Dental Implants in Schaumburg: The Many Benefits of Mini Implants

If you’re embarrassed or worried because you’re missing some, or even all, of your teeth, don’t worry—you are not alone. A quarter of American adults aged 65 and older have eight or fewer teeth, and 17% are edentulous, meaning they’re missing all their teeth. There are plenty of reasons why you may be missing teeth, from gum disease to genetics to injury and more. No matter the cause, if you want to replace missing teeth in Schaumburg, IL, dental implants from Happy Smiles Family Dentistry are a great choice.

Dental Implants Explained

Traditional dental implants have been around for decades and have become a staple in tooth replacement. They are powerful screws that we implant directly into the jawbone, providing a sturdy base for various prosthetics. They can replace one tooth with a dental crown, a row of teeth with an implant-supported bridge, or an entire set of upper or lower teeth with implant dentures. Made of FDA-approved medical-grade titanium, they can withstand daily use and will last a lifetime if maintained properly.

One lesser-known benefit of dental implants is that they halt the deterioration of your jawbone. When you lose a tooth, your jawbone and surrounding tissue begin to wither from lack of stimulation. This changes your facial structure, making you look older than you are. It also weakens the jaw. Replacing the lost roots with dental implants can halt this degeneration and prevent other teeth from shifting into the empty space where your tooth used to be.

With many functional, cosmetic, and oral health benefits, dental implants are an effective approach for replacing missing teeth.

Mini Dental Implants Are More Efficient and Affordable

While traditional dental implants are effective, many people are ineligible for them due to their large size and invasive procedure. Mini dental implants are smaller versions of dental implants that serve the same purpose. They measure less than 3 mm, while conventional implants are about 5 mm. This size difference may seem small, but it yields significant benefits, including:

• Minimally invasive procedure: Are you nervous about surgical procedures? While the placement of conventional implants requires incisions and sutures, we can place mini implants with only a tiny pilot hole. Think of it in the same vein as getting your ears pierced. Dr. Aristodemo drills a hole through the gums and screws the mini implant into the jawbone. With local anesthetic, the whole process is pain-free.
• Instant results: As soon as Dr. Aristodemo finishes placing the implants, she can attach new teeth immediately. You’ll walk in for your procedure and walk out with brand-new teeth.
• Quick healing process: Because of their large size, conventional implants often require patients to undergo bone graft surgery to strengthen the jawbone. This adds months to the treatment timeline. Once the implants are placed, they take another 3-6 months to heal. On the other hand, mini implants generally don’t require a bone graft, and they heal in just a few weeks. Plus, the discomfort after the procedure diminishes within 48 hours.
• Half the cost: Mini dental implants are about half the cost of traditional implants. This affordability comes from their more streamlined placement process that requires fewer dental visits. If you are looking for a highly effective and budget-friendly tooth replacement solution, mini implants are a great choice.

The Mini Implant Process

Mini implants are an efficient and reliable procedure that provides immediate results. While smaller than traditional implants, they demonstrate an extremely high success rate that exceeds 95%. If you are interested in getting mini dental implants, here’s what you can expect:

1. Free consultation: Every mini implant procedure begins with a free consultation. Dr. Aristodemo will discuss your needs and preferences and examine your mouth to ensure you’re a good candidate. She’ll take a 3D CT scan to evaluate your bone density and plan the exact placement of your implants. Your free consultation will also include a discussion of insurance and financing so you know exactly what to expect.
2. Placement and loading: On the day of your procedure, Dr. Aristodemo will thoroughly review your treatment plan. After applying a local anesthetic, Dr. Aristodemo will drill a tiny pilot hole and carefully place the mini implant in your jaw. The process is remarkably quick—Dr. Aristodemo can secure a single implant in just 15 minutes. After placement, there’s no need to wait before securing the restoration. With mini implants, you can use your new teeth immediately.
3. Recovery and aftercare: You’ll receive specific instructions for immediate aftercare, such as avoiding especially hard or sticky foods for a few days, but otherwise, you can care for your new teeth with a standard oral hygiene routine. While implants won’t stain or get infected, you must have good oral hygiene to keep the surrounding areas healthy.

Get Dental Implants in Schaumburg Today

If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth, we’re eager to help! For over 25 years, Dr. Aristodemo and the experienced team at Happy Smiles Family Dentistry have been transforming smiles. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how mini dental implants from our Schaumburg, IL, practice can complete your smile, strengthen your bite, and boost your self-esteem.