Mini Dental Implants

Do you want to replace missing teeth but suffer from bone loss in your jaw? Or are you unable to undergo surgery for conventional dental implants? Whatever the reason for avoiding implants, don’t worry; consider getting mini dental implants that are equally as effective as regular implants.

Apart from shining up your smile, mini dental implants also help you improve your oral health and hygiene. You can also consider mini dental implants instead of replacements because they have a more natural appearance. Smile Design Dentistry has dental experts who can help you restore your perfect smile with our simple and efficient mini dental implant procedure.

What are Mini Dental Implants?

A mini dental implant (MDI) is a smaller version of a conventional tooth implant. This serrated nail-resembling implant is created using titanium alloy and is usually installed in the jaw to replace missing teeth. It is made up of two parts: the titanium shaft (with a ball at the end) and the rubber O-ring.

Since mini dental implants are less invasive than conventional implants, installation procedures are much simpler.

Mini Dental Implant Procedure

First, the dentist performs x-rays to ensure that your teeth are eligible for MDIs. Once approved, your procedure will be scheduled.

Before the procedure, you will receive a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the installation. The procedure begins with a small incision to your gums. Then the dentist will drill into the bone and install the mini dental implant. Finally, dentures or permanent teeth are fitted and attached to the implant using O-rings. You will be given prosthetics to wear to ensure the implant is correctly integrated and aligned with the bone.

During the first week post-surgery, you are advised to avoid sticky and hard foods. Fortunately, MDIs have a brief food restriction timeline as it takes about one week to recover. You are also advised to maintain the same dental hygiene as natural teeth through regular dentist visits, twice-daily brushing, and daily flossing.

Drawbacks of Mini Dental Implants

Mini Dental Implants are FDA-approved dental products. However, all products and procedures have their disadvantages. For MDIs, these include:

Limited Durability

After a few years of use, the implant will likely wear out and require a replacement. Unlike traditional implants, MDIs are installed as a single unit requiring complete replacement.

Requires Vertical Bone Mass

Although an MDI doesn’t require as much bone mass as regular dental implants, they still require a significant amount of vertical bone mass. The vertical bone mass helps to hold the implant in position after it is screwed down the gums.

Despite these needs, the benefits of mini dental implants outweigh the drawbacks.

Mini vs. Regular Dental Implants

Although mini and regular dental implants replace missing teeth or stabilize replacement teeth, they have several differences.

Size

A traditional implant usually has a larger diameter than a mini implant. The regular implant measures approximately 5 mm in diameter, while the mini implant has a diameter of 3mm. Therefore, regular implants would be more suitable for larger teeth, while mini implants are best for smaller teeth and dentures.

Design

Every tooth implant has a unique design. The conventional implants have a serrated nail-like shaft fitted with a removable abutment which dentists attach to the crown. On the other hand, mini dental implants have serrated nail-like shafts with a ball at the end and a rubber O-ring.

Durability

Although both implants are made from medical-grade titanium alloy, regular dental implants are more durable. Regular dental implants are more stable and offer a long-term solution compared to mini dental implants. They can withstand higher-pressure chewing forces, compared to mini dental implants.

Installation process

When installing regular dental implants, the dentist makes incisions to the gums to expose the jawbone, then drills a small hole for the implant. After placing the implant, they will stitch around the gums and let it heal before attaching the replacement tooth. As mentioned above, MDIs require drilling into the gums, installing the implant, and fitting a temporary prosthetic. You will likely experience more bleeding, discomfort, and scarring from regular dental implants compared to MDIs. Unfortunately, there is sometimes a need for a second procedure. If that happens, opting for an MDI may help prevent some additional discomfort during the second round.

Bone mass

Regular dental implants, unlike MDIs, are unsuitable for people with low bone mass. Therefore, you should consider MDI if you have low bone mass on the jaw that cannot support regular implants.

Success rate

There are several studies that indicate a higher success rate of regular dental implants compared to MDIs. However, MDIs show significant potential for increased success as technology continues to develop.

Mini Dental Implants Costs

Dental care is expensive, and not all patients can afford expensive dental procedures. Fortunately, mini dental implants are a more affordable version of dental implants that are equally functional and effective.

A single mini dental implant can vary depending on the doctor’s qualifications, the institution or clinic, and any additional diagnostic tests that are required. However, you can sometimes cut costs by having multiple MDIs installed in a single visit, rather than returning to the office multiple times.

Generally, mini dental implants are cheaper than regular implants, making them an affordable choice for your short and long term dental health needs. Mini dental implants are growing in popularity, since they’re proven to be as efficient and effective as other options while saving patients money.

If you are considering getting mini dental implants for teeth replacements or dentures, visit Smile Design Dentistry. Our dental experts will replace missing teeth and restore your beautiful smile. Contact Smile Design Dentistry today to book your private consultation and learn more about mini dental implants.

Your Dental Health Matters

Smile Design Dentistry wants patients to have the best possible smile. Our industry-leading dentists support patients through the entire process of getting a tooth implant, whether mini or regular. We begin by assessing and selecting the best products and procedures for you and explain every step of the process, up to and including final steps and costs.

Specialty equipment and up-to-the-minute technology make receiving dental crowns at Smile Design Dentistry pain free, easy, and straightforward.

Working in 50 offices across Florida, we are family-owned and operated and have been since 2004 when the first office was opened in Dade City. We build strong relationships with our patients, striving to make every dental treatment inexpensive and personalizing our care to meet your individual needs.

Visit the Patient Information page of our website to discover how Smile Design Dentistry can support your dental needs. Learn more and schedule an appointment to get the brilliant, shining smile you’ve always wanted!