Tooth loss is a reality many people face, whether from decay, injury, or other dental issues. When it occurs, the priority is clear: restoring both the appearance and function of your smile. A crown can be a suitable option for a single missing tooth, but it is not a realistic choice when several teeth are missing in the same area. While partial dentures are sometimes chosen, they often create new challenges because of their discomfort and instability. Losing teeth can be discouraging, but it does not mean you have to settle for a temporary or unreliable fix. At Mint Mini Dental Implants, we provide implant bridges that restore strength and comfort while giving you a solution tailored to your needs.
Why Am I Experiencing Tooth Loss?
Have you ever wondered why a certain area of your mouth might lose a few teeth while the rest stay intact? One of the most common causes is periodontal disease—otherwise known as gum disease. This infection damages the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, it can cause the bone and tissue holding multiple teeth in one area to deteriorate, making those teeth loose and eventually fall out.
Trauma or injury is another significant factor. Accidents, sports injuries, or other impacts to the mouth can knock out multiple adjacent teeth. Even if the teeth don’t fall out immediately, the damage to the ligaments holding them in place can cause them to loosen and fall out over time. Severe tooth decay and infection can also lead to the loss of multiple teeth in one area. When decay reaches the inner pulp of a tooth, the infection can spread to neighboring teeth through the connecting bone and tissues. The weakened support structure causes the loss of several teeth in the affected area.
Implant Bridges vs. Traditional Bridges: What Are the Key Differences?
What are dental bridges, and how can they help restore your smile? Dental bridges fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, ensuring that your remaining teeth stay in place and your bite remains functional. Unlike crowns, which cover and protect a single damaged tooth, bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the remaining teeth on either side of the gap. But what’s the difference between a conventional bridge and an implant bridge? To place a traditional bridge, adjacent teeth must be filed down to fit the crowns. These crowns then hold the false teeth in place, bridging the gap. While effective, this method can weaken the healthy teeth used as anchors and may require additional dental work down the road.
Implant bridges, on the other hand, use dental implants as their foundation. Instead of relying on healthy teeth, implant bridges are anchored directly into the jawbone with titanium posts. These posts act like artificial tooth roots, providing a strong and stable base for the bridge. Dental implants preserve the integrity of your remaining healthy teeth and offer a more secure and long-lasting solution.
Securing More Dental Bridges: The Mini Implant Solution
Both traditional and mini dental implants serve as sturdy anchors for dental restorations, such as bridges. However, they differ significantly in size, procedure, and application. Traditional dental implants are relatively larger and require a substantial amount of jawbone for placement. The installation process is more involved, typically necessitating a lengthy recovery period. Traditional dental implants also involve multiple components: a titanium post implanted into the jawbone, an abutment connecting to the post, and a crown on top. This multi-component construction requires a multi-phase implantation, which occurs over several appointments.
Mini dental implants, on the other hand, feature a simplified design that streamlines the procedure. Each mini implant is a small, one-piece titanium post with a ball-shaped end extending above the gum line. Their slim size and design allow Dr. Coolican to place them using a simple, minimally invasive technique. Instead of using stitches and incisions, Dr. Coolican can make a small hole through the gums, resulting in little bleeding. Another advantage of mini implants is their “immediate loading” capability. Unlike conventional implants, mini implants are stable as soon as they are screwed into the jaw. So, you can walk into our office and leave the same day with your new implant bridge.
Restore Your Smile With Dr. Coolican Today!
With nearly 10,000 successful mini dental implant placements and memberships in prestigious organizations like the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants and the International Dental Implant Association, Dr. Coolican combines experience and skill to ensure you receive the best possible treatment. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Schedule your free consultation today!
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