You may have heard of dental implants. They can replace missing teeth with natural looking and functioning prosthetics. Dental implants replace the entire tooth structure, including the root, to provide a stable foundation for effective chewing.
There are different types of dental implants, both traditional and mini. Mini dental implants are smaller and narrower than traditional implants, offering a variety of advantages. Learn more about mini dental implants to determine if they may be the right tooth replacement option for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
To understand mini dental implants it helps to learn how a traditional dental implant works. An implant is a titanium post with threads like a screw that is surgically placed in the jaw bone. Over time it fuses with the bone to form a solid anchor that can support an artificial tooth. A single dental implant can replace one tooth. Multiple implants placed in the jaw can support a bridge or dentures to replace anywhere from a few teeth to a complete arch.
An important factor in the success of dental implants is bone density and the structure of the jaw. The bone must be wide enough and thick enough to support a dental implant, otherwise there is a high risk of implant failure.
Mini Dental Implants Explained
An alternative to traditional dental implants is the mini dental implant. It is shorter and narrower than a regular dental implant, which allows it to be placed in the jaw when there is less bone density and structure. Mini dental implants are still made of titanium and still have threads to encourage fusion with the bone, they simply take up less space in the jaw.
Benefits of Mini Dental Implants
- Ideal for patients with bone loss. When teeth are missing or have been extracted, the support structures for those teeth deteriorate, resulting in bone loss in the jaw. When there is a lack of bone density, traditional dental implants may not be an option. However, mini dental implants are smaller and can be placed in a thinner jaw bone.
- Eliminate the need for bone grafting. Lost bone structure can be reversed with bone grafting, a surgical procedure involving the placement of a bone fragment over the existing bone. It thickens the bone and encourages regeneration of the bone tissue. This procedure is often required for someone with bone loss to be a candidate for traditional dental implants. Mini dental implants can eliminate the need for bone grafting.
- Save you money. Mini dental implants typically cost less than traditional implants, saving you money on the procedure. And by eliminating the need for bone grafting, you can save even more.
- Comparable strength and security. Mini dental implants provide strength and security that is comparable to traditional dental implants. The strong bond with the bone provides a solid anchor for dental prosthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Dental Implants
Do mini dental implants last as long as regular implants?
Mini dental implants can last a lifetime, just as regular implants can. There is only a slightly higher risk of implant failure or breakage due to the smaller size.
Am I a candidate for mini dental implants?
A brief evaluation by your dentist can determine if mini dental implants are the right option for you. Patients with some bone loss in the jaw are often candidates for mini dental implants.
Learn More From Glassman Dental Care
If you’re interested in dental implants, call Glassman Dental Care at 212-787-4860 or contact us today to schedule an appointment. We will discuss all tooth replacement options to help you determine the right solution for you.