Mini implants give Ballwin MO denture patients a reason to smile

When you lose teeth, you lose much more. You can also lose the ability to speak clearly, eat your favorite foods, and smile with confidence. Traditional dentures may help, but they are less than ideal for many people. That is why The DentaLink team is proud to offer mini dental implants at our Ballwin MO locations.

What are mini implants?

There is a common misconception that dental implants are replacement teeth. In reality, they are replacement tooth roots, usually made of titanium. Like a natural root, the implant extends into the bone, creating a stable and natural feeling foundation for restorations. Standard implants are also similar in size to a tooth root. Mini implants, as the name implies, serve the same function but they are smaller.

Smaller size makes a big difference

The benefits of our mini implants include:

  • No bone grafting – The strength of implants comes from the fact that they are “rooted” in bone, just like natural teeth. However, that means you need enough healthy bone tissue surrounding the implant. This can be a problem for patients who have experienced bone loss or who have naturally thin bones. Due to their size, mini implants can be used for most patients, without requiring a bone graft.
  • Minimally invasive – Due to their size, the procedure for placing mini implants is simpler, faster, and less invasive. They do not require a complex flap surgery, and healing time is generally shorter.
  • Same-day smile – In many cases, patients who are getting mini implants for dentures or another restoration can have the restoration added the same day that the implants are placed.
  • Strong and reliable – Bigger is not necessarily better. We use advanced Shatkin F.I.R.S.T., which are known as the world’s strongest mini implants.
  • More affordable – It costs less to place mini implants when compared to placing traditional implants, and they often cost a fraction of other comparable restoration options as well.

More restoration choices with mini-implants

As mini-implants only serve as replacement tooth roots and lie beneath the gum line, you will still need a final restoration to serve as your functional teeth. One of the many benefits of mini implants is that they can provide a stable base for a number of different restoration options to meet different needs. At The DentaLink, our patients often choose from three distinct options to restore their smiles with mini dental implants:

  1. An affordable, fully removable upper or lower denture, which is immediately placed on your mini implants.
  2. A full upper or lower arch of attractive, comfortable dental crowns, which is immediately attached to the implants by snaps so that it can be removed.
  3. A full upper or lower arch of attractive, comfortable dental crowns, which is immediately cemented in place for a permanent restoration.

All of our restoration options can be completed on the same day as the placement of your mini implants so that you can go home with a complete, stable smile.

Mini dental implants at The DentaLink explained by Dr. Allan Link

Mini dental implants at The DentaLink explained by Dr. Allan Link
What are mini-dental implants? How are they different from regular dental implants? Watch the video to learn all about mini-dental implants, as Dr. Allan Link explains.
Video Transcript

What are mini dental implants?

Hello my name is Dr. Allan Link, I am a member and partner of the Dental Link and I am going to talk about mini dental implants today. They are essentially implants that are smaller and less invasive; they can be used in places where larger more invasive implant would need a bone graft or a sinus surgery. That way it makes them less expensive less post-operative pain and much simpler to place and a much shorter procedure.

How reliable are min dental implants?

The Harvard Denta School bulletin or magazine just came out recently this year stating that mini dental implants are an excellent way to replace teeth now in the past they were kind of frowned upon and thought that possibly they were not as good as traditional implants. Consumer report from dentistry is very positive about them, so what does it means to a patient? It means that you come in with a broken tooth I can place a mini dental implant the same day and put a temporary crown on it that day.

What are the benefits of mini dental implants?

The big advantage with mini dental implants is that we can for half, almost half the cost of the other options, which only give you denture teeth and they are screw retained we can give actual crown and bridge – again what does that mean – that means it is a much more beautiful vibrant smile, and they chew much better. The other thing is that we can also make them to snap on, no the patients can’t unsnap them but we can unsnap them, and that makes the cleanings and the hygiene much better. Much better smelling breath, much better repair and a much less costly hygiene visit.


Exploring your options

Mini implant treatment is a wonderful solution for missing teeth. However, it is just one of many excellent options available at The DentaLink. We also offer bridges, standard dentures, partials, and classic dental implants. What is best for you? Call us at (636) 496 8584 (Ballwin office) and schedule a consultation to find out.

FAQ’s about mini dental implants

Many patients do find that mini dental implants are a better choice than traditional implants or other restorations and they may work even where these restorations don’t. Some of the reasons why mini implants may be a better choice include the fact that they cost less to place, they can help to replace an entire arch of teeth, they offer stability and easy maintenance, and they can work to provide a same day complete smile restoration.
Mini dental implants may be used in places where traditional implants won’t work. For example, mini implants can be placed even where there is not enough bone. They may also be used when cost is a factor or when patients require a faster restoration but don’t want the unnatural feel or instability of dentures.
At The DentaLink we use mini implants to restore smiles in a number of different ways. All our options involve using mini implants as permanent replacement tooth roots for your choice of restoration. Three of our most popular restoration options include using mini implants to support a removable denture, to place a permanent upper or lower arch of dental crowns, or to place a removable arch of dental crowns which is attached by snaps. Many patients prefer an arch of dental crowns for its natural feel.
Yes, mini implants generally cost less to place than traditional implants in part because the placement is simpler and less invasive and the implants themselves also usually cost less.
When compared to traditional implants and other comparable restorations, mini dental implants provide numerous unique benefits. Some of the most notable advantages include faster placement, minimally invasive placement, being more affordable, working where traditional implants don’t, reducing the need for bone augmentation or sinus lift, feeling and functioning more like natural teeth, being compatible with removable restoration options, making same day final restorations possible.
Many patients who may find it difficult to receive traditional implants find that mini implants are a good fit for them as they do not require bone grafts or sinus lifts. Other ideal candidates include those who are looking for a replacement for ill-fitting, uncomfortable, or unstable dentures and those who are looking for a faster, more affordable smile restoration option.
Yes, this is one of the primary advantages of mini implants. Mini implants can usually be placed without an invasive and costly sinus lift or bone augmentation, which may often be required to place traditional implants. This also means that the implant process is much faster and reduces the need for extra surgery while being more affordable.

In most cases, because mini implants are considered a permanent restoration they are durable and should last indefinitely. At The DentaLink we are experts at placing successful mini implants and we use only the highest quality Shatkin F.I.R.S.T. mini implants, the most durable mini implants in the world.

At the DentalLink, you will be taken care of under the expert guidance of Dr. Allan Link and Dr. Andrew “Drew” Link. A dynamic duo who seek to provide the people of their community with sustainable health remedies and care.

Bringing with him 40 plus years of providing oral care, Dr. Allan Link is a proud alumnus of Duke University and the Washington University School of Dental Medicine.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr. Andrew Link studied at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and has been recognized by medical associations such as the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association.