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There is little doubt that dental implants are widely regarded as the optimal solution for tooth loss. Dental implants are no longer a new invention and have been used worldwide for several decades.
The result is an increasingly sophisticated treatment offering a comprehensive choice of solutions. These include standard dental implants and mini dental implants.
This article explains why dental implants can be a good solution for tooth loss, and explores the major differences between standard and mini dental implants, and when each is used.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implant treatment is a tooth loss solution that restores missing teeth artificially. An implant consists of a small post or screw that is surgically inserted into the jawbone.
Once in the jawbone, it only takes a few months for the implant to become firmly fused in place. This is due to a process called osseointegration, during which new bone grows on and around the implant post.
After osseointegration is complete, the implant is strong and secure enough to support a replacement tooth. During this part of the treatment, a special connector called an abutment is fitted onto the implant. The abutment holds the final restoration.
Understanding Dental Implant Restorations
Dental implant restorations can be single implant crowns, or bridges supported by two or more implant posts. Dentists can also use dental implants to support a complete arch of teeth, including dental bridges and dentures.
While crowns and bridges are nonremovable, an implant denture or overdenture can be removed by the patient. It looks like a traditional denture but has special attachments on its fitting surface that clip onto dental implants in the jaw. Whenever it needs cleaning, it is easy to remove it from the mouth.
What Are Traditional Dental Implants?
Traditional dental implants have a diameter between four and 6 mm and a screw or post of up to 18mm in length. They usually consist of three parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the implant restoration.
When a traditional implant is inserted into the jawbone, the dentist first numbs the area, then makes an incision in the gum to expose the underlying bone. A small hole is created in the bone so the implant can be inserted and tightened into place.
Most implants placed are traditional implants. They provide a strong, stable foundation suitable for most situations.
What are Mini Dental Implants?
Mini dental implants are typically much narrower, only 2 or 3mm in diameter, but have a similar length screw or post. It is this length that helps give them their strength and stability.
Some mini dental implants combine the implant post and abutment into a single unit rather than treating them as two separate components.
They work similarly to traditional implants, but the process to insert them into the jawbone is different and less invasive.
Unlike a traditional implant, which requires an incision into the gum, a mini dental implant is placed directly through the gum tissue, so insertion is quicker and healing afterward can be faster.
When Are Mini Dental Implants Used?
An implant dentist will only recommend mini dental implants in specific situations where traditional implants are less suitable or desirable.
These include:
- Securing loose dentures.
- When bone grafting is not an option.
- When conventional implant surgery is not an option.
- Replacing a small incisor.
1. Securing Loose Dentures
Mini dental implants are often used to secure a loose denture and can provide a cost-effective solution for complete tooth loss. Mini dental implants for dentures are a one-piece design that combines the implant post and abutment.
They can be a good choice for anyone wishing to stabilize loose dentures, as once the dentures are clipped onto the implants, they are held firmly in place, and biting and chewing strength increases.
2. When Bone Grafting Is Not an Option
Dental implants need to be supported by a certain amount of strong, healthy bone, and this isn’t always available. Bone loss can occur if someone has advanced periodontal disease. The jawbone is also thinner in certain areas.
Usually, dental bone grafting can build up the bone in areas where it is deficient, but not everyone is suitable for this process or wishes to undergo an additional surgical procedure. In this situation, mini dental implants may be an alternative solution. Because they are narrower, less bone is needed to insert them, allowing treatment to be successful.
3. When Conventional Implant Surgery Is Not an Option
Dental implant surgery is a minor procedure, but it may not be suitable for everyone. In this case, mini dental implants could be a solution because the process is less invasive.
It may also be an option for anyone who feels extremely nervous about having conventional implants. However, it’s worth remembering that sedation dentistry is available, which can make the entire treatment feel much more comfortable and more relaxed.
4. Replacing a Small Incisor
Sometimes there is not enough space to insert a conventionally sized dental implant, such as when replacing a small lower incisor. When space is limited, a mini dental implant, which is much narrower, can be a good solution.
Placing Mini Dental Implants Using Computer-Guided Surgery
Most dental implants are planned and placed using computer-guided surgery, which involves taking a cone beam CT scan of your jaws and any existing teeth. This 3-D scan allows your implant dentist to plan implant surgery accurately.
The scan is used to pinpoint the exact location of each implant. It can be viewed from multiple angles to ensure that, once restored, the implant restorations look and feel natural and function well.
Once your dental implant dentist finalizes the plan, a surgical stent is computer-generated and used during the surgical procedure. It is custom-made to fit over your gums, guiding your implant dentist so that each implant is placed optimally, whether it is a conventional or mini dental implant.
When selecting your implant dentist, it’s important to ensure they use computer-guided surgery, as it’s more comfortable, more accurate, and less invasive, meaning healing afterward is quicker and more comfortable.
Restoring Mini Dental Implants after Surgery
One question most people want to know is how soon they can have their new implant teeth after surgery. It’s understandable as no one wants to be left without teeth, and the answer could be as soon as the same day.
In certain situations, an implant dentist can attach teeth to the implants a short while after they are inserted. These restorations are made before surgery begins and are often temporary.
They remain in place while the implants heal and osseointegrate, and are replaced with more permanent restorations several months later.
Implants must remain undisturbed during healing, and if you have an implant bridge, then your temporary teeth help splint the implants together and prevent unwanted movement. If you have an implant crown, it will likely be made so that it is out of your bite, so it cannot be used for biting or chewing, and is merely for cosmetic purposes.
This is why you would probably need to follow a soft food diet during healing, eating foods that require minimal or no chewing. Even if it is impossible to attach implant teeth soon after surgery, you would still receive temporary teeth to wear. For example, if you currently wear a full or partial denture, this may be adapted to fit over the implants while they heal.
Read more: All-on-Four Dental Implant Problems and Complications
Mini or Standard: Which Implant Is Right for You?
Both mini and standard dental implants restore missing teeth, but they suit different situations. Standard implants are wider and provide a strong foundation for most cases, while mini implants are narrower and less invasive, making them useful when bone is limited, dentures need securing, or space is tight.
The right choice depends on your bone, the teeth being replaced, and your overall treatment goals. To find out which option fits your situation, schedule a consultation with VITAdent and we will assess your needs and walk you through what to expect.