Do you have a question or need more information about our Mini Dental Implants? You may find the answer below in our frequently asked questions. If you have a question, and do not find an answer, call us or send us your question, and we will provide you an answer.
What are mini dental implants?
Mini dental implants are individual titanium posts set into the jawbone to stabilize dentures or replacement teeth. The head of the implant is shaped like a ball, and fits snugly over a fixture that we install in the base of your denture or replacement tooth. This fixture acts like a socket and contains a rubber O-ring which snaps over the ball of the mini dental implant, holding the denture firmly in place. When seated, the denture gently rests on the gum tissue.
How can mini dental implants help denture wearers?
Many denture wearers suffer from loose or ill-fitting dentures. Not only is this embarrassing, but it also causes problems eating certain foods. Mini dental implants provide stability to dentures and allow them to fit snugly in the patient’s mouth.
How are mini dental implants placed?
The standard approach for mini dental implants is placement of four of them into the front of a patient’s lower jaw. This is a reasonably painless and non-invasive procedure performed during one or two visits to the dentist. The mini dental implants, which are about the size of a toothpick, are about five millimeters apart in the lower jawbone. The dentist then carefully adjusts the patient’s denture to allow it to snap onto the four mini implants.
Is the mini dental implant approved by the FDA?
Yes, the Food and Drug Administration approved Mini Dental Implants for dentures in 2003. The FDA granted its formal consent for use of mini dental implants following satisfactory clinical and technical evidence and over 20 years of successful use by the dental community.
Will my new teeth look natural?
Your new teeth will look and feel like your natural teeth.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
If you are healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you are healthy enough to have a mini implant. General good health and satisfactory bone in the jaw are the key considerations. Anyone who is missing one or more teeth because of injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants.
How successful is the procedure?
Scores of dentists have successfully used mini dental implants for more than three decades. With qualified, trained and experienced dentists like Dr. Jay Morris, the implants rarely fail. Good hygiene is an important consideration for long lasting results from your implants.
Is the procedure painful?
Dentists use local anesthesia during the procedure to soften any discomfort. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication for any discomfort after surgery. Most patients say the discomfort is small once they arrive at home. Many feel great the next day and can return to work.
How much will the treatment cost?
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have a doctor examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, your dentist will recommend the treatment that is best for you..
We would like to be your low cost provider while providing you with the excellent quality dental implants you require.
Will my insurance pay for implants?
Your insurance coverage will depend on your individual plan. It may be possible to buy added coverage. Check with your insurance company to see if they can extend your plan.
How long do mini implants last?
No one can guarantee how long an implant will last since many patient-specific reasons control the longevity of implants. Mini implants were created in the 1960’s in France. They were later brought to the US in the early 1900’s. Dr. Victor Sendex was the founder. Today, they have been in common use since 2000 when the FDA approved Mini Dental Implants for long- term use. Thousands of mini implants have been placed since then and are functioning well.
A small percentage of implants will fail for various reasons no matter what type of implant is placed. If a mini implant was to fail it is s easily removed. Often another implant is immediately placed next to the site of the failed implant. In some cases a few month healing period and/or bone grafting is advised.
What if the patient smokes or drinks heavily?
Patients who smoke may experience implant failure. Smoking affects blood circulation which is a factor in healing. Heavy drinking and other substance abuse affect a patient’s general health, which may affect implant success. Some high functioning smokers and alcoholics have had long term successful implant experiences.
Am I too old for mini dental implants?
Age or physical condition do not usually affect the success of mini implants. If you have good health, you are a candidate for minis. The ease of placement, low cost and only slight discomfort of the procedure makes this procedure a good fit even for seniors with many physical ailments. The only common age related reason that may interfere with implants is severe osteoporosis, which may affect bone density and lessen the likelihood the implants will be successfully retained.
How durable are mini dental implants?
Mini dental implants use a special alloy of titanium that is stronger than the material used in conventional implants. This alloy has almost removed the likelihood of failure of mini implants during normal use. Clinical trials of these implants prove that they are durable.