Traditional two-piece dental implants have been around for a very long time. But more recently, there has been a resurgence of one-piece dental implant systems. The idea of a one-piece dental implant is nothing new. In fact, most of the earliest versions of dental implants were one-piece, and many of them withstood the test of time. In our experience, nothing beats the advantages of a modern one-piece implant! If you’re looking for innovative dental implants that change the way you think about implant treatment, visit the Mini Dental Implant Centers of America (MDICA) in Springfield, MO. There, Dr. Baggett will provide you with one-piece dental implant treatment to restore your smile.
The Drawbacks of Traditional Implants
Two-piece dental implants, often called traditional implants, are a tried-and-true method for tooth replacement. These implants are incredibly effective, and when made of titanium, they have around a 97% success rate. However, they’re only successful for certain patients.
To be eligible for traditional implant treatment, patients need:
- A full jawbone
- A big budget
- A strong immune system
Traditional two-piece implants are large in diameter, requiring ample jawbone for support. Unfortunately, many patients with missing teeth lack sufficient jaw structure, as tooth loss causes bone deterioration. And while we may be able to rebuild lost bone with bone grafting, these additional procedures increase both your healing time and your price.
In general, two-piece dental implants are relatively expensive for most patients. With multiple components and multiple placement procedures, patients typically need a big budget to afford traditional implants. Add bone grafting to that price, and it’s no wonder most patients need to finance their dental work.
Finally, patients undergoing two-piece traditional implant treatment typically need a good immune system. To place these implants, we use a complex procedure that requires months of healing. For those who are immunocompromised, whether it be from uncontrolled diabetes, cancer treatments, or immune disorders, the healing process may be more difficult.
If you have less jawbone, a smaller budget, or a weakened immune system, it may be time to consider an innovative alternative to traditional dental implants.
The Innovation of One-Piece Dental Implants
One-piece dental implants are exactly what they sound like: dental implants with a one-piece design that replace missing teeth. Similar to two-piece implants, these screws are made of durable titanium, making them just as successful as their traditional counterparts! But one-piece implants come with many distinct advantages that make them a better choice for most patients.
With innovative one-piece dental implants, patients enjoy benefits like:
Less invasive procedures: When placing one-piece implants, there is no need for multiple incisions or complex procedures. We simply place the entire implant in one single stage. Additionally, for those without ample jawbone structure, we offer small-diameter one-piece implants that fit in less bone! By offering these innovative implants, more patients are able to restore their smile.- Fewer appointments: To place traditional implants, we need to schedule multiple appointments over several months. With one-piece implants, we only need a single placement appointment, saving you time and money.
- Faster healing time: After two-piece dental implant treatment, patients typically need to wait a few months between appointments to allow their gums and bone to heal. One-piece implant treatment is less invasive, making the healing process much less difficult. In most cases, we find that one-piece implant treatment is a better option for those with compromised healing abilities.
- More affordable price: With fewer appointments and only one component, one-piece implants are generally more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And, smaller one-piece implants allow patients to avoid bone grafting procedures, saving you even more money.
Our Innovative Dental Implants in Springfield, MO
At the MDICA in Springfield, we offer two types of one-piece dental implants.
Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants are small, at less than 3 millimeters in diameter. Thanks to their sleek design, these titanium posts fit into smaller jawbone structures. For patients without enough bone for traditional implants, mini implants are a great alternative.
Additionally, mini implants have a minimally invasive procedure. To place these implants, we simply make a small pilot hole through your gums and into your jaw. Then, we gently screw the implant in place, using the pilot hole as a guide. This procedure avoids affecting most of the tissues that surround your implant, providing a much simpler, less time-consuming, and more comfortable healing process.
It’s important to note that mini dental implants aren’t right for everyone, as some patients do need larger-diameter implants. But in most cases, we find that our patients are eligible for mini implant treatment.
Mono Dental Implants
Mono dental implants are larger in diameter. Similar to traditional implants, these titanium screws have a diameter of 3 millimeters or more. However, they keep the advantages of one-piece implants, making them an excellent compromise between traditional and mini dental implants.
To place mono dental implants, patients still need ample jawbone structure. But thanks to their sleek design, the process itself only takes one appointment. Once in your bone, the implant will immediately begin to integrate with your jaw. Mono dental implants heal much faster than traditional implants, thanks to their simpler placement process.
To learn if you’re eligible for mono dental implants, we recommend booking a free implant consultation. There, Dr. Baggett will go over your options and assess your jawbone, overall health, and budget to determine which implant is best for your smile.
Visit the MDICA in Springfield for Innovative Dental Implants
Traditional two-piece implants are effective, but they have major limitations on who can use them. With innovative one-piece dental implants, we offer patients new ways to restore their smiles without all the hassle. Whether you need mini or mono dental implants, the MDICA in Springfield, MO, has a solution for you! Our one-piece implants save you time and money, creating a better alternative for many patients. Book your free implant consultation today to learn more!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more insight on eligibility.
