Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants?
Unhappy with the stability of your dentures or partials? Dental implants could transform your restorative experience. Implants are replacements for missing tooth roots. If you're seeking a way to preserve your bone density, provide foundations for dentures or other restorations, or replace missing teeth in the most comprehensive way possible, read on to learn more about your implant options.
Advantages of Dental Implants
- Occlusion - When you're missing a tooth, the surrounding teeth will begin to shift to fill the open space. This can lead to problems with malocclusion, mis-angled teeth, and jaw function. Implants will fill the gaps to keep your teeth where they belong.
- Bone density - Your jaw bone is supported by the tooth roots that connect to it. After you lose teeth, your bone begins to resorb, or dissolve. This leads to a weakened jaw and bone. When implants connect to your jaw bone, they preserve its bone density.
- Oral health - Gaps between your teeth act as spaces where bacteria can gather and breed, leading to plaque formation. This causes increased chances of periodontal disease and decay. Implants help fill those spaces to keep your smile healthy.
Dental Implants vs. Mini Dental Implants
Traditional implants were the first type of tooth root replacement to come into use. Today, we also offer MDIs (mini dental implants) to anchor dentures, single crowns, and bridges. MDIs are desirable for their simplified placement, convenience, and effectiveness. They are especially useful in stabilizing the lower dentures.
MDI System
A miniature implant is placed in the bone of the lower jaw. Because the MDI is 1/3 the size of a conventional implant, the placement process and healing time is much briefer. The implant still becomes integrated with your jaw bone, but it has a smaller diameter. The patient will typically be able to eat the same day.
Mini Dental Implants and Lower Denture Stabilization
The MDI has a ball-shaped head that snaps into retaining areas on the accompanying denture. The sockets contain rubber O-rings that secure the implants in place. Dr. Lee will determine the level of force required to keep the denture stable without causing you any discomfort. The denture will sit gently in place, allowing you to speak, chew, and live your life without encountering any problems. Your denture won't slip or click. At the same time, it will still be removable for easy cleaning.
Curious about whether dental implants or MDIs are right for your restorations? Get in touch with Elkhart Dental Center to discuss implants with our team.
To learn more about Dental Implants in Elkhart, IN call Elkhart Dental Center at (574) 522-0156 today!