Mini Dental Implants in Winston-Salem, NC

Missing teeth can make it harder to enjoy your favorite foods, speak clearly, and feel confident in your smile. Fortunately, mini dental implants offer a simple, long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. Smaller and less invasive than traditional implants, they provide a secure foundation for crowns, bridges, and dentures without requiring extensive surgery or bone grafting.

When you visit our practice, you’re not just a patient—you’re part of a team. Dr. Keider will work with you to explore all your options and find the best tooth replacement solution for your needs. Together, we’ll make informed decisions so you feel confident in your care.

What Is a Mini Dental Implant?

A mini dental implant is a small titanium screw that we place in the jawbone to replace a tooth root. It supports restorations such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. This narrow-diameter implant is a modern alternative to conventional implants. While traditional implants are about 5 mm wide, mini implants are less than 3 mm.

Their slim design makes mini implants a great choice for many patients. While traditional implants work well in some cases, they demand a lot of space in the jawbone that some individuals simply don’t have. Think of it like securing a screw into a board—if the board isn’t wide or thick enough, the screw won’t have proper support and will eventually loosen. The same principle applies to implants: there must be enough bone to support them and ensure stability. Because mini implants are about half the size of conventional ones, even individuals who have experienced bone loss can be eligible for implants.

But size isn’t the only difference. Mini implants also have a single-piece design, unlike traditional implants, which consist of a screw-like post and a separate connector. By combining these components into one, mini implants simplify the process and reduce overall treatment time.

For many individuals seeking secure and long-lasting tooth replacement, mini implants are an ideal option.

The Mini Implant Process

Consultation

The first step in the mini dental implant process is a consultation, where we evaluate your oral health and consider the best treatment options for you. We begin by taking a CBCT scan, which creates a detailed 3D image of your head and mouth in just a few seconds. This scan helps Dr. Keider assess your bone structure to determine if mini implants can be placed. He’ll then review the scan with you and discuss which implant and restoration options best suit your needs.

At this visit, Dr. Keider also performs a full oral exam to check for any additional dental concerns.

Based on the exam and imaging, he creates a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. He’ll explain the pros and cons of each option, review costs, and discuss financing solutions—ensuring you feel confident in choosing the best path forward.

Procedure

Mini Dental Implants in Winston-Salem, NC | Matthew Keider, DDSDr. Keider begins the mini dental implant procedure by preparing the treatment area. If a tooth needs to be extracted, he often places the implant immediately after removing the tooth. This approach minimizes healing time and avoids multiple procedures.

Instead of making large incisions, Dr. Keider creates a small pilot hole in the jawbone. This precise technique ensures minimal discomfort and preserves as much healthy bone as possible. Once the site is ready, he carefully screws the mini implant into place. Over the next few weeks, it will integrate fully with the bone.

In most cases, Dr. Keider can attach a crown, bridge, or denture immediately after placing mini implants. This means you can leave the office with a restored smile the same day. Unlike traditional implants, which require 3-6 months of healing, mini implants provide a faster, more convenient solution.

Throughout the placement process, you’ll be comfortably numb and won’t feel any pain. After the procedure, most patients only need over-the-counter pain relief. In just a day or two, you can return to your regular routines.

With his expertise and advanced techniques, Dr. Keider makes the mini implant process efficient, comfortable, and highly effective for restoring missing teeth.

The Benefits of Mini Dental Implants

Advancements in dental implants have made mini implants a powerful option, offering key benefits for patients looking to restore their smiles.

Procedure Advantages

  • Minimally invasive technique: Mini implants don’t require large incisions, complicated drilling sequences, or stitches. Additionally, bone grafting is rarely needed to build up the bone. As a result, the procedure is much simpler.
  • Quick procedure: Their small size and one-piece design allow Dr. Keider to use a simpler technique, streamlining the process. This translates to less time in the dental office and more time enjoying your new smile.
  • Virtually painless treatment: We use a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area and keep you comfortable. Plus, Dr. Keider’s gentle technique minimizes trauma to the gums and bone, so most patients feel little discomfort—even after the procedure.
  • Immediate results: Mini implants have immediate loading capability, meaning Dr. Keider can connect a crown, bridge, or denture the same day he places them. This allows you to leave the office with a restored smile right away instead of waiting months for healing.

Healing Benefits—and Beyond

  • Fast healing: The gentle, minimally invasive placement of mini implants minimizes the impact on surrounding tissues and promotes faster recovery.
  • Low risk of complications: Mini implants are made of biocompatible titanium, just like traditional implants, allowing them to integrate well with the bone. Their one-piece design lowers the risk of peri-implantitis (an infection around the implant), and their smaller size reduces the chance of interfering with nerves or sinuses.
  • Long-lasting results: With proper care, mini implants can last a lifetime. Regular cleaning with a Waterpik, electric toothbrush, and special mouth rinses helps maintain their longevity.
  • Reasonable cost: Mini implants are more affordable than traditional implants because they require fewer materials and appointments and use a simpler procedure. Their long-term durability makes them a cost-effective solution for tooth replacement.

One of the greatest advantages of mini implants is that so many patients can enjoy these benefits! Because most people qualify for this treatment, more people than ever can access advanced implant solutions and the life-changing results they offer.

Discover if Mini Dental Implants Are Right for You!

Choosing the right tooth replacement option is a big decision, but Dr. Keider is here to help. With mini dental implants, you can enjoy a fast, secure, and long-lasting solution tailored to your unique needs. At our practice, you’re not just a patient—you’re part of a team, and we’re committed to working together to find the best options for your smile. Schedule a consultation today to learn if mini dental implants are right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

After getting mini dental implants, we recommend sticking to a soft diet to allow your gums and bone to heal properly. What you can eat depends on the number of implants placed and the type of restoration you received, so we’ll give you personalized recommendations. In general, you can eat fairly normally but should be cautious with hard, crunchy, or sticky foods as you heal.

However, once you’ve fully recovered, you can eat anything you want! Unlike traditional bridges and dentures, dental implants restore your bite force, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods confidently.

Some insurance plans cover dental implants, while others don’t. But don’t worry—we handle all of that for you! We immediately contact your insurance provider to get a detailed breakdown of what’s covered, then provide you with a clear, written explanation so there are no surprises. If insurance doesn’t cover the full cost, we offer interest-free in-office financing and simple outside financing options to make treatment affordable. Before any work begins, we’ll make sure you have a clear picture of your options.

When you lose a tooth, it’s not just about aesthetics—your oral health and overall well-being are at stake. Missing teeth can cause bone loss and bite problems, leading to long-term issues like difficulty eating and changes in facial structure. Gaps in your smile also put extra stress on the existing teeth, increasing the risk of wear and damage. Replacing missing teeth with mini dental implants helps maintain your jawbone health, restores proper function, and improves your smile. If you’ve lost teeth, don’t wait. With mini dental implants, we can give you a smile that feels natural, secure, and strong!

Chances are, you are! Mini dental implants work for a wide range of patients, even those who may not be candidates for traditional implants. Since the procedure is minimally invasive and gentle, they’re an excellent option for patients with bone loss, individuals considered medically frail, and those with dental anxiety.

Plus, the lower cost of mini implants makes implant treatment more affordable than ever, and we offer flexible financing options to fit your budget. If you want comfortable, long-lasting, and affordable tooth replacement, mini implants are an excellent choice. Let’s find out if they’re right for you!