Mini Dental Implants

Written By Patricia Woloch
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

A mini dental implant is a miniature titanium implant that is surgically placed into the jawbone to act as a sturdy root. The head of the implant is a ball shape which fits precisely into the o-ring of the retaining fixture that is attached to your denture. When placed properly, the denture is seated comfortably on the gums and held securely and functionally in place.

This type of implant has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for general public use as a transitional and temporary product, as well as for long term use. Mini implants can be successfully used as supporting structures for long term use and in single tooth replacements of bridges and crowns.

Mini dental implants have become the most effective and innovative way for denture wearers to feel better about themselves and their dentures. The implants hold ill-fitting dentures in place and resolve such issues as:

• Bad breath from food particles decaying while stuck under the dentures
• Clicking sounds while eating and speaking
• Fear of dentures falling out while eating or speaking
• Fear of dentures slipping while smiling

How the Implants Work

Implants for dentures are placed by being gently screwed into the patient's lower jaw. The mini implants are about the same size as a standard wooden toothpick in width. Once the implants are in position, the patient's denture is adjusted so that it will easily snap onto them.

In approximately one hour, you can leave your dentist's office with securely fitting dentures that rest on implants placed without cutting and stitching. The procedure is quick and minimally invasive and the patient can usually eat a light meal within an hour or so after the implants have been placed.

Dental implants can also replace a few missing teeth when combined with partial dentures. The partial dentures snap securely onto the dental implants in the same way that full denture plates do.

Implant Durability

The human jaw is capable of employing a huge amount of force when chewing and biting. This force is referred to as occlusal force in the dental industry. Titanium alloy, known for its exceptional strength and durability as well as its biocompatibility, has become the material of choice in creating dental implements that are able to withstand the forces of the human jaw. Atop the dental implant, a crown is placed that is as strong as or stronger than your natural teeth. Fractures are always possible, as they are with natural teeth, but they are very unlikely to occur in dental implants.

Mini dental implants offer an easy and relatively affordable way for patients to obtain secure, well-fitting dentures. No longer do you have to worry about the embarrassment of your dentures slipping or falling out in public. You can feel confident and self-assured that your smile is as bright, beautiful and secure as if you were showing off your natural teeth.