Around 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. From gum disease to oral trauma and tooth decay, several factors can result in tooth loss. Missing a tooth not only affects the appearance of your smile but also increases the risk of infection.

Fortunately, dental implants offer a permanent solution to replacing the tooth. But, they are not for everyone. If you don’t have adequate bone in the jaw to support the implants or the physical health to undergo oral surgery, you should consider mini dental implants instead. Read on to learn more about mini implants and how they are the perfect alternative to dental implants.

What Are Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are similar to traditional implants but are smaller in size. They consist of a tiny titanium rod of less than 3mm and a small ball on the exposed end, which acts as an anchor for the elastic O-rings that attach your teeth to the implant.

As mini implants are half the size of regular implants, they are the perfect alternative for situations where dental implants are impossible. They also act as tooth roots and stimulate bone growth in the jaw.

Mini Dental Implants vs. Regular Implants



Size

As the name implies, mini dental implants are much smaller than traditional implants. They range between 1.8 to 3.3 millimeters in width, while regular implants are 3.4 to 5.8 millimeters wide. Because of their small size, they are more suitable for smaller teeth and people with narrow jaws.

Procedure

The procedure for both mini and regular implants is almost the same. As mini implants are narrower, the surgery is less invasive, and the recovery period is much shorter.

Also, instead of abutments or screws, mini implants use a small ball with an elastic O-ring on top to attach your teeth to the implant.

Eligibility

Conventional dental implants can replace missing teeth in a wide variety of situations—but they have their limitations. They need substantial bone mass to facilitate osseointegration. If you’ve experienced bone loss or suffer from osteoporosis or other conditions that make it difficult to get a bone graft, mini implants are an effective alternative option.

Their reduced size also allows them to replace smaller teeth in the front of the mouth, premolars, and other narrow spaces where a regular implant procedure is impossible. They also help stabilize implant-retained dentures.

Mini dental implants are suitable alternatives for people with diabetes and leukemia.

Cost

Mini implants are less expensive than traditional implants. On average, they cost between $500 to $1,500, while regular implants cost around $1,500 and $6,000. The exact price of your procedure depends on the number of implants you need to get your desired results. For a full-mouth reconstruction, choosing mini implants can save you thousands of dollars.

Mini Dental Implants Procedure

There is one main difference between the procedures for mini implants and regular dental implants. The toothpick-sized implant is placed over the gum surface for mini dental implants, and for the other, the implants are put under the gum. Owing to the placement of the implant, the mini dental implant procedure is not as invasive and requires less time.

After numbing the surgical site with local anesthesia, an incision will be made in your gums to expose the jawbone. Then, your dentist will drill into the bone to place the mini implants. Following this, they will stitch the gums closed around the implants, leaving a small portion exposed above the gums. You will be provided with a temporary tooth while you’re healing.

Later, your dental team will take impressions of your mouth to design your permanent teeth. After you’ve healed from the surgery, your new teeth will be attached to the implant.

After the Procedure

Your dentist will prescribe some painkillers and advise you to use an ice pack to keep the swelling down. For a week after getting the implants, avoid putting too much pressure on the gums. It is best to consume liquids like soup and pudding. After the first week, you should be able to handle soft food such as eggs, mashed potatoes, and pancakes. You can go back to your regular diet after a month.

Additionally, you need to avoid cigarettes during the recovery period. The chemicals in them can lead to gum diseases and interfere with the procedure.

Your mini dental implants require the same level of care as natural teeth. You need to brush and floss at least twice a day and schedule regular visits to your dentist to check out the health of both your implants and other teeth.

Benefits of Mini Dental Implants

Minimally Invasive Procedure

As mini implants are more narrow, dentists only drill a small hole to place the implants. This results in minimal damage to the jawbone and soft tissue around the implant. In contrast, traditional implants usually involve extensive surgery and a lengthy recovery period.

With regular dental implants, bone grafts are often needed to increase bone mass. Recovery time for bone grafts can extend up to nine months. Mini implants don’t have any need for this painful and expensive procedure.

Faster Recovery Period

One of the main reasons for the growing popularity of mini implants is that the recovery time is a lot shorter than traditional implants. Though there will be swelling after the surgery, it will subside within 48 hours. The gum tissue should also heal within a week, and you should be able to go back to normal after the first month. In fact, your dentist can fit your dental implants with the artificial teeth during the first two patient visits.

In comparison, it takes three to six months for the gum tissue and jaw bone to fully heal from conventional dental implant surgery before the abutment and artificial teeth can be attached.

Reduced Risk of Complications

The implants are made of titanium which is the same material used for artificial joints. So, they don’t decay or cause gum diseases. There are no stitches, and they don’t cause bad breath. Other complications are also quite rare, especially when an experienced oral surgeon performs the procedure.

To learn more about mini dental implants and if they’re the right option for you, book an appointment with Patriot Family Dental today! Use the appointment form on our website, or give us a call at (931) 645-2469.