Dental Implants in Syracuse, NY

In the U.S., 120 million people have lost at least one permanent tooth. While the leading cause of tooth loss is gum disease, severe decay, dental trauma, tobacco use, and poor nutrition are other common causes. If missing teeth are affecting your ability to eat a balanced diet, speak clearly, or smile without hesitation, we have solutions that can help. Today, there are many procedures that replace teeth, but one of the most effective is dental implants. Dr. Bradford specializes in mini dental implants, having placed them since 2006. Furthermore, our practice is a Mini Dental Implant Center of America, a testament to Dr. Bradford’s knowledge and skill in implant dentistry.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a device used to replace missing teeth. It is a titanium alloy screw that replaces the missing roots that were once embedded in the jawbone. The screw forms the foundation to support a restoration like a crown, bridge, or denture.

Who Needs Dental Implants?

You may benefit from dental implants if:

  • You are missing one tooth. In this case, we can place a single artificial crown on top of the implant.
  • You are missing multiple teeth. Depending on your situation, we can use multiple implant-supported crowns or an implant-supported bridge.
  • You are missing all your teeth. We can strategically place implants in your jaw that support a denture.
  • You have loose dentures. With dental implants, we can stabilize your ill-fitting dentures.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Replacing missing teeth promptly is crucial, even if you haven’t yet experienced the negative impacts of tooth loss. As explained below, dental implants offer various benefits over alternative tooth replacement options.

Enhanced Stability and Comfort

Dental implants provide unparalleled stability and comfort. Because they are securely anchored to the jawbone, you can trust that your restoration—be it a crown, bridge, or denture—will stay put. This stability enhances your ability to chew and speak confidently and eliminates the discomfort often experienced with removable dental appliances such as traditional full or partial dentures.

No Alteration of Healthy Teeth

A significant advantage of implants is that they do not require any alteration to adjacent healthy teeth. Unlike conventional dental bridges, which involve removing enamel from neighboring teeth for support, implants stand independently, preserving the integrity of surrounding natural teeth. This ensures a more conservative and tooth-friendly approach to tooth replacement.

Improved Bone Health

Dental implants contribute to improved bone health. After losing a tooth, your jawbone starts to recede due to the lack of stimulation from the tooth root. Implants mimic natural tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and halting bone loss. This helps maintain the overall structure and strength of the jaw, safeguarding your facial appearance.

Better Oral Health

Following tooth loss, it can be difficult to clean your teeth and gums properly. Bacteria gets easily trapped in empty spaces and can be challenging to remove. Dental implants promote better overall oral health by filling in these gaps. They also provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth, preventing shifting and misalignment. For these reasons, dental implants contribute to long-term oral health. Since oral health is inseparable from overall health, it is essential to address tooth loss promptly.

Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants come in two primary types: conventional dental implants and mini implants. While both are made from the same materials, they differ significantly in their size, design, and procedure.

Conventional Dental Implants

A conventional dental implant has multiple components: the screw, the connector piece (called an abutment), and the restoration. Because the screw averages 5 mm in diameter, many individuals who have experienced bone loss are ineligible for a standard implant. Alternatively, they may have to undergo a bone grafting procedure before the implant is placed. This adds to the overall treatment timeframe.

Dental Implants in Syracuse, NYAfter the large screw is surgically placed in the jawbone, a months-long waiting period is needed so that the implant can fully integrate with the bone. Once the implant is stable, the abutment and restoration can be connected. As a result of these stages, the conventional implant process can take many months, even a year, to complete.

Mini Dental Implants

Many more people are eligible for mini dental implants because of their small size. They measure less than 3 mm wide, making them suitable for those with narrow jawbones. Mini implants are a single post with a screw on the bottom and a built-in connector on top. Thanks to their modern design, they can be implanted in just one stage. Dr. Bradford can typically place the implants and mount a restoration in a single appointment.

What Sets Mini Implants Apart?

Thanks to their slim size and streamlined design, mini dental implants are a preferred choice for those seeking advanced tooth replacement solutions. Advantages include:

  • Minimally invasive and efficient procedure: Mini dental implant placement is minimally invasive. The smaller size reduces the need for extensive surgical intervention, making the process more comfortable. The procedure’s efficiency also allows Dr. Bradford to place the implants swiftly and precisely.
  • Immediate results: One notable advantage of mini dental implants is the ability to achieve immediate results. Unlike conventional dental implants that require a healing period before attaching restorations, mini implants are immediately stable. This allows Dr. Bradford to immediately place a temporary restoration, providing you with functional and aesthetic benefits right away.
  • Quick recovery: The minimally invasive nature of the procedure and the smaller size of mini implants contribute to a quicker recovery period. Patients typically experience much less post-operative discomfort and a faster return to their regular activities.
  • Affordable solution: Mini dental implants are often more cost-effective than conventional dental implants. The efficient process, simpler procedure, and quicker recovery contribute to lower overall costs.

What to Expect at Your Free Consultation

During your free consultation with Dr. Bradford, you can expect a personalized and informative session that begins with a discussion of your dental concerns and goals. This gives Dr. Bradford an idea of what you want to achieve.

As a crucial part of the consultation, Dr. Bradford will do a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan to provide a detailed 3D image of your bone structure. This imaging technique is crucial in determining the feasibility of mini implant placement by allowing Dr. Bradford to evaluate the bone’s height and width. It also helps him see vital structures within the jaw, including nerve pathways. This information is invaluable in planning your implant procedure.

Financial considerations, including insurance coverage for implants, will also be addressed during the consultation. Dr. Bradford emphasizes the importance of this meeting to discuss your needs and the available procedures that can meet them. He’ll design a comprehensive treatment plan outlining costs and financing options. The goal is to collaboratively work towards maintaining and restoring your teeth to the optimal level of health you expect.

Complete Your Smile With Dental Implants

Dental implants are known for their transformative impact and are a powerful tooth replacement tool. Mini dental implants, in particular, provide unique benefits, including a minimally invasive procedure, immediate results, swift recovery, and affordability. These revolutionary implants consistently receive high satisfaction ratings from our patients due to their many advantages.

For over 15 years, Dr. Bradford has used mini dental implants to restore his patients’ smiles. Ready to learn more? Schedule your free consultation today!