As the name implies, mini dental implants resemble conventional dental implants but are smaller. Mini dental implants have a diameter of only 3mm. Mini dental implants are considered the perfect alternatives to bridges or dentures since they can replace missing teeth without disrupting the surrounding structures.
Mini dental implants are made up of two parts: a titanium post that has a ball on the end and is embedded into the patient’s jawbone. Mini dental implants also come with an O-ring socket that is used to secure the mini dental implants in place. The implanted part of mini dental implants are very thin, about as thick as a toothpick.
Aside from dentures, mini dental implants are also considered a great alternative to bridges and fixed crowns. Mini dental implants can also effectively support loose arch dentures. Over the years, mini dental implants have become the preferred option of many because of the many benefits they offer.
Mini Dental Implants: Pros and Cons
If you are considering mini dental implants, the following pros and cons can help you gauge if it is the best option available for your case.
Mini Dental Implant Pros
Mini Dental Implant Upside #01: They Won’t Require Bone Grafts
Conventional dental implants will typically require a bone graft if the surrounding bones have been weakened. Fortunately, mini dental implant candidates won’t be required to undergo bone grafts. This can also mean you are spared from spending money and time on another additional procedure.
Mini Dental Implant Upside #02: They Won’t Require Complex Flap Surgery
Mini dental implants is considered a conservative approach to dental implant treatment. After all, mini dental implants only require the placement of small post-like devices. The procedure won’t require any surgical flaps.
This means mini dental implants are also the best option if you are looking for an option that is not invasive and won’t affect the surrounding tissues. Also, apart from flap surgery, mini dental implants won’t also require bone grafting.
Mini Dental Implant Upside #03: Mini Dental Implant Procedure is Less Invasive
The mini dental implants procedure will only take a few hours and is considered less invasive compared to its traditional counterpart. Understandably, the recovery process is also way shorter since no other additional procedures are required.
Also, since the recovery process is also way shorter compared to that of traditional implants, patients can immediately return to their daily routines in just a few days instead of having to wait for several months.
Mini Dental Implant Upside #04: Mini Dental Implant Patients Experience Less Discomfort
Since mini dental implants are less invasive, you are spared from all the soreness, pain, and discomfort sometimes associated with conventional dental implants. Moreover, your gums and bone tissues will be able to heal faster without much disruption.
Mini Dental Implant Upside #05: Mini Dental Implants Won’t Slip
One thing that makes mini dental implants great is they do not slip like dentures. If you have mini dental implants, you can rest assured your chances of experiencing embarrassing slippage is zero. This can help increase your self-confidence when eating or talking to others.
Mini Dental Implant Cons
Mini Dental Implant Downside #01: Vertical Bone Density is Required
While not a lot of bones will be required by mini dental implants for support, having sufficient bones is still necessary to ensure the stability of the mini dental implants. That said, mini dental implants are often considered best for those who are experiencing less bone loss.
Mini Dental Implant Downside #02: They are Not Ideal For People with Bruxism
Mini dental implants, just like the conventional dental implants, are not ideal for those with bruxism. If you have untreated bruxism, it is likely that you will end up damaging your artificial teeth with your continued grinding.
