mini dental implants - Allure Wellness

Mini dental implants is a great option for patients that want to replace missing or lost teeth but can’t (or don’t want) to receive conventional restorations. Some people don’t like the invasive surgery associated with conventional dental implants. Others on the other hand lack the bone mass in their jaws that can hold the dental implants in place.

Dental Implants and Mini Dental Implants

Dentists replace missing teeth using dentures, bridges, or dental implants. Dentures and bridges are false teeth that sit on the surface of the gum. Dental implants on the other hand are inserted on the jawbone so they are not removable.

Mini dental implants have the same structure as the conventional dental implants. However, they are smaller. Mini dental implants have two parts: a titanium post with a ball on the end, and a socket (with a rubber O-ring) that attaches the tooth to the post.

According to the Journal of Oral Implantology, mini dental implants are 1.8 to 3.3 mm in diameter and 10 to 15 mm long while traditional implants are 3.4 to 5.8 mm wide.

Factors that Affect the Longevity of Mini Dental Implants

Numerous factors can impact the longevity of dental implants. Some of the factors include:

Lack of proper implant care
Smoking
Bone diseases like osteoporosis
Substance and alcohol abuse

However, it pays to keep that every mouth is different. While two people can get the same dental implants on the same day, the longevity can still vary from one person to another.

Mini Dental Implants vs Traditional Dental Implants

Getting regular implants can take several months and may require repeated dental appointments. For instance, certain treatments might require additional visits for bone grafting. Bone grafting is often needed so it can keep the post in place.

However, other patients can’t go through multiple invasive surgeries and repeated dental appointments. Some have also lost too much bone mass in the jaw to receive traditional dental implants. In some cases, this is where mini dental implants can come in handy.

Some dentists can install mini dental implants in a single visit using local anaesthesia. Patients can also have their teeth the same day.

Benefits of Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants offer a lot of benefits. For starters:

No need for any complex flap surgery. It is reassuring to know that mini dental implants often provide the same benefits as traditional dental implants. However, since they are smaller, they can be placed without any flap surgery.
They are less invasive and will require shorter healing time. Mini dental implants will not require surgery like its conventional counterpart. Since the procedure is less invasive, the healing process is also much quicker. In fact, healing time is reduced significantly—from months to just days.
Patients experience minimal discomfort. Less disturbance to the patient’s bone and tissue can also mean less soreness and discomfort after the procedure. If ever patients will experience any soreness, they often respond well to over-the-counter pain medications.
Patients experience more convenience. Unlike traditional implants where the process can take many months, mini dental implants can be completed in one visit. Patients can also often eat the same day.
Mini dental implants can prevent facial collapse. Since mini dental implants are fixed in the jawbone like a tooth root, it can prevent facial collapse that can occur with bone loss.
Lesser complications. Mini dental implant complications and failures are very rare. This is not really surprising as the protocols and techniques used in the procedure have been refined over the years.

Who are the ideal mini dental implant candidates?

Mini dental implants are considered the best option in specific scenarios. That being said, mini dental implants are not recommended just because the patient prefers them. Typically, people are considered ideal dental implants candidates when:

They have small teeth

They need front teeth replacement

They need premolar replacement

They have teeth situated in a narrow space

How small are mini dental implants?

Mini dental implants are exactly what the name implies. They are a lot smaller compared to traditional implants. Also, mini dental implants are one solid piece. However, just like their conventional counterparts, they are also screwed into the bone.

The diameter of mini dental implants is usually smaller than 3mm. On top of the device, you can find a ball-shaped protrusion. It is designed to help support the dentures. Ideally, the denture will come with a rubber O-ring that will slide over the ball-shaped part.

How are mini dental implants different from traditional implants?

One of the primary differences between traditional and mini dental implants is the size. Traditional implants has twice the diameter of mini dental implants. In other words, it would take two mini dental implants to mimic the support conventional implants can provide.

At first glance, this may seem like a disadvantage. However, nothing can be farther from the truth. You have to keep in mind that in some instances, a smaller implant can be the best option. This is especially true if the space is really narrow and a traditional implant just won’t fit.

How long will mini dental implants last?

The lifespan of mini dental implants can vary depending on several factors. Some of the factors that can impact the lifespan of mini dental implants include:

Alcohol or substance abuse

Smoking

Lack of implant care

Osteoporosis (or other bone diseases)

It is also important to remember that no two mouths are the same. That being said, two people who get mini dental implants may have a very different experience when it comes to the implant’s longevity.

How much will mini dental implants cost?

Mini dental implants cost less compared to the traditional implants. Typically, traditional implants can cost around $4, 000 to $5, 000. Mini dental implants on the other hand can cost from $500 to $1, 500.

However, you have to remember that just because they are smaller, it does not follow they are inferior. Below are some of the reasons why mini dental implants cost less than their traditional counterparts:

Their screws are more affordable. Since small screws are used, they are often cheaper.

The procedure is a lot simpler. The process will not require surgery and is less invasive and time-consuming. Of course, less time and effort can also mean less cost.

No bone grafting necessary. Oftentimes, bone grafting is not required in mini dental implant procedures. Understandably, one procedure less can also equate to spending less.