Candidates for Mini Dental Implants

Dental implants are a tremendous treatment option for patients who are missing one or multiple teeth. However, there are instances where an individual’s jawbone is too narrow for standard implants. In these instances, mini dental implants at Featherstone Periodontics & Implant Dentistry may be the best option. Similar to traditional dental implants, simply smaller in diameter, mini dental implants are not typically the first choice when it comes to correcting missing teeth, but in certain cases they are the best solution to restore your natural, full smile.

Patients Who are Ineligible for Standard Implants

Patients who meet any of the following criteria may be good candidates for mini dental implants

  • Low jawbone density: One of the primary reasons an individual would be ineligible for standard implants is due to low jawbone density. This issue can occur following tooth loss or be the result of a congenital condition or trauma. Regardless of the reason, low jawbone density means that a dental implant will not receive the support it needs to hold an implant. However, there are instances when these patients who previously would not have qualified for a dental implant can receive treatment, due to the diameter of the mini implant being so much smaller.
  • In good oral/overall health: Anyone who is considering getting any kind of implant, mini or standard, will need to be in good general health. Prior to placing any implant, it will first be necessary to treat any underlying oral health issues, such as gum disease or decay. Once periodontal therapy has been completed, the mini dental implant process can continue. Patients who have a history of radiation treatments to the jaw, take immunosuppression medications, and/or who have uncontrolled diabetes are also less likely to be viable candidates for the mini dental implant procedure.
  • Want fast treatment: Placing mini dental implants is far less invasive than placing standard implants, so much so that in some cases it will not even be necessary to make any incisions. Because of this, the recovery period following placement of mini dental implants is also much faster.
  • Long-Time Denture Wearers: When teeth have been extracted, over time the bony ridge underneath the gums will begin to atrophy, which is why dentures need to be adjusted on a regular basis, because the bone is constantly changing. As a result of this change, dentures can begin to shift whenever a person is speaking or eating, which can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing. Mini dental implants can eliminate these issues by providing stabilization and support for the dentures.

Are Mini Dental Implants Right for Me?

Whether mini dental implants are the right option for you will largely depend on whether you meet the basic criteria necessary to support the implant and if you fall under any of the categories listed above. The best way to determine whether this is the right treatment option for you is to schedule an appointment with your periodontist, who can 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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