Mini Dental Implants in Jasper, AL

Did you know that almost 180 million Americans are missing a tooth, yet many don’t get the treatment they need? Common barriers to treatment include high costs, fear of invasive procedures, and concerns about lengthy recovery times. Fortunately, advancements in implant dentistry have led to innovative tooth replacement techniques that generate fantastic, long-term results with fewer challenges for patients. Mini dental implants, in particular, offer a minimally invasive solution to tooth loss. These narrow-diameter implants facilitate faster healing and quicker results while providing the stability needed to support a natural-looking tooth replacement. But that’s not all. Mini implants are more affordable than conventional implants despite their many benefits.

What Are Mini Dental Implants?

Mini Dental Implants in Jasper, AL | Bivona Family Dentistry Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that support restorations like crowns, dentures, and bridges. A mini dental implant is a specific type of dental implant known for its unique size and design.

This slim implant is less than 3 millimeters wide. That’s about the width of a toothpick. A mini implant is also one piece, with a threaded end at the bottom that we screw into your jawbone and a built-in connector on top that protrudes above your gums. This connector anchors your dental appliance to the jawbone.

On the other hand, a traditional dental implant averages 5 mm in diameter and consists of multiple components. With a conventional implant, the screw and connector piece are separate. This makes a big difference in terms of the procedure steps and overall treatment timeline. Because of the large size of the screw, we must make an ample hole in the jawbone. While this ultimately creates a stable foundation, it requires 3-6 months of healing before we can attach the connector and restoration.

Traditional dental implants may not be ideal for patients who cannot undergo dental surgery, those hesitant to start a lengthy treatment process, or individuals with significant dental anxiety. In these cases, mini dental implants are an excellent alternative because their design features allow us to place them in a single, minimally invasive procedure. Additionally, mini implants require less jawbone volume and density for successful placement. This means that patients previously told they were ineligible for conventional dental implants can now access high-quality tooth replacement.

At Bivona Family Dentistry, a Mini Dental Implant Center of America, we offer both traditional and mini dental implants to ensure our patients can access the best tooth replacement techniques.

The Procedure Explained

When you choose mini dental implants, you can look forward to a quick procedure and long-lasting results. Here’s what you can expect from the process.

1. Consulting Our Jasper Dentists

During your free consultation, we will sit down and discuss your needs and goals to get to know each other better. Then, we will use our advanced CBCT machine to take detailed 3D images of your mouth and jaw. These images help us evaluate whether you are a good candidate for a dental implant, determine which size implant is best, and plan its placement. In creating your custom treatment plan, we will break down the overall costs, discuss insurance and financing, and review sedation options to ensure your procedure is stress-free. In some cases, we can take the scan, design your treatment plan, and place the mini implant in the same visit.

2. Preparing for Your Procedure

While mini implant placement is minimally invasive, we offer oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help our patients feel relaxed throughout the process. If you opt for oral conscious sedation, you’ll need to arrive ahead of your appointment so the sedative can take its full effect. (You’ll also need to arrange a ride home, as unlike laughing gas, the sedative’s effects linger). Before placing your implants, we’ll make sure you are comfortable by administering a local anesthetic to the treatment area. You might feel a slight pinch, but this is typically the extent of any discomfort during the procedure.

3. Placing Your Implant(s)

To place a mini implant, we make a small hole through the gums and screw the implant into the jaw. This pilot hole is about the size of an ear piercing. We’ll make sure the implant is exactly where it should be using our specialized tools. Because the hole needed is so small, very little bleeding can be expected.

4. Connecting your restoration

We can attach a restoration the same day that we place your implants because mini implants have “immediate loading” potential. That means they are immediately stable when we secure them in the jaw. In some cases, we can create your custom crown right in our office using our CEREC technology. If additional healing is needed, we’ll attach a temporary restoration to protect the treatment site until you’re ready for your custom one.

Accelerate Your Recovery With L-PRF

At Bivona Family Dentistry, we offer cutting-edge dentistry because we truly care about creating positive dental experiences for our patients. While the recovery period for mini implants is much faster than for conventional implants, an innovative technique can accelerate healing and reduce post-procedure discomfort. L-PRF (leukocyte-platelet rich fibrin) therapy is a natural way to enhance your body’s healing process.

Our in-house phlebotomists create a concentrated fibrin matrix (blood clot) by using a small sample of your blood. Applied to the implant site, the clot promotes faster tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation. This helps your body recover more quickly and comfortably after your treatment.

Breaking Down the Benefits of Mini Dental Implants

Our patients truly love mini dental implants. Why? It’s in the name:

MINImally invasive: We don’t need to use incisions or stitches during placement. And, because the implants are so small, a preliminary bone grafting surgery is rarely needed.
MINImal discomfort: Mini implant placement is gentle and requires only local anesthesia, leading to quicker recovery and less pain after the procedure. In fact, patients typically rate their discomfort as a 2/10, and most report not having to take any ibuprofen or Tylenol after their procedure.
MINImal visits: These same-day dental implants streamline the entire treatment timeline. With fewer appointments, you’ll spend less time in the dental chair and more time enjoying your new smile.
MINImal time: The entire process—from implant placement to final restoration—is significantly faster than traditional implants.
MINImal cost: Mini dental implants are typically more affordable than traditional implants, making them perfect for patients on a budget.

Experience the Mini Dental Implant Difference

At Bivona Family Dentistry, we provide personalized dental care that considers each patient’s unique needs, preferences, and budget. When it comes to tooth replacement, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all. For many patients, mini dental implants offer a flexible and effective solution to tooth loss. Whether you’re looking for a quicker recovery, a more affordable option, or a less invasive procedure, mini implants might be right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Bivona Family Dentistry for mini dental implants?

At our practice, we work hard to make sure that every patient has a wonderful experience, every visit. Here’s how we do it:

Unrivaled patient care: Our entire team provides personalized attention tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you’re never left in the lurch. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service, making every patient feel valued and cared for from the moment they walk through our doors.
Unparalleled expertise: As a certified Mini Dental Implant Center of America (MDICA), our office meets the highest standards in implant dentistry. This certification means our team is extensively trained and skilled in providing high-quality mini dental implant treatments, ensuring you receive the best possible care.
Unmatched technology and resources: We use state-of-the-art tools like cone beam computer tomography (CBCT), CEREC technology for same-day crowns, and L-PRF therapy to enhance your treatment outcomes.

How much do mini dental implants cost?

Your treatment cost depends on several factors. These include the number of mini implants needed, the specifics of your dental situation, what your insurance plan will cover, and your individual treatment plan. However, mini dental implants are more affordable than traditional implants—often costing about half as much.

We don’t like surprises, and we know you don’t like surprises, either. At your free consultation, we’ll give you a clear understanding of the cost of your treatment so you can make informed decisions about your care.

While it’s important to schedule a consultation to get an accurate estimate based on your specific needs, mini dental implants offer a cost-effective solution for tooth replacement without compromising on quality or results.

Can mini implants be used for front teeth?

Yes! Mini dental implants are ideal for replacing visible teeth. Their smaller size and minimally invasive placement make them suitable for securing replacement teeth in areas where space is limited, such as the front of the mouth.

Mini implants are particularly effective for front teeth because they provide a stable foundation while preserving the natural appearance of your smile. However, during your free consultation, we will determine whether mini implants are suitable for your needs. In some cases, we can even extract your front tooth, place the implant, and connect a temporary crown the same day.