Tooth loss can have a devastating impact on your health and your self-esteem, whether it’s caused by trauma, accident, or infection. Many patients become overly self-conscious and find it difficult to smile confidently. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a variety of tooth replacement options. If you’ve lost a tooth, it’s important for you to assess your options and work with your dentist to find a dental solution that works for you. Today I’d like to discuss a specific tooth replacement option that our Los Gatos, CA Dental Implants Office offers—mini dental implants.

What are mini dental implants?

In general, dental implants are comprised of small titanium rods that are surgically inserted into the jawbone, filling the space previously held by a natural tooth. Mini dental implants are simply a smaller version of traditional dental implants.  Over time, the titanium of the implant fuses to the jaw bone, forming a strong and stable base. Once the titanium root is fully integrated into the bone, it is then capped with a natural looking dental restoration that looks and functions like a natural tooth. This allows the patient to eat, drink, and speak normally and with confidence knowing that their implant is completely stable and natural-looking.

How do mini dental implants differ from traditional dental implants?

The primary difference between conventional implants and mini dental implants is size. Mini dental implants are thinner than traditional implants and so they cause less trauma to the tooth when they are implanted. Therefore Mini dental implants can provide a number of advantages over regular implants:

Lower cost - Mini dental implants cost less than conventional implants.
Shorter treatment time - Compared to conventional implants, we are usually able to place mini dental implants in just one or two appointments
Shorter recovery time - Mini dental implants require a shorter recovery time compared to conventional implants, since they cause less trauma to the jawbone when placed.
More flexibility in placement - Because of their size, mini dental implants can be used to fill spaces where a conventional implant would not fit. They can also be used to anchor other dental restorations such as bridges or dentures.

If you’ve been putting off tooth replacement, mini dental implants may be the solution for you. The Los Gatos Dentist Dental Implants office can provide you with more information on this revolutionary treatment. Give us a call or submit an inquiry online for more details or to schedule an appointment!

Have you been hiding your smile because you’re self-conscious about missing teeth? Maybe you’ve heard about implants but have put off doing anything about it because you’re just not sure what dental implants are exactly?
You’ve probably heard that dental implants are an excellent permanent solution for missing teeth, and that they are being used increasingly in place of traditional tooth replacement methods. But what are they and why do they work? Let’s take a look at the three basic components of a dental implant.

The Dental Implant Fixture

The Dental Implant Fixture is the part of the implant that is embedded in and becomes anchored to the jawbone through a process called “osseointegration”. Osseointegration simply refers to the process where the implant and surrounding tissue grow together, creating a permanent, new structure. This portion of the dental implant lies below the gum line and is sometimes referred to as the “artificial root”. The implant fixture is made of titanium in a screw-shaped design, and the surface is microscopically roughened, increasing its total surface area and creating greater bone-to-implant contact.

The Dental Implant Abutment

The abutment of a tooth implant is the stub portion of the fixture that will sit slightly above the gum line with a protruding surface that the crown or bridgework will rest upon. In order for the implant fixture to have time to fully integrate with the bone, the abutment is usually attached to the implant fixture by Los Gatos Dental several months after the titanium screw portion is placed.

The Dental Prosthesis

This is the part of the implant unit that is visible and will become your new tooth. “Prosthesis” refers to the dental crown or dental bridgework that is supported by the implant and the abutment described above. Depending on how this dental work has been designed, it can either be cemented or screwed into place. The placement of the dental prosthesis is the final step in the implant process.

If you are missing one or more teeth you may be a good candidate for dental implants. But each patient has different needs, so schedule a consultation with Los Gatos Dental Implant Office to determine if dental implants are right for you.