Small but Incredible: The Merits of Mini Implants

Tooth loss not only affects a person’s oral functions but also deals a heavy blow to one’s self confidence. As such, it is imperative for patients who are dealing with tooth loss to explore tooth replacement options as soon as possible. Dental implants in St. Louis and other parts of the country are considered the best tooth replacement solutions as they can fully restore a person’s ability to chew and speak properly and improve one’s overall appearance.

Take mini implants, for instance, which are usually made out of biocompatible titanium. Studies show that minis can work as well as traditional implants in both upper and lower jaws. Despite their diminutive size, the implants are remarkably durable, thanks in part to the screws used to attach them to the jaw.

At present, only five to six percent of toothless Americans have dental implants due to the latter’s astronomical prices. The introduction of mini implants, however, has made implants this a more viable solution for many people. Mini-dental implants may also be performed without a jaw bone replacement, which is required in traditional dental implant surgery. Such a breakthrough results in cost savings as a jaw bone replacement is one of the factors that drive up the costs of conventional implants.

Read More

Long-term Effects of Missing Teeth

Missing teeth in areas of the mouth that are not readily noticeable do not alarm some people. After all, they would have to open their mouths wide enough for others to notice that they have missing molars. However, if they have missing incisors, all it takes is one smile for others to see that they suffer from missing teeth. While people who have missing molars have no reason to feel self-conscious or embarrassed, failing to seek treatment for this condition does have long-term effects, and the effects go beyond cosmetic.

People with missing teeth are likely to discover eventually that the way they move their jaws has been compromised. If they still ignore the problem, they are also likely to end up with bite problems. Moreover, missing teeth are bound to have a negative impact on the existing teeth, albeit indirectly. The problem happens when food particles settle in the gaps created by missing teeth, turning them into an environment that draws bacteria. Once bacteria appears, people are more likely to suffer from tooth decay and gum disease.

For these reasons, it is recommended that people with missing teeth—no matter if they are molars or incisors—deal with the problem accordingly through dental implant treatment. Dental implants are generally more expensive than traditional dentures, though, so patients have to be prepared financially. Luckily, there are many dental practices that offer cost-friendly dental implant procedures. 

Read More

The Magic of Dental Implants

People can disagree on the reasons why they probably lost a tooth: improper care, an accident during a sports game or physical activity, and even old age. However, everyone can agree that a gap in a set of teeth is never good to look at.

It is due to this fact that medical professionals came up with a simple but brilliant solution: dental implants. An implant can be installed in the gap where the lost tooth once stood and function in the same manner.

A person who replaces his or her missing tooth with an implant has a lot to gain from the technology:

Better Eating Mechanics

As an implant is installed permanently into a row of teeth, it helps the entire set work the way it normally should. As such, it helps a person chew food more efficiently without the risk of pain.

Confidence

A lost tooth can make a person feel awkward about smiling, which in turn can make him or her feel less confident. A good implant can restore one's perfect set of pearly whites, allowing him or her to smile more easily and with more confidence.

Durability

Generally, implants are extremely durable and can withstand as much as the other natural teeth. It must be noted, however, that just like natural teeth, implants should be given great care for them to last a lifetime.

Read More