Mini Dental Implants vs Regular Dental Implants

Dental implants are a wonderful treatment option for patients who are a missing a tooth or multiple teeth and want a permanent solution that looks and feels natural. Unfortunately, not every patient is a viable candidate for regular dental implants, which require that a person be in good oral and physical health and that their jawbone is sufficiently dense. While a bone grafting procedure can help correct this issue, in other instances a mini dental implant can be the preferred treatment option.

Smaller than regular dental implants, mini dental implants are usually comprised of two pieces, rather than three, with the abutment and anchor combined, and the crown, which is placed on the abutment/anchor. One of the drawbacks to mini dental implants being two pieces instead of three is that if one part of the implant fails, the whole implant needs to be replaced, whereas with regular dental implants, the most common thing to need replacement is the abutment or crown, which is much easier and less expensive to replace than the implant itself.

Although the lengths of both mini dental implants and regular dental implants are about the same, the biggest difference between the two is the difference in their diameters. Where a regular dental implant to replace a molar is typically 5.0mm, a mini dental implant is half that size. Because molars receive a lot of wear and tear through daily chewing, mini dental implants are not typically recommended for molar replacement.

Although mini dental implants are more likely to fail and do not provide as strong of support, they can be a good treatment option for patients with bone atrophy. They can also be used to mount crowns, partial or full dentures, and other restorations.

Placing Mini Dental Implants vs. Placing Regular Dental Implants

Having mini dental implants plants is very similar to the process of getting regular dental implants. You will have an initial evaluation, during which your periodontist will review your oral and medical history and evaluate your oral health to identify any underlying issues that need to be addressed and determine if mini dental implants or regular dental implants are right for you. Diagnostic exams will then be taken to determine your viability for the procedure as well as determine placement for the implant(s).

The mini dental implant procedure itself is faster and less invasive than traditional implants, which also means a shorter recovery time. Prior to placing the implant, a local anesthetic is administered along with dental sedation if necessary. Once you are numb, small incisions are made in your gum in order to access your jawbone. Next, tiny holes are drilled into your jawbone into which the titanium posts are placed. Once properly positioned, the gums are sutured around them and the crown is placed. After testing your bite to ensure the fit is correct, the procedure will be complete.

Which is Right for Me?

You will need to schedule an appointment with your periodontist to determine whether mini dental implants or regular dental implants are best suited for your needs. During this evaluation, they can assess your overall oral health, answer any questions you might have and provide you with their professional opinion as to what treatment option is best suited to your needs.

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