Implants / Mini Implants

Crowns and conventional bridges or dentures may not be your only options when replacing missing teeth. For some people, dental implants offer a smile that looks and feels very natural. Surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments, implants fuse to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual. replacement teeth, bridges or a denture.

Implants offer stability because they fuse to your bone. Integration of the implants into your jaw also helps your replacement teeth feel more natural and some people also find the secure fit more comfortable than conventional substitutes.

Candidates for dental implants need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. A thorough evaluation by your dentist will help determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.

An important factor for success of implants is the dentist’s knowledge of and expertise in occlusion. Occlusion is the ability to keep the bite balanced and all the teeth meshing correctly with each other in perfect harmony.

Dr. Walsh’s knowledge of occlusion is well known and he works closely with an oral surgeon when implants are being placed in his patient’s gums. He often sits in on the surgery to ensure the implants are placed in the perfect spot to accommodate the future crown and the patient’s ability to chew comfortably when the procedure is finished.

Mini Implants and dentures often placed in one short 1-2 hour visit.

Why Mini Implants?

The mini dental implant procedure is a much less involved process than conventional dental implants. For this reason, the procedure can usually be completed in one appointment. In addition to saving time in the dental office, you will have far less discomfort (no surgical flaps or sutures) and far less expense.

Benefits of Mini's ...

• Simple procedure with minimal surgery
• Immediate results
• Improved confidence and smile
• Cost Effective (about 1/3 the cost of traditional implants)
• Anchors dentures for a secure, snug fit and comfortable wear!
• Preserves bone

In our office, mini implants are used for improved denture fit and comfort. Implants have been placed with a high success rate using this simple, cost effective procedure.

The entire process consists of a consultation visit with Dr. Walsh which includes x-rays and impressions. Then, at a second visit, Dr Walsh will place the mini implant(s) in your mouth, and may also place the new denture at that time, secured by the mini implants. You can walk out ready to enjoy the foods you wish, without the long healing times.

The most important factor for success of mini implants is the dentist’s knowledge of and expertise in occlusion. Occlusion is the ability to keep the bite balanced and all the teeth meshing correctly with each other in perfect harmony.

Many dentists can place mini implants in a patient’s mouth. The trick is placing them correctly so that the denture will blend into your bite with comfort and ease.   If everything is aligned properly, the TM joints remain pain free when chewing and biting.

Many dentists take a course which teaches occlusion techniques. However, Dr. Walsh has completed three full intensive courses in the study of full mouth reconstruction. There are very few general dentists in the country who have such an extensive working knowledge of occlusion nor his hands-on experience.