These days, it seems that a lot of people are considering dental implants and with good reason. Studies remain consistent in showing that over 65% of adults aged 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth.1  Though that number is pretty alarming, there is a viable solution that many dental patients can turn to… Dental implants! They’re still the most effective, most beneficial, and most popular solution for replacing missing teeth.

But do you know about mini implants? Minis are false teeth that are affixed in your mouth permanently.  And similar to standard implants, they look and function just like your normal teeth. Read on to learn more.

The Difference Between Minis and Traditional Dental Implants

When you look at a mini compared to a traditional implant, you’ll immediately notice a difference in diameter size. Traditional implants will cover more area in your mouth because they’re typically larger than 3 millimeters in diameter. Mini implants, however, are commonly smaller than 3 millimeters.

Since mini implants are smaller, it’s important that you have a highly-trained and experienced oral surgeon to install them. Skilled oral surgeons are able to accurately position and install mini dental implants into the jaw bone. With any surgery, you want to heal properly and you want to experience successful results. And with their special coating, mini implants can effectively integrate into the jaw bone similar to your natural teeth.

When Standard Implants Aren’t for Everyone…

Minis can provide a great option for certain people who may not be the best candidates for regular dental implants. This is especially true for edentulous patients who want a better option than dentures or bridges. In fact, modern mini implant designs typically require less bone mass for stabilization, which can be beneficial to certain patients.

This is why people who have bone mass issues, a smaller mouth size, or degenerative disease, should first consult with an oral maxillofacial surgeon to learn their options. In the end, mini implants may turn out to be right for some patients based on medical-surgical recommendations.

Understanding Costs

It’s true that mini implants cost less than traditional dental implants. However, no patient should ever choose minis as a better choice due to their affordability. Not all implants are created equal, and this still holds true today. As a patient, it’s important that you do your research and consult with a professional oral surgery team to learn the best options. For example, did you know that mini dental implants aren’t made with superior medical-grade titanium like high-quality implants are? Titanium implants are still the only proven material that can effectively integrate into the jawbone.

Furthermore, patients must be careful who installs mini implants. If you’re paying a very low cost for these implants, it’s highly likely that you may not have a permanent solution for missing teeth. Some minis are meant to serve as temporary solutions prior to having permanent dental implants installed.

Consultation is King

As with any oral surgery and treatment plan, you must consult with an experienced and highly-skilled surgeon. The oral maxillofacial surgeons of OMSH in Houston only have one concern… What’s in your best interest? They offer patients several options when it comes to restoring a healthy beautiful smile. Dental implants, with their 99% success rate, are still a top choice for a restored, lasting smile, and improved quality of life. Furthermore, whatever treatment option OMSH performs, you can rest assured that your procedure will be done right the first time!

If you need to consult with an expert oral surgeon, call OMSH today. We’re here to help you discover your options. Call 832-509-4505 for information or to schedule an appointment.

Site Reference:
  1. Gaviria, L., Salcido, J.P., Guda, T., and Ong, J.L. (2014). Current Trends in Dental Implants. Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons [KAOMS]. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4028797/