English 
Spanish When you tell people you’ve “lost” a tooth, what does that really mean? The obvious answer is that, depending on which tooth, it might change how your smile looks. Or maybe it means you’ve lost the ability to eat your favorite foods or speak as clearly as you used to. But when you really think about it, losing a tooth literally means losing a small piece of yourself. You’re forever changed because that tooth will never grow back. So now the question becomes, how do you recover that lost piece of yourself? Luckily, a satisfying answer comes in the form of implant dentistry.
How Does Implant Dentistry Work?
Implant dentistry involves using dental implants to replace missing teeth or stabilize loose dentures. Since the mid-20th century, dental implants have transformed how dentists have approached missing teeth. These titanium posts act as prosthetic roots for artificial teeth, offering stability that mimics your natural teeth. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, implant dentistry can bring back the full function and aesthetic of your smile.
The secret behind implant dentistry lies in the medical-grade titanium used to create the implants. This material is also used in many other medical prosthetics, like hip replacements. Its compatibility with the human body allows dental implants to reliably fuse with the jawbone, creating a sturdy base for implant-supported restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Why Choose Implant Dentistry?
Choosing implant dentistry is opting for a solution that feels and functions like your natural teeth. It stands out over other, more traditional tooth replacement methods for several reasons:
- Stability and comfort: Dental implants are directly anchored to your jaw, eliminating the discomfort and insecurity of traditional removable dentures. They’re a permanent fixture that won’t slip or move, offering peace of mind alongside better functionality and comfort.
- Natural look and feel: Designed to blend with your existing teeth, dental implants support restorations that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. You can enjoy your favorite foods and smile confidently, knowing your dental work is virtually undetectable.
- Long-term oral health: Unlike traditional bridges and dentures, implant dentistry preserves and stimulates your jawbone, preventing the deterioration that follows tooth loss. This maintains your facial structure and promotes better overall oral health.
Mini Dental Implants Provide Even More Benefits
Like most technologies that have been around for over 50 years, implant dentistry has evolved. One of the most important innovations has been mini dental implants. As their name suggests, these are smaller, sleeker versions of traditional dental implants. Their small size allows for plenty of benefits in implant dentistry, including:
- Minimally invasive placement: We can place mini implants quickly and with minimal discomfort, using only a local anesthetic and a tiny pilot hole. Larger implants require incisions, stitches, and sometimes bone grafts. This means mini implants also cause less soreness and have a quicker immediate recovery period.
- Faster healing time: Traditional implants need many months to fully heal, while mini implants can fuse with your jawbone in just a few weeks. You’ll be able to use and enjoy your new teeth much faster!
- Increased versatility: Thanks to their small size, we can place more mini implants in a given area, providing your dental prosthetic with increased stability and reliability. Their thin diameter also makes them perfect for patients with smaller jawbones.
- More affordable options: Mini implants are less expensive than conventional implants, thanks in part to simpler placement and healing and fewer required appointments.
How Much Does Implant Dentistry Cost?
Despite the lower cost of mini implants, we know the price of dental care is always a concern. Our practice believes that everyone deserves affordable access to high-quality dental treatment. That’s why our staff will help you navigate your insurance and financing options so you can make an informed decision. At your free consultation, we’ll review your insurance plan to get the most out of your coverage. We also partner with reputable outside financing companies to help make treatment affordable for any budget.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Dr. Aristodemo and our Happy Smiles Family Dentistry team want to see you achieve the smile of your dreams through implant dentistry. We understand the frustrations of missing teeth and the desire for a natural and lasting solution. That’s why we invite you to schedule a free implant consultation with us. Together, we can explore how implant dentistry can transform your smile and life.
