Mini Dental Implants in Harrisburg, NC

Losing your teeth can be distressing, leading to lifestyle changes, low self-esteem, and poor oral health. If you are self-conscious about your smile or frustrated by your bite, mini dental implants can provide the relief you need. Over 3 million people in the U.S. already have dental implants, with more and more patients choosing revolutionary mini implants over conventional alternatives.

With over 25 years of experience placing mini implants for residents in the greater Charlotte area, Dr. David Ney, DDS, can customize a treatment plan to remedy your smile and restore function to your teeth.

What Are Mini Dental Implants?

A mini dental implant is a small dental device that acts as a tooth root to support an artificial tooth or other dental appliance. A small titanium screw is implanted securely into your jawbone.

The screw contains a ball on one end that sits above your gum. An artificial tooth or other prosthetic attaches to this post with a socket and rubber O-ring, offering a permanent solution to replacing missing teeth.

While conventional implants have their use, they aren’t for everyone. Traditional implants require more room in your jawbone, involve several surgical steps, and are more expensive. Mini dental implants provide the same purpose as traditional implants but with significant benefits.

The Mini Implant Advantage

Versatility

Mini dental implants are incredibly versatile as they can support a crown for a single missing tooth, anchor bridges for multiple missing teeth, or stabilize dentures to replace a full arch of teeth.

If you are struggling with loose and sliding dentures, you don’t have to settle for discomfort. Dr. Ney can stabilize your dentures permanently using mini implants. Once the implants are placed, your dentures simply snap on.

Small and Simple Design

While the length of the post and the size of the prosthetic tooth is the same for any dental implant, traditional implants are significantly wider than mini implants. Compared to traditional implants, mini implants are approximately half the diameter.

While a traditional implant averages 5 mm in diameter, mini implants measure less than 3 mm. These toothpick-sized devices are appropriate for narrower jawbones, are easier to place, and require less invasive placement procedure. Owning to their size, mini implants are better for replacing small teeth like incisors and premolars.

The mini implant design is not only more narrow but also simpler in its structure. A traditional implant includes a screw, abutment, and prosthetic. In contrast, the screw for a mini implant is fabricated with a ball on one end, eliminating the separate abutment component and streamlining the placement procedure.

Minimally Invasive Procedure

Conventional implants require at least two visits and multiple procedure steps, prolonging your journey toward a beautiful and functional smile. When it comes to eating the foods you love and speaking confidently, waiting months for a solution is not ideal. The longer timeframe is not the only drawback to traditional implants. Due to the more invasive surgery they require, you are more likely to experience pain and discomfort.

Unlike traditional implants, mini dental implants do not require bone grafting because they take up less space in the jawbone. The size of mini implants and the placement technique greatly reduce the treatment timeline and recovery length compared to conventional implants. In fact, mini implants can often be placed in one day.

At the beginning of your procedure, Dr. Ney will use a local anesthetic to numb your jaw and gum to ensure your comfort. If you experience dental anxiety, oral conscious sedation options are available. To place your implant, Dr. Ney will make a small hole in your jaw and screw in the implant. Using specialized tools, Dr. Ney will tighten and secure your implant before mounting your replacement prosthetic.

Immediate Results

While it used to take months in some cases to outfit your teeth with replacement teeth, mini dental implants allow you to rectify your bite immediately. Though Dr. Ney takes his time to ensure you are well cared for, he can mount crowns, bridges, and dentures immediately following implantation, allowing you to quickly return to your normal activities with a functional and natural-looking smile.

Quick Recovery

Gone are the days of waiting extended periods to heal from dental implants. With mini dental implants, you won’t be sidelined for long: you’ll be able to resume your daily activities in 24-48 hours.

Permanent Solution

Dental implants are the strongest device available to replace your missing teeth. Despite their small size, mini dental implants offer a durable and long-lasting solution for tooth loss.

The incredible durability of mini implants is due to the titanium post. As the jawbone grows around the implant over time, the metal post fuses naturally with your bone and becomes a permanent fixture in your mouth. The porcelain crown adds to the longevity of the implant, as it replicates the strength of your natural teeth, allowing you to bite forcefully. Your new teeth will be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

While mini dental implants are very long-lasting, there isn’t a single answer for how long they will last. In general, your mini implants will last you for many years with proper care.

Caring for Your Mini Dental Implants

Caring for your mini dental implants starts with following normal oral hygiene guidelines. Be sure to brush twice a day with a soft-bristle brush, floss daily, and maintain your regularly-scheduled six-month checkups. For removable dentures that are supported by mini implants, you can detach the dentures and snap them back onto the implants once thoroughly cleaned. Dr. Ney will go over additional aftercare instructions based on your treatment plan.

Financing Options

One important benefit of mini dental implants for many patients is the lower cost compared to traditional implants. Mini implants are more budget-friendly, costing nearly half as much as the traditional alternative. The affordability is partly due to the simpler product design and faster procedure.

For those interested in financing their mini implants, we offer flexible options by partnering with three dental financing companies: CareCredit, LendingClub, and Ally. Many plans offer 0% introductory rates and short- and long-term monthly payment options, which means you’ll be able to afford your dental care and manage your budget.

Are Mini Dental Implants Right for You?

With so many benefits of mini dental implants, you might wonder if you are a good candidate for this procedure. If you are looking to swiftly replace one or more teeth while avoiding complicated procedures and high costs, you may be eligible for mini implants.

At your complimentary consultation, we will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and determine the best treatment option for your specific case. However, there are some factors that inhibit patients from getting mini dental implants. You may not qualify for mini implants if you have diabetes, hemophilia (blood clotting disorder), or periodontitis (gum disease). Additionally, if you have a bone or vascular disease, you likely will not meet eligibility requirements.

Mini implants are not recommended for patients who smoke, have oral hygiene concerns, or are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. Certain medications can also impact the success of your mini implants, so we will discuss your full medical history—including any medications, vitamins, or supplement you are taking—at your consultation.

Regain Confidence in Your Smile

Missing teeth can have a pronounced impact on our well-being, altering how we eat and interact with others. With mini dental implants, you can restore the integrity of your teeth and regain your smile. Don’t let tooth loss lower your self-esteem. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Ney today.

Dr. David P. Ney, DDS, is proudly serving residents of Harrisburg, NC. With over 25 years of experience and expertise, you won’t have to wait to achieve a natural and functional smile.