Long before the city of Pomona became what it is today, its legacy was already growing underground. In the late 1800s, citrus groves transformed Pomona into a central hub of California’s booming Citrus Empire. By the 1880s, vast stretches of land were carpeted in orange trees, their deep, determined roots nourishing a future no one could have predicted. However, these roots did more than sustain the trees; they anchored a way of life. What happened beneath the surface was just as vital as what blossomed above it. In many ways, our teeth are the same. Strong smiles depend on what lies underneath: the roots. But when those roots are lost, our smiles lose their foundation. Thankfully, today’s dental advancements offer effective ways to rebuild that support. At Esparza Dentistry near Pomona, CA, we offer mini dental implants to rebuild what’s missing.
Dental Implants in Pomona, CA
A dental implant is a small titanium post we place into the jawbone, where it gradually bonds with the surrounding bone. This connection allows it to function much like a natural tooth root. But the root is far more important than many people realize.
Every tooth is composed of three distinct parts: the crown, the neck, and the root. The crown is what you see above the gum line. The neck is the narrow part that sits right at the gum line. Below that, hidden from view, is the root. The root anchors the tooth in place and fits into a socket in the jawbone, known as the alveolus. That socket is part of the alveolar bone, which plays a crucial role in maintaining your oral health.
The alveolar bone responds to the forces created when you chew. That pressure sends signals to the bone, encouraging it to stay strong and maintain its shape. As long as the root is active, the bone remains healthy.
But when a tooth is lost, so is the root—and the stimulation that keeps the bone alive. Without that regular activity, the bone begins to shrink. This process, known as bone resorption, can weaken your jaw and lead to changes in your facial structure.
Dental implants replace the root and reintroduce healthy stimulation to the bone. They help maintain the structure of your face, support your bite, and protect your long-term oral health.
Mini Dental Implants in Pomona, CA: What Makes Them Different?
To understand how mini dental implants differ, it is helpful to start with the standard approach.
A traditional dental implant is typically around 5 millimeters in diameter and consists of several components. The process begins with the implant post, which serves as the new tooth root. To place it, the dentist carefully folds back the gum tissue and prepares the bone by drilling a space just wide enough to fit the implant securely. This step is more invasive and usually requires a longer appointment.
Once the post is in place, the dentist sutures the gums and allows time for the healing process to begin. Over the next few months, the bone slowly fuses with the implant. This bonding phase is essential for long-term stability, but it does require patience.
After the implant has fully integrated with the bone, the dentist makes a small incision to expose the top of the post. At that point, an abutment—a small connector piece—is attached to link the implant with the final restoration. This could be a crown, a bridge, or a denture, depending on the patient’s needs.
The result is a durable, long-lasting tooth replacement; however, the process itself involves multiple steps, a longer timeline, and greater surgical complexity.
The Mini Dental Implant Process
Mini dental implants are narrower than standard implants, typically measuring under 3 millimeters in diameter. This smaller size allows for a far less invasive placement process while still providing the stability needed for long-term function.
They are also structurally different. A mini implant is a one-piece design, meaning the implant post and the abutment are fused into a single solid unit. At the top is a small, ball-shaped tip that extends just above the gumline once the implant is placed. This ball serves as the attachment point for the final restoration.
Due to their size and design, mini implants do not require gum incisions or sutures. Instead, the dentist creates a small pilot hole through the gum and into the bone. Then, we carefully thread the implant into place, resulting in minimal disruption to the surrounding tissue.
Eligible patients can often receive their final restoration shortly after we place the implant. This immediate loading approach allows us to secure a new tooth or stabilize a denture on the same day.
Discover a Simpler Way To Restore Missing Teeth
Just outside Pomona, we provide solutions that preserve more than your smile. If you’ve experienced tooth loss, mini dental implants offer a less invasive, highly effective way to restore the strength, stability, and comfort that healthy teeth provide. Contact Esparza Dentistry today to schedule a free consultation. Discover how this advanced treatment can help rebuild your foundation—from the roots up.
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