere! Modern cellphones are a major improvement over the bulky, old-fashioned telephone. Even at half the size, smartphones are capable of things that wall-mounted telephones couldn’t even dream of!
In implant dentistry, this rule is still true. Mini dental implants are the smaller version of their predecessor, conventional dental implants. However, despite their small stature, these implants are just as effective and capable as their older counterparts! At Donald Rice, DDS, Dr. Rice utilizes these implants to provide stable tooth replacement solutions for patients with missing teeth.
With mini implants in place, patients like you can enjoy shorter healing times, less invasive procedures, and lower costs! Watch our 30-minute infomercial to learn more.
Conventional Dental Implants vs. Mini Dental Implants
Both conventional dental implants and mini dental implants are titanium screws that support tooth replacement restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. By screwing them into your jawbone, Dr. Rice initiates a natural process called osseointegration, where the biocompatible titanium integrates with your bone tissue! This process creates an incredibly strong connection that rivals the security of your natural teeth. Additionally, because they act as artificial tooth roots, implants stimulate your jawbone to keep it healthy and full.
However, despite their similarity in function, mini implants and conventional implants differ significantly in design.
Conventional dental implants are approximately 5 mm in diameter and have a multi-piece design. Due to their large diameter, these implants require a substantial amount of jawbone for support. Unfortunately, those looking to replace missing teeth often lack sufficient bone structure. While there are additional procedures to rebuild lost bone, they add to both the cost and length of your implant process.
In contrast, mini dental implants are less than 3 mm in diameter and have a unique one-piece design. Thanks to their slimmer diameter, these implants require much less jawbone for support. In fact, those ineligible for conventional implants are typically still eligible for mini implants, even without bone augmentation!
Of course, not everyone is eligible for mini dental implants. Those who’ve experienced significant bone loss may still need additional procedures to rebuild bone. The only way to know for sure is to schedule a complimentary implant consultation.
For those looking to restore their smile without the hassle of complex procedures, Dr. Rice recommends mini dental implant solutions.
The Benefits of Mini Implants
Mini dental implants differ significantly from conventional implants in both design and procedure. Thanks to their small diameter and one-piece design, mini implants offer benefits such as:
- Fewer appointments: Mini dental implants have a one-piece structure, allowing Dr. Rice to place them in a single appointment.
- Less invasive: Thanks to their simple design, Dr. Rice uses a minimally invasive procedure that avoids the use of incisions or stitches. With a much simpler placement procedure, patients enjoy a quick treatment and a more comfortable recovery!
- Faster healing: Using a minimally invasive procedure allows for much faster healing, as mini implants don’t disturb as much of your bone and gum tissue. Rather than waiting months for their gums to heal, patients need only a few weeks of healing before their implants are ready to support a final restoration.
- More Affordable: With fewer appointments, fewer components, and a simpler procedure, mini implants are much more affordable than conventional implants.
It’s because of these benefits that Dr. Rice prefers to use mini implants in his office. With a minimally invasive procedure, faster recovery, and affordable treatment, mini implants are the best tooth replacement option available!
The Mini Dental Implant Process
The mini implant process is simple, as it only takes one procedural appointment.
However, Dr. Rice starts every implant treatment with a free consultation. During your appointment, he performs a dental exam and takes a 3D digital X-ray of your smile. Using this image, he then assesses the strength and quantity of your jawbone to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
In some cases, Dr. Rice can extract a tooth and place your implant in a single visit, reducing the need for multiple appointments. But this is only possible under optimal conditions, so he’ll need to assess your case beforehand to determine if same-day extraction and implant placement is possible. Once you’re ready for your implant procedure, Dr. Rice will design a custom treatment plan for your smile.
During your procedural appointment, Dr. Rice will use a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Then, he will create a small pilot hole in your gum and jaw and carefully secure the implant in place.
Amazingly, due to their threaded design and minimally invasive placement, these implants immediately begin to stabilize in your jawbone.
Immediately after placing your implants, Dr. Rice will secure a temporary restoration in place. Then, after a few short weeks of healing, your mini implant will be strong enough to support a final crown, bridge, or denture.
Try Implant Solutions With Dr. Rice in Denver, CO!
Just like cellphones, mini dental implants are a faster, more effective version of their older, more conventional counterparts. While conventional implants can replace missing teeth, they require a substantial amount of bone for support. If you want to replace your missing teeth without the hassle of long, complex, and expensive dental surgeries, mini implants may be the right option for your smile!
Book a free implant consultation with Dr. Rice in Denver, CO, to learn if you’re eligible for mini dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of mini dental implants depends on a few factors.
Most notably, the number of teeth you’re replacing has a large impact on the cost of your treatment. Replacing one tooth is typically much more affordable than replacing an entire arch of teeth with an implant-supported denture.
Another factor to consider is the amount of preparatory work your smile needs before the implant process. If you require additional bone structure, a sinus lift, or treatment for infections or gum disease, your treatment will be more expensive than someone who is eligible for implants without additional procedures.
To help patients manage the costs of their treatments, Dr. Rice offers flexible financing plans that help break their costs into manageable monthly payments. Come in for a free consultation to learn what the price of your procedure may be!
Mini dental implants can last you a lifetime, but only with the proper care.
Just like natural teeth, your implant-supported restorations must be brushed and flossed daily! Additionally, Dr. Rice recommends visiting his office twice a year for routine dental checkups to keep your smile healthy.
By taking care of your smile and gums, you ensure that your implants remain healthy and secure in your jaw.
At Donald Rice, DDS, Dr. Rice prioritizes your comfort.
Before beginning the implant placement procedure, he will use a local anesthetic to numb your gums and bone, keeping you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Additionally, if necessary, he can provide oral conscious sedation that helps you relax during your procedure while remaining alert.
Afterward, it’s common to experience some discomfort. Fortunately, thanks to their minimally invasive process, mini implants result in a much more comfortable recovery process, and any pain is easily managed with over-the-counter medications.