If you’ve ever gone camping, you know how important it is to stake any tents, tarps, or canopies into the ground. Otherwise, the wind can easily blow them away, never to be seen again. As odd as the connection might seem, that same logic holds true for dentures. If there’s nothing to anchor them in your jaw, they’ll start to move around in your mouth, causing frustration and embarrassment. Dental implants act like the tent stakes you secure in the ground. We place the implants directly into your jawbone, where they provide a strong anchor point for replacement teeth like dentures. If you’re in the greater Butler, PA, area and need to replace missing teeth, dental implants or mini dental implants will provide the stability you’re looking for.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium-alloy screw that provides a much more stable, functional way to replace missing teeth. When we place a dental implant into your jawbone, it fuses with the bone over time, a process known as osseointegration. Once this natural fusion is complete, the implant functions as an artificial tooth root, which provides two major benefits. First, it anchors replacement teeth such as crowns or bridges and can stabilize loose dentures. Second, they stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone and tissue deterioration that takes place after tooth loss.
Traditional dental implants come in two pieces, the titanium screw and the abutment, which connects to the replacement tooth. They measure 5 mm wide, so they may not be suitable for patients with narrow jawbones without first undergoing a bone graft. Their placement involves incisions and stitches, and their osseointegration can take months before they’re ready to support your final custom teeth.
While they ultimately support new teeth, the downsides can lead some patients to look for other options, such as the more sleek and modern mini dental implants.
Mini Dental Implants vs. Traditional Implants in Butler
Thanks to a slim, streamlined design, mini dental implants solve many issues with larger, traditional implants. Their smaller size allows them to have a less invasive procedure, quicker recovery, and, ultimately, a reduced cost. While traditional implants are 5 mm in diameter, mini implants are less than 3 mm or about the thickness of a toothpick. However, this smaller size doesn’t make them any weaker or less reliable; they have the same high success rate as their larger predecessors.
Some of the benefits of mini implants over traditional implants include:
- Minimally invasive: The placement process for mini implants only requires a tiny pilot hole. This causes much less disruption and soreness than the incisions and stitches that traditional implants require.
- Faster healing: A traditional implant takes months to fuse with your jawbone, but a mini implant only takes a few weeks.
- Lower cost: Mini implants often cost about half as much as traditional ones, offering a budget-friendly solution to those concerned about the financial impact of dental procedures.
Choosing Brockley Dental Center for Your Implants
When it comes to selecting the best provider for dental implants in Butler, there are several reasons why Brockley Dental Center stands out:
- Transparent consultations: We offer comprehensive evaluations and tailored treatment plans, focusing on transparency so you understand all aspects of the process.
- Experienced professionals: Our team, led by the father-daughter duo of Dr. Donald B. Brockley and Dr. E. Ahono Gildersleeve, brings almost 50 years of combined experience in dental implantology.
- Family-friendly practice: As a family-operated clinic, we offer a warm, caring environment, treating each patient with personalized attention.
- Advanced dental technology: At Brockley Dental Center, we use cutting-edge dental equipment, ensuring we can provide our patients with efficient, modern solutions.
- Comprehensive dental services: From tooth extractions to dental veneers, we offer a full spectrum of restorative and cosmetic services under one roof.
Schedule Your Implant Consultation Today
If you’re in Butler, PA, or the greater Pittsburgh area and are considering mini dental implants, Brockley Dental Center is your go-to destination. Our team is committed to providing exceptional care and a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and budget. We invite you to schedule a consultation to explore how mini implants can dramatically enhance your smile and quality of life.
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