There are a few different reasons that some people can’t get conventional dental restorations; the primary reason is that some people have insufficient bone mass in their jaws to support traditional dental implants, though some people simply don’t want an extensive surgical procedure. For people who want to replace missing teeth but don’t qualify for, or prefer, traditional dental implants, mini dental implants can be a great alternative. Dentists can also use bridges or dentures to replace missing teeth, though these removable options aren’t a great fit for many people, for a number of reasons.
During traditional dental implant surgery, a dental specialist inserts a small cylinder, usually made of some type of metal, into the patient’s jawbone. This implant fixture heals into the jawbone, and, once it has healed, a dental crown or other dental prosthetic is affixed to the implant fixture with an attachment called an abutment. This creates a secure, stable foundation for prosthetic crowns and implant-supported bridges, but, to effectively place traditional dental implants, the patient must have a sufficient amount of healthy bone present in their jaw. Because mini implants take up less space than traditional implants, less healthy bone is necessary to securely place mini implants.
Mini implants are structured in the same way as traditional implants; their primary difference is their size. Mini implants are made up of two parts: an implant fixture, or post, usually made of titanium, that has a small ball on the end; and a socket that attaches the dental crown, or replacement tooth, to the post with a rubber o-ring. While traditional implants are between 3.4 and 5.8 mm in width, mini implants are only about 2 to 3.75 mm in width and about 10 to 15 mm long. Mini implants can support multiple types of prosthetic teeth, including dentures, bridges, fixed crowns, and lower arch dentures.
The procedure for placing traditional dental implants takes several months and is performed with at least two separate dental appointments. Additional dental visits may be necessary if bone grafting is necessary before implants can be placed. Sometimes, however, the loss of bone is too significant for grafting to be a reasonable solution, and sometimes, multiple dental appointments and invasive surgery aren’t great options for people. For these patients, mini implants may be an excellent solution. Mini implants can often be placed in a single office visit and usually require only local anesthesia. They also do not require the same significant healing time required by traditional dental implants, meaning that people who wear mini implants can resume normal behaviors promptly.
No matter what type of dental implants you may have, it’s imperative that you clean and maintain your dental implants just as you would your natural teeth. Dentists recommend flossing or other interdental cleaning daily, along with brushing at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Dentists may recommend using an extra-soft-bristled brush to care for the gums immediately following the placement of mini implants, when the gums are particularly sensitive. Wearers of dental implants, mini or otherwise, should also see their dentists regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. If you’re exploring your options for tooth replacement, ask your dentist if mini implants are recommended for you.