You may have heard about mini dental implants from commercials or personal recommendations. They are popular and effective dental options, despite being a relatively recent development. This article details the particulars of mini dental implants to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Mini Dental Implants?
A mini dental implant is a newer type of dental implant. It has a single-piece screw smaller than 3 millimeters (mm) in diameter or slightly more than 1/10 inch. The diameter of conventional dental implant screws ranges from 3.25 mm to 5 mm and typically consists of two parts.
These implants can be a lifesaver when conventional dental implants aren’t possible. There are two primary types of mini implants: full-mouth mini dental implants and partial mini dental implants.
Who Can Use Mini Implants?
While most people who need implants can benefit from mini implants, they are not suitable for everyone. The best candidates include:
Those with One or More Missing Teeth
The dentist can help by pairing mini implants with crowns or dentures to replace the missing teeth.
Individuals without Enough Bone for Traditional Implants
A sufficient amount of bone is needed for conventional dental implants. This can be a problem because the jawbone tends to be reduced when someone loses one or more teeth. Mini implants are an alternative to conventional dental implants in cases with insufficient bone for implant insertion.
Long-Term Denture Wearers
Long-term denture wear can alter the appearance of the jawbone. Mini implants are an excellent solution for people unhappy with how their dentures fit. Dentures can have a more secure fit when combined with mini implants.
Those Who Take Proper Care of Their Teeth
You must have good oral health to be a good candidate for mini implants. Your gums should not be suffering from any disease, nor should your teeth be experiencing significant tooth decay. Talk to the dentist to address the problem if you have any oral health issues.
People in Good Overall Health
You must also be in good overall health to get mini implants. The procedure should not be performed on patients with uncontrolled diabetes or cardiac problems.
Mini implants are a good option for many situations, and like regular implants, they have several advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these pros and cons can help you make the right choice.
Advantages of Mini Dental Implants
There are many advantages to choosing mini implants over traditional implants. Some of these are:
They Are Quick and Easy to Place
Mini implants are quicker and easier to replace compared to traditional dental implants. There is no need for an incision in the gum or stitches since they are composed of a single piece of metal. The procedure can be completed in as little as 30 minutes.
The Procedure Is Less Invasive
Mini implants are less intrusive than traditional implants and require only a small incision to be made during surgery, which means they promote rapid recovery.
There Is Less Discomfort
The traditional dental implant procedure is accompanied by a recovery period of several days to a week, during which the patient may feel pain and discomfort. Mini implants typically only cause mild discomfort that lasts for a few days.
The Procedure Is More Affordable
Mini implants are more cost-effective than their traditional counterparts because they require less material, are easier to place, and heal more quickly.
A Bone Graft Procedure Is Not Necessary
Mini implants are significantly smaller than conventional dental implants, so they can be installed in jawbones that do not have as much bone as is required for conventional implants. This means that bone grafting is often unnecessary for patients who have undergone some bone loss.
These benefits open up the possibility of dental implants to people who otherwise would be unable to get them due to costs or various other reasons.
Disadvantages of Mini Dental Implants
Mini implants have many advantages, but there are also a few disadvantages. These include:
They Are Less Stable
Multiple mini implants are often necessary to stabilize an implant-supported denture or dental bridge, where only one or two traditional implants would be sufficient for the same purpose.
People Who Grind Their Teeth Can’t Use Mini Implants
Mini implants are more vulnerable to wear and damage from teeth grinding than regular implants. You won’t have to worry about this if you use a mouthguard, however.
You Must Have a Healthy Jawbone
Mini implants do not require a lot of bone for support, but they still need enough jawbone to support them. You must have a healthy jawbone to undergo the procedure.
There is further important information to consider regarding the pros and cons of mini implants, including recovery time and care.
Recovery for Mini Implants
Mini implants often have a speedy and painless recovery process. You can usually resume your regular activities within a day or two.
You may feel tired, achy, and in discomfort after the procedure. You can alleviate pain with ice or over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. The dentist may recommend a prescription painkiller in some instances.
It’s best to steer clear of foods that are too tough or sticky after your implants are placed. Eating tough or sticky foods increases the chances of the mini implants being loosened or pulled out.
Your diet should consist primarily of liquids and soft meals like soup, smoothies, applesauce, and mashed potatoes while healing. The dentist will tell you when it’s OK to eat whatever you want again.
Serious effects from implants may include severe pain, numbness in your jaw, and pain that lasts several days. Talk to the dentist if you experience these or other serious problems.
Taking Care of Your Implants
The longevity of your mini-implant depends on you practicing good oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and going in for frequent dental checkups. Mini dental implants, with proper aftercare, can last a very long time.
Mini implants have been around only for the last 20 years, so it is difficult to predict how long they can last. You could reasonably expect them to last as long as regular dental implants.
The Dental Team
We’ve got you covered at The Dental Team if you are looking for dental implants in Milton, Mississauga, and Brampton. We’ll help you choose the right implants and identify if your insurance can help cover the fees. Contact your local The Dental Team office today for more information on dental implants or to book an appointment.
Please note that while The Dental Team offers a variety of dental implant options, they do not offer mini implants—this guide is for informational purposes only.
