Why would you visit an implant dentist? That’s a fair question. To answer it, consider implant dentistry by way of an analogy: Imagine a door that just barely won’t close. Somehow it’s only slightly, so very slightly, too wide or too tall. Maybe it’s been warped by humidity or damaged by the heavy hand of a hurried traveller. In any case, the really frustrating thing is that such a minor misalignment makes the difference between something usable and something, well, not. Now imagine that this troublesome, uncloseable door is the door to a public bathroom. That’s a situation fraught with the potential for embarrassment.
This is what it’s like when your dentures don’t fit exactly right, or when your bite doesn’t align properly due to the loss of a tooth or two. From such small inexactitudes come persistent suffering. Every implant dentist knows that. However, it’s worth celebrating the fact that solutions to tooth loss exist. And alleviating the suffering that comes from missing teeth is the job of an implant dentist like Dr. Matthew Keider.
An Implant Dentist Explains: Dental Implants vs. Other Techniques
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 5 adults aged 75 or older is toothless. And that’s a troubling statistic considering that the consequences of tooth loss include:
- Difficulty chewing
- Malnutrition
- Self-consciousness
- Speech changes
Dental implants are a popular and reliable method for addressing tooth loss, but traditional implants don’t work for everyone. Over time, the jawbone naturally begins to shrink through a process called bone resorption. If you lose too much bone, you may not have enough support for traditional implants, making you ineligible for the procedure.
That means you may have to rely on conventional dentures for total tooth replacement. Unfortunately, one of the limitations of dentures is their inability to protect against resorption long-term. While dentures work well for some patients, others find that they are not as efficient, chewing-wise, as implants.
Similar problems arise for those missing just one or a few teeth. While traditional dental bridges are a common solution, they don’t offer the same stability, longevity, or jawbone health benefits as implants. The good news is that mini dental implants can be an excellent option for many patients, even those who have experienced bone loss.
How an Implant Dentist Benefits You
Your implant dentist is there to help you feel your best again. And Dr. Keider knows that you deserve nothing less than a full smile. With his help, you can experience the benefits of dental implants, which include:
- Prevention of tooth movement by keeping your natural teeth in their proper position
- Lower risk of cavities by filling gaps that can trap food and bacteria
- Improved jawbone strength by stimulating bone growth and preserving bone density
- Reduced tooth sensitivity in nearby teeth by easing the bite pressure on weaker teeth
- Long-term reliability, with a success rate of greater than 97% over 10 years
Some patients find even greater benefits with mini dental implants, such as:
- A simpler, less invasive, and quicker procedure
- Immediate implant placement
- Quick healing with less discomfort
- Cost-effectiveness compared to other implant types
An implant dentist like Dr. Keider will discuss your best implant options during your consultation. Bear in mind that traditional dental implants require you to have certain levels of jawbone mass and density. But remember: Even if you’ve experienced bone loss, you’re likely still eligible for mini dental implants.
Techniques Implant Dentists Use
Today’s implant dentists perform a variety of sophisticated procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Keider will discuss your dental implant options.
Traditional Implant Dentistry
Traditional dental implants require a few distinct steps over several months. First, your implant dentist surgically positions screw-like posts into your jawbone. Over the next few months, the bone heals around the implant, forming a solid foundation. Once you’ve healed completely, the implant dentist can attach a custom crown, bridge, or denture to restore your smile.
Mini Implant Dentistry
As the name suggests, mini dental implants are essentially smaller versions of traditional implants. The mini implant procedure, however, is far less involved, and an implant dentist like Dr. Keider can likely perform it even if you don’t meet the jawbone requirements for traditional implants!
The Implant Dentist’s Process
Compared to traditional implants, the mini implant process is quicker and requires less recovery time due to the thinner posts and minimally invasive technique Dr. Keider uses. Regardless of the exact procedure you and Dr. Keider agree on, the dental implant process looks more or less like this:
- Prior to receiving your implants, Dr. Keider takes a 3D CBCT scan of your mouth and jaw. This scan shows the condition of your bone and helps Dr. Keider determine if a bone graft is needed to provide support for the implants. The need for grafting depends on how much bone loss has occurred. In most cases, mini dental implants do not require bone grafts.
- To place a dental implant, Dr. Keider first gets you comfortably numb with a local anesthetic (just like if you were to get a tooth filled or extracted). Then, he inserts the titanium implant posts into your jawbone.
- Over the next several months, these biocompatible screws bond securely with your bone, creating a stable foundation. Mini dental implants, on the other hand, require only weeks to integrate with the jaw!
- Finally, Dr. Keider will attach your restoration to the implants. You may need a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on the extent of your tooth loss.
After getting implants, you’ll finally have the secure, pain‑free smile you’ve been searching for.
Schedule Your Consultation With Implant Dentist Dr. Keider Today!
A door that closes perfectly gives you peace of mind—no forcing, no fuss. The same is true for a well‑restored smile. Whether you opt for traditional or mini dental implants, Dr. Keider has the expertise to create a smile that works exactly as it should.
Everyone deserves to smile more, hurt less, and experience life without the pain and self-consciousness of missing teeth. If you’re struggling with tooth loss, now is the time to prioritize your well-being. Book a consultation today and open the door to a more confident you.
Dr. Keider has been a trusted implant dentist in Winston-Salem, NC, for more than 30 years, and he’s eager to help patients regain the joy of life they lost due to tooth loss. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.
