Mini but not "Minor" Dental Implants: 5 Great Things about Mini Dental Implants

5 January 2017
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Over the last few years, the many benefits of mini dental implants have become apparent in the field of dentistry. This is especially true for the 35 million Americans that have lost all their teeth, as dentures often fit poorly and require a dental adhesive to remain relatively stable.

Traditional Implants Vs Mini Implants

Mini implants range from 1.8-3mm in diameter while traditional implants are larger, at 3.75mm, and although not enough conclusive research currently exists regarding mini implants, most dentists prefer to use traditional implants due to their proven track record.

However, despite that, mini dental implants are FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approved for long term use with dentures, bridges and crowns. They also offer several other benefits.

Can be Used to Stabilize Dentures

For a long time, dentures were the most cost-effective solution available to people that suffered from endentulism (missing teeth). However, while dentures can provide some of the benefits of natural teeth, they are ill-fitting, and can cause social discomfort due to the risk of them falling out.

Mini dental implants, however, are now widely used to provide stability for both upper and lower dentures. Once a dentist or prosthodontist has placed the mini implants, your denture can be fitted the same day.

This means no more irritating plastic palate on the roof of your mouth and the instant capability of chewing your food with greater force.

Ideal for Patients with Less Available Bone

Patients with advanced bone loss—usually those who have worn dentures for many years—are not able to have teeth replaced with traditional implants. There is too little bone available. However, mini dental implants can be used instead to support one or more missing teeth (or a denture), as once placed, bone grows around the implants, holding them in place.

Quick Surgery and Recovery Time

For traditional implants, healing after surgery and implant placement can take up to 7 months. Only once healing has occurred can the crowns be placed. Mini implants, however, generally take several days to heal as they can be placed into the gums without the need for extensive surgery or bone grafting.

No Waiting Time for Crown to be Placed

Unlike traditional implants, which may not have crowns placed on them for months, mini implants can be fitted with a crown on the same day they are placed into your jawbone. The area will be tender and sore for a few days, but as long as you practice good oral hygiene, healing time should be short.

Less Costly than Traditional Implants

Mini dental implants are also a lot cheaper than traditional implants, allowing patients that could previously only afford dentures a cheaper and more comfortable alternative.

If you are tired of wearing an unstable denture or would like to replace several missing teeth with something less costly in terms of time and money, talk to your dentist about the possibilities offered by mini dental implants.