Dental Implants in Huntsville, AL

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million people in the United States have at least one dental implant. Recognized for their durability and stability, dental implants are increasingly favored over other tooth replacement options like traditional dentures or dental bridges. At Chase Family Dentistry in Huntsville, AL, we specialize in mini dental implants, a variation designed to restore your smile with minimal invasiveness.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a structure that replaces a missing tooth. Composed of titanium, these screw-like structures are anchored into your gums and jawbone. On top of this titanium base, we place a custom dental crown that offers the same function and appearance as a natural tooth.

Dental implants offer many benefits over traditional dentures or bridges. They allow you to eat what you like, including tough foods like corn on the cob and steak, without worrying about damaging the replacement tooth. They also stimulate your jawbone, preventing bone loss.

Your natural tooth roots promote bone cell formation when you chew. When you lose a tooth, the roots no longer provide this stimulation. Over time, you can start losing bone density. Because implants replace the missing tooth roots, they can help preserve bone density, safeguarding your jawbone health and maintaining your facial appearance.

Good candidates for dental implants are people who:

• Have missing teeth
• Have advanced tooth decay that requires extraction
• Are in good overall health
• Have a good oral hygiene routine
• Visit a dentist regularly

People who have blood or bone diseases or who have diabetes and other serious medical issues might not be the right candidates.

Types of Dental Implants

There are two main types of dental implants: traditional and mini implants. 

Traditional implants involve a two-part structure and require surgical placement into the jawbone. This process requires making incisions and drilling into the jawbone. 

Mini dental implants, a smaller single-piece device, offer a faster and less invasive alternative. Because we prefer minimally invasive treatments whenever possible, we specialize in this type of implant at Chase Family Dentistry.

Comparing Traditional and Mini Dental Implants

If you need a dental implant, you may need help deciding whether a traditional or a mini option is the best for your specific needs. Traditional dental implants require a more extensive surgical procedure, which can take longer and cost more. That is not the case with mini dental implants. Because they are much smaller and consist of only one-piece screws, mini implants do not require sutures. The procedure can take as little as an hour, saving you time and money. 

Due to the more invasive nature of the procedure, traditional dental implants require a longer recovery time than mini dental implants. This makes it more difficult to get back to your normal eating routine. With mini dental implants, the recovery process is much faster.

Mini dental implants are also a better option for those who do not have a lot of jawbone density. Because they are so small, they do not require much space in the jaw. Before receiving traditional implants, someone with low jawbone density would have to undergo a bone grafting procedure. This procedure is complex, and it can delay the placement of the dental implant for months as the jaw heals.

Traditional dental implants may not be the best choice for people with small jaws or with missing teeth in tight areas of the mouth. Mini dental implants, however, can be an effective solution because of their slender design.

What to Expect at Your Free Consultation

To get mini dental implants at Chase Family Dentistry, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Clayton. During this visit, we can address any concerns or questions you may have about the procedure while assessing the treatment area. To ensure that you are the best candidate for this procedure, we will also ask you about your medical history as well as any medications you take. We will then take digital X-rays to plan the optimal placement of the implants. 

During this first consultation, we will also go into detail about the procedure and the costs. We offer many payment options and work with numerous third-party financing companies that offer introductory 0% interest loans. 

If needed, we might prescribe antibiotics to prepare for the procedure. On the days leading up to the procedure, please notify Dr. Clayton if you are taking blood-thinning medications and supplements. These include:

• Vitamin E
• Fish oil
• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin
• St. John’s wort

Before stopping any medications, however, make sure to speak with your primary care physician. Additionally, we recommend refraining from smoking before and after the procedure, as nicotine is known to hinder healing.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Unlike some traditional implants, mini dental implants do not require bone grafts. We can begin the procedure without delay.

After administering a local anesthetic, we’ll insert the titanium post, securing it with specialized tools. We will then connect the new tooth to the post using O-rings that snap it into place.

The procedure generally takes one to two hours, though it can take longer if you need multiple mini implants.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from mini dental implants is generally swift due to the procedure’s minimally invasive nature. We recommend a diet of softer foods during the first week or so and gradually introducing your normal foods.

You can expect considerably less discomfort after a mini dental implant procedure than after a traditional dental implant procedure. Mild discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Make sure to avoid brushing the treatment area harshly during the first couple of days; instead, use mouthwash to keep the area clean. 

After about a week, you can return to your regular routines. You should brush and floss as you normally would, especially after meals and before going to bed. There are no food restrictions you’ll have to worry about with mini dental implants. 

Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. If you tend to grind your teeth at night, we recommend using a nightguard to avoid damaging the implant. As with your natural teeth, implants can suffer from discoloration over time. To avoid stains, reduce your intake of substances like tobacco, wine, colas, and coffee. With proper care, your implants can last many years, even a lifetime.

Turn to the Experts at Chase Family Dentistry

If you have missing teeth and want to avoid jawbone loss and other complications, getting dental implants is one of the best options. Mini implants are more affordable than traditional options while offering a quicker recovery process and reliable results.

At Chase Family Dentistry, Dr. Clayton specializes in mini dental implants, providing advanced tooth replacement solutions that allow you to regain your smile. Why worry another day about missing teeth? Contact our team today to schedule your free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions