Single Tooth Implants

Dental Implants Can Provide a Lifetime Of Smiles

According to the American Dental Association, the average adult aged 20–64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth. If you’re missing one or more teeth, this may have already affected your self-esteem and confidence, however it’s important to correct this problem for many different reasons.

Failure to replace missing teeth is the leading cause of jawbone loss, which leads to changes in your facial appearance. The “spaces” can lead to shifting, resulting in major issues with your bite. This can have a “domino effect” by leading to unnatural wearing of teeth, bacteria build-up, additional tooth loss, sensitivity and even symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint (or “TMJ”) disorder. Although you can replace missing teeth with bridges or partial dentures, dental implants are considered the gold standard solution because they offer unrivaled longevity, functional benefits and natural appearance without involving the existing adjacent teeth.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants replace missing teeth. It allows the patient an alternative option to a bridge, removable partial dentures or complete dentures. Dental implants are essentially synthetic root and teeth, typically made of titantium and surgically installed into the jaw bone by a skilled dentist or surgeon. An implant-supported crown has many advantages over a traditional dental bridge. Conventional dental bridges require grinding down the adjacent, typically healthy, teeth and covering them with crowns to support the bridge. This severely weakens those teeth and can lead to fracture, tooth decay, or infection over time.

Bridges also have an average lifespan of only 10-15 years. Bone loss can occur under a missing tooth due to the absence of chewing pressure on the jaw. The replacement tooth in the dental bridge provides no chewing pressure to maintain bone volume and cannot prevent bone loss.

Dental implants also do not require grinding down your healthy adjacent teeth. They provide the chewing pressure needed to maintain bone volume in your jaw and can last a lifetime when cared for correctly. They have numerous advantages over all other forms of tooth replacement.

What are Mini Dental Implants?

Like their traditional counterparts, mini dental implants are crafted from titanium and can vary in length. However, the diameter is about half the size when compared to a standard dental implant. This is especially useful for cases in which the patient has lost significant bone width. Mini dental implants can be successfully placed in areas too narrow for a conventional implant.

The primary use of mini implants today is to support and stabilize a denture. Many patients who have worn conventional dentures for an extended length of time experience jawbone recession. Over time, this bone loss can lead to an ill-fitting denture that shifts and slides out of place when eating or speaking.

Dental implants can be used to stabilize the denture, providing a more secure fit. In the past, patients with significant bone loss were unable to receive traditional implants. Thankfully, mini dental implants now increase treatment eligibility for patients who did not previously qualify for traditional implants.

Are you a candidate for mini-implants?

The only way to know if you qualify for mini dental implants is to schedule a visit with Dr. Whalen. During a thorough assessment, we will take scans and x-rays to evaluate the health of your underlying bone. Your complete medical history will also be discussed at length to ensure there are no contraindications.

How are Mini Dental Implants Placed?

One of the most appealing aspects of mini dental implants is that they are minimally-invasive. Oftentimes, the procedure can be performed in less than an hour using local anesthesia. Typically, stitches are not required following the placement of mini implants. As a result, most patients experience little to no discomfort after their procedure.

Faster Treatment Timeline than Traditional Implants

Traditional dental implant require several months of healing before a restoration can be attached. A major advantage of mini dental implants is that typically, the restoration can be connected on the same day as the surgery. This provides unparalleled convenience for our patients.

Mini Dental Implant Maintenance

Like conventional implants, mini dental implants can function just like your natural teeth. In addition to attending routine dental exams and cleanings, it is important to adopt proper brushing and flossing techniques to practice between your dental appointments. Our team can demonstrate effective methods for cleaning around dental implants so you can keep your smile beautiful and healthy.

Benefits of Choosing Dental Design Studio

Our commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction sets us apart:

• New York City spa experience
• Hudson Valley Top Dentist since 2007
• Over 33 years of experience
• Locally owned business since 2005

Contact Us

Ready to improve your smile with our expert implant dentistry services? Get in touch with Dental Design Studio today to discuss your needs and schedule a consultation. We're here to help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience the difference.