Mini Implants in Covington, la

Restore Your Smile Permanently

Mini Implants

If you are interested in dental implants but are not a good candidate for traditional dental implants due to a weakened jaw bone, compromised immune system, or complex health history, mini implants may be right for you. Mini implants are less traumatic, more cost-effective, and have faster healing than conventional implants. Frequently mini implants can be restored the same day, giving you that confident smile immediately. Mini implants are smaller than traditional implants and can be used to replace teeth when patients don’t qualify for traditional treatment. Call today to schedule a consultation and see if mini implants are right for you!

Simplicity Is Our Motto

• Less Healing Time
• Less Visits to the Dentist
• Less invasive
• Less Discomfort
• Less Expensive

What Is a Mini Implant?

Understanding the Basics

As the name implies, a mini implant is smaller than a traditional dental implant. Mini implants are usually about half the width and longer in length than conventional implants. This means that they can be placed with a less invasive treatment, and can be used even if your jaw bone has deteriorated due to tooth loss. Even if you are not a good candidate for dental implants, mini implants might be a good option for you.

What’s the Difference?

Mini Implants vs. Traditional Implants

Mini implants are smaller, which means the process of placing them into your mouth is less invasive. In addition, they are more like a screw and are tapered in shape allowing for just a pilot hole to guide them in place whereas the conventional implants are cylindrical in their entire length, necessitating an extreme amount of bone to be removed, which leads to a longer healing time. Mini implants also attach to dental restorations differently than traditional implants. Traditional implants use a small “abutment” that screws onto the implant. Then, a restoration like a dental crown can be attached to the abutment.
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In contrast, mini implants use a small ball to attach a single crown using cement, or a rubber o-ring which is picked-up by the denture using a fast-setting acrylic material. Mini implants are commonly used to stabilize lower dentures, but also can be used to stabilize the upper denture if you have a bad gag reflex or do not like the thickness of the denture.In addition, mini implants can restore single or multiple missing teeth with a fixed option that looks and feels natural.

Unique Advantages

Benefits of Mini Dental Implants

Mini Dental Implants are used to replace single, multiple, or even a full arch of teeth, just like conventional size implants; however, due to their tapered design, they allow for some additional benefits. With a tapered design, only a small pilot hole is used to guide the implant in the bone, reducing the amount of bone needing to be removed. Most procedures are done flapless, meaning your gums are not cut back to see the bone nor to remove the bone. This technique allows little to no healing time, less discomfort, fewer visits to the dentist, and a more affordable option!

Versatile and Durable

Mini Implants for Stabilizing Dentures

In most cases, this is the best way to use mini implants. Usually, a series of about 4-6 mini implants are required to stabilize a lower denture. The denture snaps onto the ball-shaped top section of the implant and is held in place tightly.

If you have a sensitive gag reflex and are have been struggling with your dentures and denture glue, mini implants are an excellent option for you. Also, if the thickness of your upper dentures is affecting your speech, placing mini implants will remove this issue. You'll be able to speak and smile with comfort and confidence.

Mini Implants

for Semi-Removable Bridge

A semi-removable dental bridge is a bridge that is secured into place by connecting to your mini implants and is not cemented into place but can only be removed by Dr. Keleigh Lascari. The placement of a semi-removable bridge involves placing 6 mini implants into the jawbone. The bridge will then snap onto the ball-shaped heads of the implants for a secure fit that doesn’t shift around and mimics the feel and look of natural teeth.

Mini Implants

for Zirconia Bridge

This is also referred to as a “Roundhouse” and is a fixed bridge permanently cemented onto a series of 8-12 mini implants. Zirconia is an extremely durable material that can withstand chewing forces and last for many years. 
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Traditional dentures are made out of acrylic materials that are similar to plastic which need more frequent repairs.  Zirconia is always very natural in appearance and will blend in with your natural teeth so no one can tell the difference. This mini implant-supported bridge is fixed so it cannot be removed.

Who Is a Good Candidate

for Mini Implant Secured Bridges?

Dental bridges are great options for patients who have lost a few teeth but still have most of their remaining healthy teeth. This rules out full dentures as an option because they require the extraction of all of the patient’s remaining teeth.
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A single dental bridge can replace 1-3 consecutive missing teeth. However, bridges can often become loose over time since natural teeth decay. A loose dental bridge can trap food particles and bacteria underneath the bridge which increases the patient’s risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
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However, a dental bridge that is supported by mini implants doesn’t have this problem, because they’re securely held in place, do not shift around, and don’t allow any open spaces to trap bacteria since they are titanium alloys and will not decay. We recommend implant-supported bridges to patients who are missing a few teeth and want a secure restoration but do not have sufficient jaw bone density for traditional dental implants.

How Often Will I Need to Replace

My Mini Implant-Supported Bridge?

A zirconia bridge will last for up to 15 years. However, it ultimately depends on the individual patient’s lifestyle, oral hygiene, diet, and maintenance of the bridge. To get the most out of your implant-supported bridge we recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. 
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Floss with an interdental brush, a floss threader, or a water flosser. Avoid chewing on ice, hard foods, and using your teeth as tools. You must wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth as this risks wearing down or breaking your dental bridge. Do not smoke and limit your consumption of staining foods and drinks. 
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There are no food restrictions with an implant-supported dental bridge as no matter what you eat, you will enjoy the stability, support, and strength of a zirconia bridge that is implanted into the jaw bone. However, certain foods can cause damage to the bridge over time and cause premature replacement, such as chewing on nuts, hard candy, toffee, caramel, or ice.