Dental implants have become the standard for tooth replacement, and it’s easy to see why. They’re durable, natural-looking, and have an incredibly high rate of success. Mini dental implants can be a great option for people who may not normally be able to replace their teeth. If you’re curious, here’s a guide to help you figure out if mini dental implants are right for you.
What Is a Mini Dental Implant?
Traditional dental implants have a post that is inserted into the jaw and an abutment that screws into it. Because it’s in two pieces, the post must be large enough for the abutment to secure into. Mini implants are made up of only one piece, so they’re thinner than usual.
Why It’s Great for People with Bone Loss
When you’re missing a tooth, the area of your jaw that once held it in place doesn’t have a job. The body will send its nutrients elsewhere, to places where it’s more needed. That means the jawbone in that spot will start to wither.
If you’ve been missing your tooth for a while, or if you’ve been wearing dentures for a long time, you might have substantial bone loss. Your dentist could recommend a bone graft, but if it looks like your jaw can still offer some support, a mini dental implant can be a better choice. Their smaller diameter means they require less of a foundation to succeed.
How They Can Offer Faster Recovery Times
The average recovery period for a dental implant is around 2 weeks. In that time, the gums and jaw will heal around the post to secure it in place. Mini dental implants are considerably less invasive, with most procedures not even requiring an incision to complete. As a result, recovery from the procedure takes about half the time of a full dental implant.
In most situations, your dentist will probably recommend traditional dental implants. However, mini dental implants can look and feel great. They do wonders for people who may not normally be able to have their teeth replaced.
About the Author
Dr. George Hoop has been practicing dentistry for over thirty years, and in that time, he’s been proud to improve the lives of thousands of patients. Seeing the smile on someone’s face when their teeth have been restored makes all his hard work worth it. Dr. Hoop is a graduate of Emory University School of Dentistry, where he ranked second in his class, and he’s completed additional education at the world-famous Misch International Implant Institute. If you have any questions about the effectiveness of mini implants, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (239) 594-8817.