Mini Implants
Calgary, Alberta
Do your dentures flop around to the point where you are terrified they will end up on the floor? Are you always covering your mouth to catch your dentures when talking? Do you survive on noodles and pasta because chewing is impossible? Do you just take them out at home because they rub and hurt and then answer the door without your teeth?
Well, there is answer to these problems. Implant retained dentures. Dental implants are made of titanium and are used routinely to replace lost teeth but can also be used to retain loose dentures. There are two types of implants, traditional and mini.
What are Mini Implants?
Mini implants are so narrow they can typically be inserted directly through the gum tissue into the bone underneath without surgically cutting the tissue. This results in much less post-insertion discomfort.
In most situations mini implants can be loaded immediately after insertion. This means we can attach your loose denture to the mini implants the same day we place the implants. Yes, you can walk into our Calgary office with loose ill fitting dentures and walk out with firm dentures.
Mini Implants Procedure
First we like to see you for a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for mini implants. Dr.Cload will explain the procedure and take some X-rays to assess your bone density and structure. We will then book you back for your mini implant placement.
A single minimal procedure is needed to place the mini implants. We will typically place four in the lower jaw and six in the upper jaw. Following the placement we will prepare the fitting surface of your existing denture for the attachments that grip onto the mini implants. At the end of this appointment you will leave with your now tight fitting denture. We will see you the following day to ensure all is well and then a week later to check everything has healed well.
Mini implants are great for denture wearers with loose dentures who may not have enough bone for traditional implants. Traditional implants are fantastic, but do require more bone volume and therefore grafting if insufficient volume of bone is present. As you know when your teeth are removed, the bone that used to hold the teeth in place will shrink away, in some cases leaving hardly a ridge. This is where mini implants can be a great choice.
Mini implants can even be used if you are wearing partial dentures and find them to be loose. In some cases the mini implant may allow the removal of the unsightly metal clasps that are often used to retain partial dentures.
Cost of Mini Implants
Compared to traditional dental implants, mini implants are approximately half the price of traditional implants. Every situation is different so it is difficult to know exactly how much the mini implants will cost in your situation. Dr.Cload will provide you with a complete estimate of how much you cost would be before starting any treatment
If you feel Mini Implants may be the answer to your loose, ill fitting dentures please contact Dr.Cload at Southcentre Dental Clinic in Calgary, Alberta for a free mini implant consultation.
