The gold standard for replacing missing teeth is to use dental implants made of titanium. This material is biocompatible, meaning that it interacts well with living bone. When we place titanium screws inside your jawbone, they actually bond with your jaw over time. This connection is what gives dental implants their incredible stability, allowing patients to restore their smiles. While conventional implants are one of the most common types of titanium dental implants, Dr. Berger at Sonora Dentist uses a much smaller alternative. Mini dental implants are just as secure as their conventional counterparts, but at a significantly lower price. But what makes mini dental implants cost less?
Book a free implant consultation in Sonora, CA, to learn more about affordable mini dental implant treatment.
What Makes the Cost of Mini Dental Implants Affordable
Mini dental implants and conventional implants differ in many ways, which explains their price disparity.
The Size
Conventional dental implants are large, typically around 5 mm in diameter. Because of their size, these implants require ample jawbone for support.
Unfortunately, many patients don’t have the necessary bone to anchor a dental implant, as tooth loss is a direct cause of bone loss. To make up for this, patients often require bone grafting procedures to rebuild lost bone. While effective, any additional procedures will increase the cost and length of your implant process.
In contrast, mini dental implants are much smaller, less than 3 mm in diameter. Due to their smaller size, these implants are able to fit in minimal bone, making most patients eligible for mini implant treatment! Without the need for bone grafting, patients like you can enjoy a faster, more affordable implant process.
The Structure
Conventional dental implants have multiple components, held together by an implant screw. This structure requires separate placement appointments between healing periods, as each part is placed individually. Additionally, the pieces of a conventional implant are sold separately, which adds to the cost of your procedure.
Fortunately, mini dental implants have a one-piece design. Not only does this design reduce the number of appointments needed, but it also saves you money! With mini implants, you only need to purchase one titanium piece that is strong enough to restore your smile.
The Procedure
Placing conventional implants requires a surgical procedure that opens up your gums to access your jawbone. Then, using a series of drills that increase in size, an opening is made in your bone, large enough to fit the implant screw. With the first piece in place, you’ll likely need stitches to close your gums while you wait for your implant to integrate with your bone.
After a few months of healing, the titanium screw will be secure enough to support an abutment piece, allowing the restoration to be secured in place. After placing the abutment, you’ll have a temporary crown, bridge, or denture restoration to help maintain the aesthetics of your smile while you heal. Then, when your smile is ready, your temporary prosthetic will be replaced with a final, custom-crafted one.
To place mini dental implants, we use a much less invasive procedure. Rather than opening your gums, we drill a small pilot hole through your gums and into your jaw. Then, we gently screw the mini implant inside your bone, using the hole as a guide. Once your mini implant is in your jaw, it immediately begins to stabilize. Instead of waiting without teeth while your implant secures, we can attach a temporary restoration or healing cap that very same day! Then, in just a few short weeks, we secure a final crown, bridge, or denture in your smile.
Trust Mini Dental Implants With Tooth Replacement That Costs Less
Titanium dental implants are the best tooth-replacement method in terms of stability and strength. But while conventional implants are expensive, mini dental implants offer patients cost-effective benefits! With fewer pieces to pay for, fewer appointments to attend, and without the need for a bone graft, patients can enjoy a more affordable solution to tooth loss.
Book a free consultation to learn if mini dental implants are right for you.
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