What is a Mini dental implant?
Mini dental implants are new dental treatment options for people who want to replace missing or decayed teeth to transform their smiles. They are among the best because of their low invasiveness into the jaws, cost-effectiveness, and take a shorter time than conventional dental implants. The implants are metal rods that come in diverse materials, including Titanium and Zirconia. Read on to learn more about mini dental implants.
What is a Mini dental implant?
Mini dental implants are similar to traditional implants in structure and biocompatible materials but smaller in size. They are attractive options for improving smiles and are mostly partial mini-dental implants such as the O-ball and Locator overdenture. The MDIs support overdentures and are for replacing single or multiple missing front or premolar teeth.
Mini dental implants have numerous advantages over conventional dental implants because they are smaller and can fit narrow areas that regular implants cannot. Unlike conventional DIs, the mini options require less invasive surgery due to their small size. dental professionalss use less drilling and cut into the jaw bone for quick recovery and reduced trauma. MDIs are also the best because they keep dentures in place and use less jawbone density.
Beneficiaries of Mini Dental Implants?
dental professionalss prefer mini dental implants for patients with missing front and premolar teeth in the lower and upper jaws. People with low bone density in their jaws and those with long-term dentures can also visit a dental professionals for mini dental implants. Overall, before the dental professionals clears you for the mini dental implant procedure, you should have good oral and general health.
The mini dental implants are perfect for patients with loose dentures because they stabilize, tighten, or secure them in their place. They allow the bone to fuse and integrate for higher denture success with a low possibility of fractures. Patients with dentures using mini dental implants can also have fewer issues of trapped food particles under the denture.
The mini dental implant also benefits people with low bone density and jaw bone issues as the procedure does not require too much bone density. Another type of patient that benefits from mini dental implants are those with missing front and premolar teeth because they do not need invasive procedures and are easy to place.
Mini dental implants also stimulate the jawbone to prevent bone loss for long-term oral health. They improve oral health and functioning by enhancing comfort during chewing and talking. Patients enjoy foods and drinks that have nutritional value for better overall health and quality of life.
The Procedure of Mini Dental Implants
Dental professionals follow the step-by-step guide below to place mini dental implants in patients.
- Initial consultation for assessment and treatment planning
- Conducting an X-ray to identify the place for the mini dental implant
- Prepare the jaw for a mini dental implant by using local anesthesia, such as Prilocaine, to numb the gums and jaw throughout the process.
- Drilling a sizable hole that fits the size of the mini dental screw
- Place the metal dental implant through the hole in the gums and into the jaw.
- Tightening the implant into the jaw
- Use the ball on top of the screw to snap into the denture or replacement tooth.
- Ensuring the new tooth or secured denture is successfully placed.
A skilled dental professionals has many roles, including conducting a comprehensive patient health assessment to ascertain their overall health, which is good for preventing infections and other adverse effects and complications. The professional ensures the patients are free from diseases, including diabetes, hemophilia, oral issues, and bone disease. In addition, dental professionalss use clean and safe equipment and materials for the procedure to avert oral infections.
After the mini dental implant procedure, the patient’s recovery can take days to weeks. The patients should expect pain, sensitivity, and discomfort that painkillers can relieve. They should also expect the gums to swell afterward. Luckily, the swelling subsides after a while.
You can also expect the gum tissues and jaw bones to be painful and sensitive for weeks and heal after a month. In addition, the patient should ensure proper oral hygiene of the mini dental implants to heal without complications. Follow-up visits to check the success of the dental implants are also necessary.
Comparing Mini Dental Implants to Other Options
Mini dental implants differ from traditional implants in numerous ways included in the table below.
Mini Dental Implants | Traditional Dental Implants |
These implants are smaller in diameter, ranging from 1.8 to 3.3mm. | These conventional types are larger in diameter, from 3.4 to 5.8mm. |
A solid one-piece screw with a post and ball-shaped end. | Have two pieces that include an abutment and post. |
Fit for patients with low jawbone tissues | Fit for patients with sufficient jawbone tissue |
Low invasiveness and quicker recovery | More invasive procedure and extended healing process |
Lasts for several years | Can last for a lifetime |
Mini dental implants are also better than dentures and bridges because they offer more stability that ensures proper speaking and chewing of food. Maintaining mini dental implants is easier compared to dentures and bridges.
Unlike dentures and bridges, which are temporary dental treatments, mini dental implants last longer because of their high quality and durable materials. The mini dental implants can meet all your dental needs because they are more stable and comfortable for chewing food and speaking.
Cost and Financing Options for Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants are cost-effective options for improving your smile if you cannot afford the regular options. The price of the implants varies because of location, number of implants needed, experience and expertise of the dental professionals, reputability of the dental clinic, and implant material used. It also depends on the requirements before and after the procedure and payment plan or option, such as the insurance provider.
The procedure requires you to budget and plan your finances to ensure everything from consultation to the follow-up process is affordable. You can get the overall cost of the whole procedure by visiting your desired dental clinic.
In addition, you can discuss with the dental professionals to schedule time for different operations for months to make the procedure affordable. It is wise to consider dental clinics offering discounts, promotions, or payment plans for mini dental implants.
There are many financing options that you can use for affordable dental care, including Proceed Finance and CareCredit, which covers dental procedures for up to 24 months. You can also use cash or enroll in a community organization to link you to free dental services such as dental implants. Some clinics offer in-house financing plans that you can consider to finance your mini dental implant process.
Maintaining and Caring for Mini Dental Implants
After a successful mini dental implant procedure, proper care is essential to ensure longevity and peak functionality of the new teeth. You will need appropriate oral hygiene practices such as daily brushing and flossing to keep your mouth and teeth clean to prevent infections that can lead to adverse complications.
Additionally, regular checkups of the implants are vital to ensure they are secure and functional, and in case of a problem, schedule a revision or replacement as soon as possible.
Like other medical or dental treatments, mini dental implants are also prone to problems. They might require immediate troubleshooting to restore oral and dental health. Such issues include loosening implants, infections, fractures, gum recession, and prolonged pain and discomfort. Visit a dental clinic to evaluate the implant for medications or a replacement to address the problems.
Contact EON Clinics Today!
If you are considering a mini dental implant, visit EON Clinics for all-inclusive dental services. It has a team of dental experts who get out of their way to ensure you get the best mini-dental implants for improved dental and oral health, appearance, and functionality. You can count on us for affordable payment plans with no hidden costs. Book a free consultation today!