Dental Implants in Springfield, MO

Tooth loss affects far more people than you might expect. Over 175 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and nearly 40 million have no natural teeth left at all. These figures underscore the importance of exploring effective tooth replacement options that address the challenges associated with tooth loss. Whether due to decay, gum disease, or injury, tooth loss can make it harder to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and feel confident in your smile.

Fortunately, dental implants are a long-lasting and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. By providing a secure foundation for prosthetic teeth, implants restore function and help protect your oral health. With dental implants, you can enjoy restored dental function and the confidence and peace of mind that come with a healthy smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots crafted from titanium. We insert the posts into your jawbone to securely anchor dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and dentures. This system is a durable, long-lasting solution for tooth loss, closely resembling the appearance and function of your natural teeth. For those seeking a permanent tooth replacement solution that looks and feels natural, dental implants are generally the best choice.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

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Traditional implants (left) are composed of two pieces, while mini implants (right) consist of just one.

Dental implants offer life-changing benefits for those dealing with tooth loss. These titanium roots fuse securely with your jawbone, replicating the strength and stability of natural teeth. With implants, you can eat your favorite foods, speak with ease, and smile with confidence—just like you used to.

But the benefits of dental implants go beyond what meets the eye. They also help preserve the strength and structure of your jawbone. When teeth are missing, the jawbone lacks the stimulation from your tooth roots when you bite and chew. This stimulation is crucial for maintaining bone density and volume. Without it, the bone begins to resorb and break down.

Dental implants solve this problem by keeping your jawbone active, preserving its strength, and stopping further bone loss. Other options, like fixed bridges and removable dentures, are unable to prevent this deterioration.

Of course, protecting your jawbone is just one part of the story. Dental implants are also meant to stand the test of time, making them a wise investment in your well-being. When you take care of them with regular checkups and healthy oral habits, implants can last a lifetime.

Mini Implants vs. Traditional Implants

There are different types of dental implants, each with a unique design. While traditional two-piece implants have been common for years, they come with certain drawbacks. That’s why many practices, including ours, prefer the innovative one-piece mini implant, which is a simpler, more patient-friendly option.

Traditional Implants

Traditional implants consist of a titanium screw, about 5 millimeters in diameter, that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. A separate abutment piece connects the dental restoration to the implant base. While traditional implants are effective, many people aren’t eligible for them because their large size requires an ample jawbone for successful placement. Patients with a weak or thin jawbone may not qualify at all, or they may need bone grafting to strengthen the bone. This extra surgery is an added expense that also extends the treatment timeline.

Even without bone grafting, traditional implants often demand more time and effort than patients anticipate. After the implant is placed, there’s a healing phase where the bone fuses with the implant, a process called osseointegration. This important step can take several months, as the bone needs time to fully heal and bond with the implant.

After successful integration, the final dental restoration is attached, completing the process. For some, this method can extend up to a year, especially if bone grafting is part of the treatment.

Mini Implants

Mini dental implants are a slimmer, modern alternative. At less than 3 millimeters in diameter, they are half the size of conventional implants. Their compact size usually eliminates the need for bone grafting, making the placement procedure less invasive and more accessible to a broader range of patients.

Additionally, mini implants are just a single piece, making the whole process simpler. Their slim, updated design allows us to place them in one minimally invasive visit, saving you time, hassle, and money.

Mini implants are an important resource for individuals with limited bone volume or those seeking a faster solution to tooth loss. The smaller diameter also leads to quicker healing times and reduces post-operative discomfort. Despite their slim design, mini implants are remarkably durable and provide immediate stability upon placement. Like a traditional implant, they can support a wide range of restorations, offering a superior solution for various dental needs.

Mini implants are a great choice for patients with limited bone or those who want a faster, less invasive tooth replacement option. Their smaller size helps the area heal more quickly and reduces post-operative discomfort. Despite their slim design, they are remarkably strong and stable. In fact, mini implants have success rates that match or even exceed those of traditional implants. They can support many types of restorations, making them a dependable and versatile solution for a variety of dental needs.

When To Consider Dental Implants

With so many uses, it’s no surprise that dental implants are such a popular option. Here are just a few ways we use them:

Single and Multiple Tooth Replacement

When you’re missing a single tooth, an implant can support a custom-made dental crown. This solution fills the gap perfectly, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth.

Additionally, for those missing several teeth in a row, implants can anchor a dental bridge. This approach eliminates the need to alter adjacent healthy teeth, which is necessary with traditional bridges.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

When multiple issues affect the entire mouth, such as extensive tooth loss or severe decay, we may recommend full-mouth reconstruction. This comprehensive approach restores or replaces all the teeth through a combination of treatments, which may include crowns, bridges, and dentures. Dental implants are invaluable components in these procedures, as they provide a reliable foundation for false teeth.

Denture Stabilization

For those with loose dentures, implants offer a significant improvement in stability. We can often convert your existing denture into a snap-on denture or create a new one that attaches to your implants.

Stabilizing your prosthetic this way allows you to eat, talk, and smile without worrying about slipping or shifting. The added stability from the implants also makes your denture feel more natural and comfortable, improving your overall confidence and quality of life.

Full-Arch Denture Alternatives

For patients looking for a more permanent implant denture solution, we offer roundhouse bridges, which replace a full arch of missing teeth. Options include semi-removable and non-removable roundhouse bridges, both crafted from durable, natural-looking zirconia.

We securely attach a semi-removable roundhouse bridge to your implants and remove it only at your scheduled visits. It offers excellent stability and chewing power with easy maintenance. If you’re looking for the most permanent option, a non-removable roundhouse bridge is cemented in place and functions the most like natural teeth.

Both of these solutions eliminate the common problems of traditional dentures, providing a more comfortable, stable, and long-lasting way to restore your smile.

Discover the Benefits of Dental Implants Today

Dental implants can transform your dental health, whether you need to replace a single tooth or all your teeth. With our expertise in implantology and our designation as a Mini Dental Implant Center of America (MDICA), you can trust that you’ll receive the highest quality care.

If you wish you had a complete, confident smile, let us turn your dream into a reality! Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn if dental implants are right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

We can often place mini dental implants in just one minimally invasive visit, making them a faster and more convenient solution compared to traditional implants. Traditional implants typically require multiple surgeries and months of healing, sometimes taking up to a year to complete. Mini implants eliminate the need for extra procedures and long wait times, so you can enjoy a restored smile much sooner!

If you’ve lost a tooth, whether it was last week or years ago, we should talk. While it’s true that bone starts to shrink soon after a tooth is lost, mini implants are designed to work with the bone you still have. Their narrow diameter allows us to place them even in areas with significant bone loss.

About 60% of patients with missing teeth are told they don’t have enough bone for implants, especially if it’s been a long time since the tooth was lost. But that’s not the whole story. With mini implants, around 90% of these patients can still restore their smile without the need for bone grafting.

The cost of dental implants can vary quite a bit, but mini dental implants cost significantly less than traditional implants. The total price of your treatment will depend on the number of teeth you’re replacing, the type of restoration you choose, and whether you need extra procedures like bone grafting or a sinus lift.

At your free consultation, we will discuss your medical history, examine your mouth, take 3D scans, and talk with you about your goals and options. We’ll also review your insurance coverage and go over our flexible financing plans to help make your treatment as affordable as possible. Our goal is to help you get the smile you deserve without breaking the bank.