You might have read articles about mini implants or heard about them from personal recommendations or commercials. Although they are a recent development in dentistry, these dental restorations are an effective and popular dental treatment option. Mini implants are becoming an increasingly preferred alternative to conventional dental implants, providing a minimally invasive technique for replacing knocked-out or otherwise missing teeth.

In this blog, we discuss everything you need to know about these dental restorations, including what they are, their placement procedure, benefits, costs, and more. Understanding every aspect of these dental restorations will enable you to make informed decisions about your dental treatment.

What Mini Dental Implants Entail

Mini implants refer to a smaller version of conventional dental implants. They have a one-piece screw that is smaller than three millimeters in width or slightly above 1/10 inches. Generally, their width is half that of a standard implant. The width of standard implant screws ranges from 3.25 mm to 5 mm and generally comprises two parts.

The size of mini implants makes them easier and less invasive to place. These dental restorations consist of a small titanium post implanted into the jawbone to support replacement teeth, such as dentures and crowns, securely. Mini implants are an option when regular dental implants are not viable. They come in two main types: partial mini-implants and full-mouth mini-implants.

Because they are much smaller, mini implants are more suitable for individuals with low jawbone density or prefer less invasive surgery. They strongly support dental prosthetics while conserving the remaining healthy natural teeth.

Suitable Candidates for Mini Implants

Not everyone is a candidate for mini implants. The typical ideal candidates for these dental restorations are the individuals who:

  • Are in perfect oral health. An ideal candidate should not have active periodontal disease and a good dental hygiene routine. That means your oral health must be perfect to be an ideal candidate for these dental restorations. You should not be undergoing significant tooth decay. Consult your dental professional to address any dental health issues you may experience.
  • Are with dentures that no longer fit properly. Wearing dentures for an extended period can change the appearance of the jawbone. A change in jawbone appearance can cause dentures not to fit correctly. Mini tooth implants are a perfect solution for individuals unhappy with the fit of their dentures. They can provide a more stable fit for dentures. That means they can be combined with dentures to provide a desirable fit.
  • Have had tooth loss. These dental restorations can anchor a single bridge or crown or support a denture.
  • Have low or insufficient bone density for conventional implants. Compared to the standard dental implants, mini dental implants are smaller. Thus, they do not necessitate as much bone density. That makes them an ideal option for individuals who have experienced jawbone loss due to gum disease or another health issue. For traditional implants, enough bone density is required. This can be problematic since the bone is usually reduced when a person loses teeth. Mini dental implants are a substitute for traditional implants in cases of inadequate jawbone for implant installation.
  • Prefer a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The mini dental implant placement procedure is generally more minimally invasive than conventional implants.
  • Have good overall health. Apart from good dental health, your overall health must also be good to receive mini dental implants. You want to talk to your dentist if you have cardiac problems or uncontrolled diabetes.
  • Seek a quicker and more affordable replacement option.

Children without a fully developed mouth are particularly unsuitable for mini dental implants. That is because, as the jawbone grows, it can surround these dental restorations, much like a nail driven into a tree. Individuals with a teeth-grinding issue are also not ideal candidates for mini dental implants.

Individuals with specific health conditions should consult a medical professional or a dentist to determine if they are suitable candidates for the mini dental implant placement procedure. These conditions include the following:

  • Vascular disease
  • Periodontitis
  • Diabetes
  • Bone disease
  • Hemophilia or other clotting-related conditions
  • Conditions that affect bone or wound healing

Particular medications or lifestyle factors can also affect your capability to obtain mini implants. This includes if you:

  • Practice improper oral hygiene
  • Smoke
  • Take drugs that decelerate bone healing
  • Take anticoagulant medications
  • Receive radiation or chemotherapy

Mini implants require less bone density than conventional implants. However, some jawbone density is needed. That means the dental restorations may not be successful if you suffer from severe bone loss and gum disease. People with damaged or recessed gums may also be incapable of supporting mini tooth implants.

The Placement Procedure

The dentist places these dental restorations under sedation or local anesthesia. The dental professional will make a small cut in your gums during the placement procedure to uncover the jawbone. Then, they will drill a hole to place the tooth implant. Unlike conventional implants, mini dental implants can be implanted directly into available jawbone, often without requiring bone grafting.

The whole process typically takes two hours or less. After placement, the implant will take several weeks to fuse fully with the bone. After you have healed, the dentist can attach a denture or crown to the mini dental implant.

Mini dental implants are a versatile option. They can anchor any dental restoration, from a complete denture to a single dental crown. This makes them ideal for different stages of tooth loss. Additionally, since they are smaller, they permit placement in places with less jawbone width. This makes them a perfect option for many patients.

Aftercare and Recovery

Mini dental implants usually have a quick and painless healing process. Most people can resume normal activities within 24 or 48 hours after the placement procedure.

You may experience discomfort, achiness, and tiredness after the treatment. You may also experience sensitivity. You can relieve pain with over-the-counter painkillers, for example, ibuprofen, or by applying ice. Sometimes, your dentist might prescribe pain-relieving medications.

Avoid eating sticky or hard foods for a few days following the surgical procedure to prevent exerting pressure on the mini-implant site. Pressure on the implant site will increase the likelihood of the dental restoration being pulled out or loosened.

While recovering, your diet should primarily consist of soft meals and liquids, such as smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, and applesauce. Your dentist will inform you when it is okay to eat all the foods again.

The effectiveness of your treatment is based on how you care for them. Practicing proper oral hygiene, such as gentle rinsing and brushing, can help promote healing and minimize the risk of complications, including infection. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and schedule regular dental checkups. Additionally, consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to minimize plaque buildup.

It is also crucial to monitor changes in your mouth and immediately inform your dentist of any changes or discomfort in your mini implants. With appropriate aftercare, mini implants can last many years.

Mini Implants Cost

The prices of mini implants vary significantly based on location, the dentist’s expertise, and other accompanying treatment procedures. Mini dental implants typically cost between $500 and $1,500 per implant. Though mini dental implants might be more cost-effective, you must also factor in the extra costs associated with dentures, crowns, and follow-up consultations.

Mini Implants’ Durability

Generally, mini plants can last between five and ten years. However, with proper maintenance and care, they might last longer.

Routine dental cleaning and checkups are necessary to maintain mini dental implants and adjacent tissues in a healthy condition. Improper dental hygiene can result in some complications and may even lower the durability of the mini dental implant. According to studies, proper oral hygiene may significantly prolong the durability of mini implants for patients.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Mini Implants Over Conventional Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are an ideal option for a wide range of dental cases, and like traditional implants, they come with benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages will enable you to make an informed choice. Some benefits of mini implants include the following:

  • Minimally invasive placement procedure. Mini implants are less invasive than conventional implants. They necessitate the dentist to make only a tiny incision during surgery, meaning they facilitate a quicker recovery.
  • They are easy and quick to install. These restorations are easier and quicker to place than conventional implants. Stitches are unnecessary because the dental restorations are made of one metal piece. The procedure could be done in less time.
  • Reduced discomfort. The procedure for placing conventional dental implants typically involves a recovery time of several days to weeks. During this period, the patient might feel discomfort and pain. Mini implants usually cause slight discomfort, which usually disappears shortly. The recovery period is also brief.
  • They are a cost-effective option. These dental restorations are more affordable than conventional implants since they are straightforward to place, require less material, and heal faster.
  • In most cases, there is no need for extensive bone grafting. Mini implants are much smaller than the regular dental implants. Therefore, a dentist can install them in a jawbone that lacks the bone density required for regular implants. That means bone grafts are typically unnecessary for anyone who has experienced some jawbone loss.
  • Immediate results. Conventional dental implants need multiple visits to the dentist. That is because replacement teeth cannot be attached to regular dental implant screws until the gums and jaw have healed. On the other hand, the dentist can often attach replacement teeth to mini implants on the same day as the implant procedure.
  • Prevents facial collapse. The dentist inserts a mini dental implant into your bone, enabling your teeth and jaw to maintain their previous size and placement.
  • Less painful to repair and place. The smaller size of mini dental implants makes repairs and placement less painful than conventional dental implants.
  • They can fit into smaller spaces in your mouth. Mini implants are typically an ideal choice for replacing small teeth or fitting into narrow openings and for individuals with small jaws.

These advantages make mini implants a compelling alternative for individuals seeking to enhance their oral function and smile. They provide the opportunity for dental implants to patients who would otherwise be unqualified to receive them due to cost or other reasons.

Drawbacks of Mini Implants

Mini dental implants have several benefits, but they also have some drawbacks. These include the following:

  • Individuals with teeth-grinding problems cannot use mini dental implants. Mini implants are more susceptible to damage and wear from tooth grinding than standard implants. However, you need not worry if you wear a mouth guard.
  • They are less stable. Several dental restorations are usually required to stabilize a dental bridge or implant-supported denture. On the other hand, only two or one conventional implants would be enough to serve a similar purpose.
  • You need a healthy bone. Mini dental implants do not necessitate much jawbone for support. However, they still require sufficient bone to anchor them. You need a healthy bone to have the placement procedure.

Risks and Complications

When improperly executed or planned, mini dental implants can have risks, including:

  • Gum inflammation (mucositis)
  • Contact with the surrounding tooth roots
  • Contamination
  • Mini dental implant fracture during removal or placement

Inflammation of the adjacent soft tissue is another potential complication that can result in loss of mini dental implant stability.

Severe effects from these dental restorations might include numbness in the jaw, severe pain, and persistent pain. Consult your dental professional if you develop any of these or other severe problems.

Find a Reliable Prosthodontist Near Me

Mini dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. They enable dentists and prosthodontists to create a beautiful smile with little effort.

Northridge Advanced Dentistry has you covered if you want to undergo treatment with mini implants. We will assist you in selecting the proper implants and determine whether your insurance provider can cover the costs. Call us today at 818-701-3010 to schedule an appointment or learn about mini dental implants. We will help address all your needs and wants, so you know what is ideal for your dental healthcare situation.