Dental Implants in Austin, TX

Almost 12% of Texas adults ages 18 and older have lost six permanent teeth or more. Even losing one tooth impacts how we function on a daily basis. Missing teeth force you to adjust the foods you eat, make it difficult to speak as you normally would, and cause you to hesitate when you want to laugh or smile. If you are looking for a reliable tooth replacement solution, dental implants can restore your bite and enhance your smile.

At Aspire Dental, we specialize in pioneering mini dental implants, smaller versions of traditional dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are versatile tooth replacement devices used in the following scenarios:

  • If you are missing a single tooth, we can replace it with an implant and a crown.
  • If you have lost one or more teeth in a row, we can fill the gap with an implant-supported bridge.
  • If you have lost all your teeth, we can replace them with non-removable or semi-removable dentures.
  • If you have a preexisting denture that you’d like to stabilize, we can anchor the denture with dental implants.

They provide a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth due to the titanium material’s durability and the implant’s fusion with the jawbone. Dental implants have long been a solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth. While there is value in conventional implants, mini dental implants offer a revolutionary approach with many added benefits. With over 20 years of research-backed results, mini implants are a superior tooth replacement solution for many individuals.

Conventional Implants vs Mini Dental Implants in Austin TX Dr. Brandon Hall

Traditional and mini implants differ in the following areas:

  • Size
  • Design
  • Treatment timeline
  • Placement procedure
  • Recovery time
  • Cost

Traditional Implants

Conventional dental implants average 5 to 7 millimeters in diameter. The implant is made of multiple components, including the screw that is placed in the jawbone, the connector piece (called an abutment) that sits above the gum line, and a restoration like a crown, bridge, or denture that is visible when you smile.

Due to the implant’s size, many people with narrow jawbones or low bone density are deemed ineligible for traditional implants or require bone grafting surgery before the implant procedure can begin. Bone grafting involves rebuilding the jawbone by transplanting tissue from elsewhere in the body or from a tissue bank. Doing so encourages the bone to regenerate, increasing the jawbone’s density and volume over time. Unfortunately, the bone needs to heal completely before conventional implants can be placed. Although recovery times vary, it can take 6-9 months for the jaw to recover fully.

Even when bone grafting isn’t needed, dental implant treatment unfolds over multiple stages. Once the screw is implanted in the jaw, it takes at least six months for the jaw to heal before the abutment and restoration can be attached. This prolonged treatment timeline creates a barrier for those looking for a quick tooth replacement solution, such as individuals with dental anxiety or anyone who wants to avoid complicated multi-stage procedures.

Mini Implants

If you have experienced bone loss or want an efficient solution for replacing your missing teeth, mini dental implants are the answer. Mini implants are half the size of a traditional implant, measuring less than 3 mm in diameter. These tooth-picked-sized devices also boast a streamlined design. Unlike traditional implants, which feature a separate screw and abutment, mini implants offer a unique design advantage. Mini implants have a built-in connector, with a screw on one end of the implant’s post and a ball on the other. This ball protrudes from the gums and securely attaches to the restoration.

Due to the narrow size and streamlined design, mini implants allow for a simple, minimally invasive placement procedure. Unlike the complex procedure for placing conventional implants, which can leave patients in pain, the efficient technique for mini implant placement minimizes patient discomfort. And, instead of waiting months and months for a traditional implant, mini implants can be placed in a single visit with a restoration mounted immediately.

Aside from the quick results and reduced chair time, patients also appreciate how little downtime is needed to recover from a mini implant procedure. Many patients resume their normal daily routines in 24-48 hours.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is the key to long-lasting oral health. Dental implants can:

  • Restore chewing function: Losing even one tooth interferes with your ability to chew because each tooth is responsible for some facet of eating—from biting and tearing to grinding and chewing. If you have experienced tooth loss, you have likely avoided eating certain hard-to-eat foods. Dental implants restore your bite function so that you can continue eating a nutritious diet.
  • Enhance speech: Your teeth work together with other structures in your mouth to produce speech sounds. When you lose a tooth, your ability to communicate effectively is compromised. By closing the gap in your smile, dental implants help you control airflow to pronounce words clearly.
  • Maintain bone health: Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that preserves the health of your jawbone and maintains your facial appearance. When you lose a tooth, your jawbone begins to deteriorate because it no longer gets the stimulation it needs from the tooth’s roots. Because dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots, they provide the necessary stimulation to maintain a healthy jawbone.
  • Improve self-confidence: Gaps in our smile—big or small—can take a toll on our self-esteem. One of our goals at Aspire Dental is to help you regain confidence in your smile. Dental implants create a unified appearance, allowing you to grin proudly.
  • Provide a natural appearance: Dental implants are embedded in the jawbone, and the only visible component is the dental restoration, which is customized to fit your smile perfectly. With dental implants, you can flash a broad smile knowing that your artificial teeth are undetectable.

Financing Your Dental Implants

Dental Implants in Austin, TX Implant Dentist Aspire DentalYou may think that mini dental implants are more expensive than traditional implants due to their many benefits. However, mini implants are more cost-effective for several reasons. For example, the mini implant process can often be completed in just one visit, alleviating the cost of multiple appointments and saving you the burden of taking more time off from work. Because bone grafting is typically unnecessary for mini implant placement, you don’t need to budget for an added surgery, either. The smaller screw also means less material is needed for the implant, thus reducing costs.

While some dental insurance companies cover dental implants, coverage depends on your specific policy. We coordinate directly with your insurance company to file your claim and maximize your benefits. For those without insurance or who need to finance out-of-pocket expenses, we offer flexible financing options by partnering with multiple third-party lenders. Companies like CareCredit, Advance Care, United Medical Credit, and My Medical Funding offer monthly payment plans with low introductory interest rates, making it easier to afford your needed dental care.

When it comes to tooth loss, timely dental care is key. Missing teeth don’t just interfere with your daily routine—they also affect the long-term health of your jawbone, which recedes quickly following tooth loss. Flexible financing allows you to get care immediately and pay for your treatment over time.

Dental Implants Restore Your Smile

Losing teeth can be distressing, especially when it impacts several aspects of your life. From eating and speaking to smiling and laughing, missing teeth can undermine your well-being. At Aspire Dental, we specialize in restoring your smile with dental implants. With these tried and true dental appliances, you can improve your oral health and take pride in your smile.

Join the hundreds of people who have already decided to get their lives back with dental implants at Aspire Dental in Austin, TX. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn if dental implants are right for you.