Not every medical advancement is accessible to everyone. Too often, treatments that promise life-changing results are limited by high costs, long recovery times, or procedures that are too invasive for certain patients to undergo. Mini dental implants are one of the rare solutions that overcome many of these barriers. And here in Buffalo, Dr. Todd Shatkin refined and patented a placement technique that makes mini dental implants even more accessible, expanding who can benefit from this treatment.
The Benefits of Mini Dental Implants in Buffalo
Dental implants are small titanium posts that we place directly into the jawbone to act as replacement roots. Once positioned, the surrounding bone fuses with the implant through a natural process called osseointegration. This fusion creates a secure foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures, allowing them to function as if they were natural teeth.
Because implants mimic the role of a tooth root, they provide more than just stability. They also stimulate the jawbone, which prevents the bone loss that often follows tooth loss. Without this stimulation, the jaw can weaken and shrink over time, changing facial structure and making future treatment more difficult.
When osseointegration is successful, implants restore normal biting and chewing strength. Patients can eat comfortably and speak clearly, avoiding the discomfort and instability that often accompany removable dentures or traditional bridges.
Mini dental implants are one type of implant. Measuring less than 3 millimeters in diameter, they are about half the size of a conventional implant. Mini implants feature a slimmer post while maintaining the same fundamental purpose. They are also constructed as a one-piece system, where the post and abutment form a single continuous unit. Unlike two-piece implants, which require the abutment to be attached separately, this streamlined design removes joints and microgaps between parts.
Dr. Todd Shatkin: Advancing Mini Dental Implants in Buffalo
At Aesthetic Associates Centre, we use the Shatkin FIRST® technique developed by Dr. Todd Shatkin, which is tailored for placing mini dental implants. These implants are self-threading and self-tapping, meaning they create their own threads in the jawbone during the placement process. As we insert the implant, the threads cut into the bone and lock the post into position, much like a screw secures itself in wood or metal.
This design provides the implant with immediate stability while also reducing or eliminating the need for additional steps that require separate tapping tools.
With this technique, we start by making a tiny pinhole in the gum, then place the implant directly into the bone. Traditional implants, by comparison, often require multiple steps. The process begins with creating incisions in the gums to expose the bone. After that, a pilot hole is drilled, and in some cases, a separate tool is used to shape threads in the bone before the implant is placed.
The Shatkin FIRST approach allows us to provide a procedure that is simpler, less invasive, and focused on both stability and patient comfort.
Minimally Invasive Dentistry and Mini Dental Implants
Minimally invasive dentistry emphasizes preserving as much of your natural teeth, bone, and gum tissue as possible. Instead of relying on large surgical interventions, we use techniques that protect healthy structures, reduce trauma, and make the experience more comfortable. Mini dental implants fit into this philosophy. Their smaller size and simplified placement allow us to secure restorations while leaving surrounding tissues largely undisturbed.
Because the procedure is gentler, patients often experience less pain, less swelling, and a faster recovery. Reducing tissue disruption also lowers the chance of infection or complications, creating a safer path toward lasting oral health. By preserving your own bone and gum tissue, we set the stage for strong function and long-term stability.
This approach benefits many patients. Older adults and individuals with medical conditions can pursue implant treatment with a lower risk. Individuals with dental anxiety appreciate that the process is quicker and more comfortable. Patients who have thinner bone or lower bone quality often find that minimally invasive implant techniques give them a solution without the need for complex procedures.
Discover Advanced Solutions for Missing Teeth
At Aesthetic Associates Centre in Buffalo, mini dental implants represent a modern approach to tooth replacement that emphasizes comfort, efficiency, and long-term stability. If you’ve been searching for an implant option that prioritizes your health while restoring function, Dr. Shatkin and our team are here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and discover how mini dental implants can help restore your smile.
