If you have lost a tooth but don’t like the conventional teeth restoration options, you have another alternative that won’t involve invasive surgery or expensive dental work. This option is called mini dental implants. Mini dental implants are great options since they can resolve some of the shortcomings of traditional dental implants.
Mini dental implants are not only less invasive, they are also less painful since they won’t require bone grafts and other surgeries. Mini dental implants are typically used to replace small teeth like the incisors and premolars. They can also easily fit in smaller spaces and are considered less expensive compared to conventional dental implants.
Understanding Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants are considered a wonderful option for those who want to replace a missing tooth (or teeth) but don’t want to resort to using traditional dental implants. Mini dental implants may also be recommended if you are not considered a candidate for conventional dental implants for one reason or another.
As the name implies, mini dental implants are about half the size of traditional dental implants. Understandably, they are easier and less painful to install. They won’t also require the same amount of jaw mass traditional implants will need. Mini dental implants are also a great option for adults who are suffering from tooth loss from damage.
Mini dental implants are also the recommended option for elderly people who suffer from resorption. Mini dental implants are also deemed a better alternative than bridges or dentures as they are less invasive. In addition, mini dental implants are also considered a faster procedure that will only require a single visit.
Mini Dental Implants vs. Traditional Dental Implants
While there are several options available to replace missing teeth, mini dental implants are the easiest to carry out and have the lowest impact. Unlike traditional implants, mini dental implants don’t have to be embedded or attached to the jawbone completely. They won’t also require bone grafts.
Mini dental implants are also the recommended option for those patients with jawbone recession. Jawbone recession typically occurs in the absence of tooth roots. If the replacement of the missing tooth is delayed for one reason or another, loss of bone tissue may occur. A receding jawbone can hinder you from getting traditional implants.
If you are older or if you have bone resorption, mini dental implants might also be recommended. Mini dental implants are also considered ideal compared to other options as there is minimal chance that the teeth will be placed too close to the nerve or sinus because of its smaller size.
Mini dental implants can be easily installed in one visit using local anesthesia and sutures. Traditional implants on the other hand will entail multiple visits to the dentist since it is a more invasive procedure. With traditional dental implants, you might also need additional appointments for bone grafting.
However, mini dental implants are not a good option if you want to replace your upper teeth or molars since they do most of the chewing. Fortunately, your dentist would be able to help you decide if mini dental implants or conventional dental implants is best for your case.
If you are looking for a fast solution, you can never go wrong with mini dental implants. Mini dental implant installation is fast and straightforward. It is also painless. If you experience any pain that lingers for days, you need to visit your dentist right away to check if something is wrong with the implants.