Dental implants vary in shape, size, design, and application. Mini dental implants are a smaller version of the dental implant, and have been successfully utilized to replace one, multiple, or a full arch of teeth. When all of the teeth are missing, the jawbone will begin to shrink and resorb. This may leave the jawbone too thin to support a traditional dental implant.
The smaller size of the mini dental implant allows them to be placed in areas that traditional dental implants cannot successfully integrate. In the case of bone loss, mini dental implants are commonly used to support a denture because less bone is required. Mini dental implants are used when extensive bone grafting isn't possible or is not desirable. Patients who currently wear unstable dentures will benefit from the secured feel of mini dental implants.
Every patient will require a different number of implants to reach their desired results. Typically, at least four mini implants are used to secure a lower denture. At least six mini implants are required to secure an upper denture. The number of implants placed is different per patient and dependent on each patient’s specific needs.
The area is numbed to ensure patient comfort and a small drill is used to create an opening for the implant. The mini dental implant is gently placed into the prepared opening. The bottom portion of the implant is placed underneath the gums and into the bone for a secure attachment. A small ball-shaped portion of the implant will stay above the gumline.
Often times, these implants are used for denture stabilization. This newly supported denture will snap directly and firmly onto the implants. This creates a very stable denture or partial denture that does not suffer from movement, slipping, wobbling, popping out, and does not require messy adhesives. To stabilize the denture, the ball-shaped portion of the mini dental implant snaps securely into a housing that is located on the underside of the denture.
The housing has a replaceable o-ring that helps provide a custom fit for long-term patient comfort. Mini dental implants may also be used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. When your doctor is replacing a single missing tooth, the area is first numbed to make you comfortable. A small drill is used to create an opening for the implant.
The mini implant is gently placed into the prepared opening. The bottom portion of the implant is placed underneath the gums and into the bone for a secure attachment. A small ball-shaped portion of the implant will stay above the gums and a crown is attached. The process is similar to replace multiple missing teeth.
The area is numbed and a small drill is used to create an opening for the implants. The mini dental implants are gently placed into the prepared openings. The bottom portions of the implants are placed underneath the gums and into the bone for a secure attachment. A small ball-shaped portion of the implants will stay above the gums and a bridge is attached.
Mini dental implants have many advantages. Patients report a firmer denture fit, no slipping or wobbling, no need for sticky adhesives, improved speech, chewing and biting function, easier accessibility for proper hygiene, short treatment time, and minimal discomfort. Ask your doctor if you could benefit from mini implants!