Dental implants fulfill numerous objectives. In addition to filling in gaps in the teeth, they also help to prevent the loss of jawbone, after a tooth has been lost or extracted. This is because the implanted post or screw replaces the natural tooth root. The jaw bone and soft tissues grow up the implant the same way they grow up a natural tooth, thereby anchoring the teeth, stabilizing adjacent teeth, and reducing the risk of further tooth loss. But how long do dental implants take? Can dental implants be done in one day? Read on to learn more.
Mini Dental Implants in One Day
Mini dental implants are a terrific option for people missing one or more teeth, who have experienced some bone loss, rendering them insufficient to support a traditional dental implant. Mini dental implants use an implanted post that is roughly half the diameter of a screw used in full-sized implants.
Mini dental implants use a ball and socket mechanism, rather than a screw and an abutment used in full-size dental implants. Both the surgical placement of the implanted post and the artificial tooth can often be completed in a single day.
Traditional Dental Implants
Traditional dental implants cannot technically be completed in a single day, but you will leave your implant surgery with an implanted screw and a temporary crown on the tooth. The temporary crown is necessary because it takes several months for the implanted screw to completely fuse with the bone (osseointegration). After osseointegration is complete a few months later, you will return to have the abutment placed in the screw, and the permanent crown attached to the abutment.
Which Type of Implants Are Right For Me?
Full-size and mini dental implants offer many of the same benefits including:
- Natural-looking dental restorations that fill gaps in teeth
- Preventing further loss of jaw bone
- Restoring chewing, speaking, biting ability
- Preservation of facial structure
- Improved self-esteem
- Provide support for implant-supported dentures
- Permanent solution to missing teeth
Mini dental implants may be a better choice for patients who do not have sufficient jaw bone to support a full-size implant but have enough to support a mini dental implant. They may also be an excellent option for those who wish to have less invasive surgery.
Mini dental implant surgery may also be better suited to patients who were born without a tooth such as an incisor. The recovery time after mini dental implant surgery is typically shorter. Because surgery is less involved, mini dental implants are often less expensive than traditional dental implants.
Traditional dental implants offer greater durability than mini dental implants. This is incredibly important if you grind or clench your teeth. Full-size dental implants may support weight distribution a bit better, which may help prevent stress on the jaw joints and bones.
Your dentist can help you decide which type of implant is best suited for your needs. Either option will allow you to leave the office with replacements for missing teeth on the same day.
Schedule a Consultation for Dental Implants in Midtown Manhattan
If you’re ready to replace one or more missing teeth, or you need to have a tooth extracted and replaced, schedule a consultation at Meridian Dental Group. Our team of experienced dentists includes endodontists and Board-Certified periodontists who can help you to determine which type of dental implant is right for you. Request an appointment by sending us a message, or calling 212-813-0850.