Dental Implants & Mini Implant

Dental implants are changing the way people live in Monterey, California! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants are tiny titanium posts which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.

Evaluation

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by either Dr. Drais or by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon referred by our practice. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Procedure

Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Dr. Drais can then start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.

MINI IMPLANTS:

The MINI Dental Implants (MDI) is a small titanium screw designed to be placed on your jawbone. The MDI system consists of a miniature titanium implant that acts like the root of your tooth. Each Mini Dental Implant has a head and we create a denture with O-Rings, that way the Denture can Snap On and Snap Off! Making your bite as strong as when you had your bite when you were young!

Difference Between Mini Dental Implants and Traditional Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are about half the diameter

Mini dental implants cost less

Mini implants do not contain a screw

In the rare event of dental implant failure, mini dental implants do not require grafting

Mini dental implants are less invasive, heal faster, and have shorter procedure times