When compared with other tooth replacement options, dental implants offer a wide range of benefits, including helping the jaw tissue stay healthy, making it easier for people to clean their teeth, and creating a much more realistic, beautiful smile. Unfortunately, because dental implants rely on fusion between the implant itself and the surrounding bone tissue, some patients may not be eligible for traditional dental implants.
Candidacy for Dental Implants
In addition to being committed to proper oral health and understanding the timeline involved with dental implants, candidates must also have an adequate amount of healthy bone tissue for implants. The bone that will house the implants needs to be wide, deep, and healthy enough to hold implants properly. Without healthy bone tissue, implants could be prone to failure. Patients who have taken bisphosphonate medications may not be eligible for dental implants for this very reason. Medications like Boniva change the way that your body develops bone tissue, which means that you could be more at risk for serious complications if you get implants. However, minimally invasive mini dental implants in Pittsburgh may be an alternative that could work for you.
Mini Dental Implants: A Minimally Invasive Alternative
Mini dental implants function the exact same way as traditional implants, but they are much smaller to accommodate less bone tissue. For example, while traditional dental implant posts were 3.75 mm wide, mini dental implants are between 1.8 mm and 3 mm wide, as small as half the size of typical dental implants. This smaller size enables dentists to place dental implants in bone tissue that might be unusually shallow or weak due to personal anatomical differences or prior disease.
Mini dental implants are much less invasive than traditional dental implants because of their smaller size. Typically placed in sets to improve the stability of the new teeth, some mini dental implants can be installed the same day damaged teeth are removed—helping you enjoy a beautiful smile sooner. Because they require less surgery to install, mini dental implants are also less expensive than other kinds of dental implants. Also, since mini dental implants in Pittsburgh can be used as anchors for dentures, your dentist may even be able to adjust your current dentures to grip onto mini implant anchors, improving their stability.
If you are interested in receiving mini dental implants, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Dr. Mark Silberg. As a certified periodontist with years of experience placing dental implants, Dr. Silberg can help you to enjoy the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
