Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental Implants are a great alternative for patients who are unable to endure invasive implant placement surgery. Traditional implant placement requires a small incision in the gum tissue and a small hole drilled into the jaw bone for an implant to be secured in place. The implant is allowed to heal and integrate with the jaw bone for six months. Dental implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth in the mouth and are a secure and stable and aesthetically pleasing option.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a permanent dental prosthesis that can be used as an alternative to dental bridges and traditional dentures that sit above the gum surface. Bridges and dentures are a great way to restore missing teeth but often require adjustments and replacement after ten years or so.
Unlike bridges and dentures, a dental implant is surgically placed directly into the jaw bone, acting as the root of a tooth which encourages bone regeneration and prevents deterioration that can accompany bridges and dentures, causing them to become ill-fitting and changing the appearance of your facial structure.
A periodontist or oral surgeon will be the dental professional that places your implant. The implant itself is a titanium post that screws into the jaw bone and protrudes through the gum tissue to allow an abutment and implant crown to be placed.
What is the difference between a traditional dental implant and mini dental implants?
A traditional dental implant ranges in size between 3.4 and 5.8 millimeters wide whereas a mini dental implant ranges from 1.8 to 3.3 millimeters wide. Even though mini implants are much smaller, they have the same structure and have the ability to support a number of restorative options including an implant-supported denture. Mini implants use a rubber O-ring instead of an abutment to secure the prosthetic in place.
Mini implants do not require the extensive healing time of traditional implants and can usually be placed and restored with the dental prosthesis in one visit! This allows patients to leave their dental office with their new teeth the same day.
Care and Maintenance for Mini Dental Implants
One of the many benefits of implants is that you care for them just as you do your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly accompanied with regular visits to your dentist will help you keep your implant healthy and in place for decades. Your porcelain implant crown cannot decay but the gum tissue and bone structure supporting your implant can be negatively impacted by poor oral care.
Dental implants are more expensive than other restorative options but they are also the healthier way to ensure the integrity of remaining teeth. If you are interested in dental implants but cannot or simply do not want to experience implant placement surgery and the long process involved, mini implants may be a great option for you. Speak with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for mini dental implants.