Dental Implants in Missoula, MT
Replacing missing teeth doesn’t need to feel like a major project. Traditional dental implants often require multiple procedures, months of healing, and more parts than you might expect. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we believe in keeping things simpler without cutting corners. That’s why we use one-piece implants, including mini and mono options. They offer stable, long-lasting results and come with fewer steps, less discomfort, and a much quicker return to your normal routine. If you’re after something that works without all the hassle, one-piece implants could be just what you need.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant acts like the root of a missing tooth. It’s a small post, usually made of titanium, that Dr. Booth places into your jawbone. The base of the implant goes into the jaw, while the top extends above the gums. Once it’s in place and the area heals, the implant securely holds a restoration (such as a replacement crown, a bridge, or a denture) in your mouth.
Its main purpose is to give your new tooth a strong, stable foundation so you can eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Patients often ask us why they should opt for dental implants if traditional bridges and dentures also replace missing teeth. It’s a great question, and the answer comes down to how dental implants work and what they do for your long-term oral health.
Dental implants don’t just fill a gap in your smile—they also replace the missing tooth root. This makes a big difference. Unlike other tooth replacements, an implant helps keep your jawbone healthy by providing the pressure and support that natural tooth roots once did. This stimulation prevents the bone from shrinking over time, which helps maintain your facial structure and keeps your bite stable.
Implants also offer unmatched stability. They don’t slip like dentures or rely on surrounding teeth for support like bridges. You can chew, laugh, and speak confidently, without worrying about slipping, shifting, or putting extra stress on your other teeth.
Durability is another major advantage of dental implants. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for decades, giving you a lasting return on your investment.
Types of Implants
There are two main types of dental implants: traditional two-piece implants and one-piece implants, which include mini and mono implants.
Traditional implants consist of two parts: a titanium post placed in the bone and a separate connector (called an abutment) that holds the replacement tooth. This type requires more bone volume, a more invasive procedure, multiple surgical steps, and a longer healing time.
At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we focus exclusively on one-piece dental implants. These implants combine the post and connector into a single unit, simplifying the procedure and reducing healing time.
- Mini dental implants are less than 3 mm in diameter. Their slim design allows for a minimally invasive placement, often without the need for bone grafting, and they’re ideal for patients with narrow or low-density jawbones.
- Mono dental implants are 3 mm or wider—similar in size to traditional implants. However, they’re made as a single piece. They provide strong support for restorations, and Dr. Booth can place them using a simpler, less invasive technique than two-piece systems.
Mini and mono dental implants give us flexible options for replacing missing teeth without the need for complex or lengthy oral surgery.
The Advantages of One-Piece Dental Implants
When it comes to treatment efficiency, comfort, and long-term health, one-piece dental implants offer several advantages over traditional two-piece systems.
Simplified Placement
One-piece implants combine the implant post and the abutment into a single unit. This means fewer parts and fewer steps during the procedure.
With traditional two-piece implants, the post is placed first and left to heal under the gums for several months. A second surgery is then needed to uncover the implant and attach the abutment that holds the replacement tooth. One-piece implants eliminate that extra step, making the process quicker, less invasive, and more comfortable for patients.
Faster Healing and Shorter Treatment Timeline
Dr. Booth uses a less invasive approach and fewer surgical steps to place one-piece implants, resulting in faster healing.
He can typically place the implant and secure the final, custom restoration much sooner than with a traditional two-piece implant. From start to finish, replacing a missing tooth with a one-piece implant takes just a few weeks, while replacing a tooth with a traditional implant can take several months.
Lower Risk of Peri-Implantitis
Peri-implantitis is an infection or inflammation around a dental implant. It can be caused by bacteria entering the small gap between the implant post and the abutment in two-piece systems. Since one-piece implants don’t have that gap, they eliminate a common entry point for bacteria, which helps reduce the risk of infection and supports better long-term health.
More Cost-Effective
With fewer components and a more efficient surgical process, one-piece implants are more affordable than two-piece systems. They also require fewer appointments, which saves your time and money.
Better for Patients With Less Bone Volume
Mini dental implants, in particular, are available in slimmer sizes, making them a great option for patients with bone loss who may not be good candidates for large traditional implants. In many cases, there’s no need for bone grafting (a procedure that builds up the jawbone), which simplifies treatment even further.
At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we use one-piece dental implants exclusively to provide our patients with a more efficient, less invasive, and highly effective way to replace missing teeth.
Explore Your Tooth Replacement Options Today
One-piece dental implants offer a simpler, faster, and more affordable way to restore your smile. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, Dr. Booth uses mini and mono implants to provide reliable tooth replacements without the lengthy healing times or added surgeries of traditional two-piece systems. As a diplomate of the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants, Dr. Booth brings advanced training and expertise to every case, helping patients get long-lasting results with less hassle.
Wondering if you’re eligible for dental implants? Schedule a consultation today to take the next step!
Frequently Asked Questions
Most adults in good general health are great candidates for dental implants. If you’re missing one or more teeth, or you’re tired of loose dentures, implants can give you a more stable, long-term solution.
At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we offer mini dental implants, which are smaller and require less bone than traditional implants. That means even patients with bone loss (who may have been told they aren’t candidates elsewhere) often qualify here! We’ll review your health history, take a 3D scan of your jaw, and discuss your options with you during your consultation.
Getting mini dental implants is surprisingly straightforward. It starts with a consultation, during which Dr. Booth will take a 3D CBCT scan to evaluate your jawbone and plan the precise placement of each implant. He’ll also talk through your treatment goals and answer any questions you have.
Since mini implants are smaller and use a less invasive technique, the procedure usually takes just one visit. After administering a local anesthetic, Dr. Booth makes a small pilot hole through the gums and gently positions the implants in the jawbone. Thanks to their stability and minimal invasiveness, Dr. Booth can usually attach a temporary tooth the same day he places mini implants.
Patients are often surprised by how quick and simple the healing process is. Most experience only mild soreness and resume their regular routines in a day or two.
The cost of dental implants depends on how many teeth you’re replacing and what type of restoration you choose. That said, mini and mono dental implants are more affordable than traditional two-piece implants because the procedure is simpler, less invasive, and requires fewer parts.
At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we believe in transparent pricing and no surprises. During your consultation, we’ll go over all the costs, walk you through financing options, and help you find a solution that works for your health and your budget. Replacing your teeth shouldn’t feel out of reach, and we’re here to make sure it isn’t!