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ORAL SURGERY & PERIODONTICS BLOG

The Latest on Dental Health, Dental Implants, Periodontics, Oral Surgery and More

Mini Implants: Going Small Can Do Big Things For Your Smile

Many times we use this blog to focus on implant-supported dentures. Today, we are going to look at the other end of the spectrum. Namely, how we replace a single missing tooth with a dental crown and a mini implant.

Several improvements and innovations have affected modern dentistry. When Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark developed the first modern dental implants, we suspect he knew that was just the beginning of changes in how dentists replaced missing teeth.

Mini implants are one of the great innovations we can offer patients at our dentist office in Buffalo Grove, IL.

Make an appointment at North Shore Smile Surgery today if you are looking for a replacement for your missing tooth. Call 847-613-4933 or contact us online.

 

Why You Should Replace Your Missing Tooth

A missing tooth is often just the start of a what could be considered a slow-motion set of dominoes falling over.

Your teeth are individual parts, but they work together. Your teeth can and do move. This is why orthodontic treatments are possible.

You may not realize, however, the every day your teeth are pushed and pulled. A big part of the reason they stay in pretty much the same positions is because of the mutual support that your teeth provide to one another.

Your teeth also support your jaw health. The roots of your teeth press into your jawbone each time you bite or chew. That pressure signals your jaw to create new tissue. The new tissue replaces older tissue, and your jaw remains strong.

By removing a tooth, that part of your jaw is no longer getting the signal to make new tissue. You can lose up to 25 percent of the bone density in that part of your mouth within 12 months of losing a tooth.

Plus, the teeth next to the opening can start to drift into the empty space. That can affect your bite. That can cause those teeth to begin to feel looser and eventually fall out as well.

By replacing the lost tooth, you can prevent the deterioration of your jawbone and the drifting in what’s left of your smile. To do that, you need to replace the whole tooth — crown and root.

At North Shore Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we can do this by placing a mini implant in your jaw to replace your root. Then we can add a dental crown to restore the appearance of your smile and the function of your missing tooth.

 

Why You Should Get Mini Implants At Our Office

First and foremost, we want you to have the best experience possible before, during, and after your tooth replacement procedure. This starts with how you will be treated by each member of our staff.

And your mini implants placement will be handled by our oral surgeon, Dr. Scott Frank.

Dr. Frank is one of the premier oral surgeons in the United States. He has more than 30 years of experience, and he has placed thousands of dental implants and mini implants in his career.

Other dentists are able to earn continuing education credit from the Academy of General Dentistry by taking courses that Dr. Frank presents at North Shore Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

Dr. Frank also is the director of The Elite Dental Group. This is an affiliate of the Seattle Study Club, which is considered one of the most advanced, interactive dental continuing education groups in dentistry.

We can’t go through all of Dr. Frank’s credentials in this space. However, you will know that you are in good hands if you schedule your tooth replacement at our dentist office in Buffalo Grove, IL.

 

What To Expect During Your Tooth Replacement

Dr. Frank will examine your jaw to make sure you have sufficient bone to support the mini implant. He will gladly answer any questions that you may have. Assuming you are a good candidate for this procedure, you can schedule an appointment for your tooth replacement procedure.

We offer sedation options to assure that you don’t feel any pain during the placement. In many cases, Dr. Frank is able to place the mini implant and the dental crown in a single visit.

We will provide you will information on how to care for your mouth as you heal from your procedure. Before you know it, you’ll be back to feeling like yourself with a complete smile and full use of all your “teeth.”

 

How To Get Your Mini Implant

The first step is scheduling a consultation at North Shore Smile Surgery.

To do that, contact us online or call our office in Buffalo Grove at 847-276-2500.

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