It’s not always children who have gaps in their smiles — adults do too. And as adults, we don’t have the luxury of growing another set of teeth to make up for the missing ones! Usually, dental implants are known as the most permanent and effective option to replace missing teeth. If you are considering options to restore your perfect smile, read on to find out more about mini dental implants and consider whether this could be an option for you.
What Are Mini Dental Implants?
Mini dental implants are also known as small or narrow diameter implants, whereby they are a small type of dental implant typically less than 3 mm in diameter. Traditional implants can go up to twice as large, that is 3 to 6 mm in diameter. Just like their larger cousins, mini implants are made from titanium alloy and are extremely hardy. Most commonly, mini implants are used to secure a complete upper or lower denture, in cases where there is a full arch of missing teeth. However, mini implants are also a great option for patients who are not candidates for traditional implants, as the surgery to place the mini dental implants is less invasive.
Procedure For Getting Mini Dental Implants
The procedure to place mini dental implants is less invasive than for traditional implants because of their smaller size. Dentists would manually place the mini implants through the gum tissue into the jawbone beneath. This procedure requires only local anesthetic, instead of a full general anesthetic. There are many patients who describe the process of getting their mini implants as being pain-free. In addition, the recovery period is short, and patients are usually able to go back to work or school the next day.
Reasons To Get Mini Dental Implants
Typically, patients who choose mini dental implants do so because they are not suitable candidates for traditional implants. This may be due to bone density weakness, or the area where the tooth needs to be replaced being too small for a traditional implant. Patients may also get mini implants as a way to support loose dental bridges or dentures. Mini implants are also less costly compared to regular implants, which could be a factor for patients. Also, patients may not be able to afford the downtime needed to recover after a regular implant.
A Word Of Caution
While mini dental implants may seem attractive, especially for individuals who shy away from more invasive surgeries, it must be noted that mini dental implants are far less stable as compared to traditional implants. This is a concern especially as teeth endure constant friction and pressure every day, mostly from chewing food, but sometimes also from other stresses. If you are concerned with the longevity of your dental implant, and you are able to select a traditional implant instead, this is something you may wish to consider; however, if you rarely eat hard foods or are relying mostly on dentures, this might be the right option for you. Read more about getting dental implants from Dr Alex Rubinov, an experienced dentist in NYC.