Have you ever avoided doing something you know you should do because of the price tag? Every medical procedure comes with a cost, and sometimes, that cost can become a decisive factor in whether a necessary procedure is pursued. Concerns about potential budget strain can cause many people to postpone necessary interventions, often resulting in worsening conditions and requiring more extensive solutions in the future. If you need to replace missing teeth but are worried about the cost, we have good news—affordable dental implants are available, thanks to the innovation of mini dental implants.
What Are Mini Dental Implants?
Dental implants have been used for decades and are a tried-and-true method for replacing missing teeth and stabilizing dentures. Traditional dental implants are titanium screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a sturdy base for a dental crown, bridge, crown, or set of implant dentures. They also serve as an artificial tooth root, stimulating the jawbone like your natural roots do to prevent bone and tissue loss.
While conventional dental implants are a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, they come with a high cost. And the price you pay isn’t just financial. Because of their surgical placement procedure, conventional dental implants require a long healing process that can take anywhere from three months to a year (or longer!). And, due to their size, they may require additional bone grafting surgery for patients with smaller jawbones. That equates to a lot of time and money spent. Fortunately, there’s a better solution.
The Benefits of Mini Dental Implants: Affordable, Durable, Efficient
Mini dental implants provide a modern solution to tooth loss that doesn’t break the bank. These smaller, sleeker upgrades to conventional implants are not only easier and faster to install but are also a more affordable dental implant solution.
Smaller Size
The primary difference between mini implants and conventional implants is their size. Traditional implants average about 5 millimeters in diameter. Mini implants, however, are less than 3 millimeters wide, roughly the size of a toothpick. This allows them to fit into tighter spaces and be used in patients with less jawbone density. They also eliminate the need for bone grafts in most cases.
The narrow design of mini implants means the placement procedure is minimally invasive. No incisions are necessary. Instead, Dr. Bradford can make a small pilot hole in the jawbone and screw the implant in to secure them.
Quicker Placement
Their small size and less intrusive procedure make mini implants remarkably efficient. Typically, Dr. Bradford can place the implants and attach a restoration all in one visit. There’s very little waiting time when it comes to mini implants—you can walk in for your procedure and walk that same day with functional teeth. Gone are the 3-12 months of healing time required for conventional implants.
Faster Recovery
Since mini implant placement is not a major surgery, the recovery time from this process is surprisingly fast. After the procedure, most patients experience only a minor ache, like a headache, that diminishes rapidly. Many patients report feeling back to normal in about 24-48 hours.
Long-Term Durability
Just because they’re smaller doesn’t mean mini implants are weak. Their titanium alloy material can hold up to the rigors of daily use and will last a lifetime if properly cared for. And because mini implants are a single-piece design rather than a two-piece construction, there are no joints or connections where bacteria can gather. This reduces your risk of experiencing peri-implantitis, which is a loss of bone around the implant.
More Affordable
Finally, the pièce de résistance—even with all their advantages over conventional dental implants, mini implants are more affordable. You might be wondering, “How is that possible?” Thanks to the minimally invasive, efficient procedure, you don’t need as many appointments or follow-up visits, which saves you money. In many scenarios, mini dental implants are half the cost of conventional implants.
The Cost of Mini Implants
The affordability of mini dental implants is a positive feature, but even the most cost-effective solutions need to be paid for. Dr. Bradford wants mini dental implants to be affordable to everyone. His experienced staff will sit down with you to provide a free evaluation of your insurance benefits so that you know exactly what’s covered with your plan. We can also help with financing. We partner with multiple lending firms to give you payment options, and we can also perform a soft credit check for you, which won’t impact your credit score. These financing discussions, along with a comprehensive exam and 3D scan, are all part of your free, no-obligation consultation.
Ask Us About Affordable Dental Implants Today
Missing teeth can affect various aspects of your life, influencing your smile’s appearance, dietary choices, and overall oral health. Affordable dental implants, such as mini implants, ensure that addressing these concerns won’t strain your budget.
Don’t wait any longer. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and start the journey towards a brand-new smile.