Mini Dental Implants
Today, the most popular tooth replacement treatment options among adults in the United States are dentures, bridges, and dental implants. Conventional dentures are designed to be removable, acting as artificial teeth that sit on top of the gums. Bridges are designed to be either removable or fixed. Dental implants are popular due to the fact that they are permanently installed into the jawbone, offering security and durability that many alternative options do not. Unfortunately, dental implants are not for everyone. Having a healthy jawbone is essential to the success of dental implant treatment and some patients lack the jawbone necessary to hold the implants. For those patients who want dental implants but may not qualify, mini dental implants can offer the perfect solution. Below is more information on mini dental implant treatment to help you decide if it may be the right treatment for you.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal or ceramic posts that are surgically installed into the jawbone. After the placement, the implant slowly fuses to the bone during a several month healing period. This period is essential to the long-term success of the dental implant treatment. Unlike dentures and bridges that are removable, dental implants are a permanent option, offering stability and durability similar to natural teeth. However, it is important to remember that the health of the jawbone is critical to securely holding the implant in place.
What are Mini Dental Implants?
Designed with the same function as dental implants, mini dental implants are built in a slightly smaller size. Mini implants are usually 1.8 to 3.3 mm in diameter. Just like regular implants, mini implants can support dentures, bridges or crowns. Traditional dental implant treatment usually takes several months and at least two appointments for the installation, and sometimes requires bone-grafting or additional treatments to be successful. Mini implants can be installed in just one dental visit and offer a similar result as traditional implants without all of the extra treatments and time. Mini implants are an ideal tooth replacement solution for patients who are not interested in invasive surgery, unable to attend repeat dental appointments, or do not have sufficient bone mass in their jawbone to support traditional dental implants.
Caring for Mini Dental Implants
One of the many benefits of mini dental implants is that they require very minimal care to maintain. Similar to natural teeth, patients with mini implants only need to brush and floss daily with normal toothpaste. Immediately after the implants are installed, some tenderness and sensitivity should be expected. During this initial period of tenderness, patients should still brush daily with an extra soft-bristled toothbrush.
Having missing teeth can impact your self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life. Fortunately, mini dental implant treatment is available to help restore the function of the teeth, the ability to speak and eat, and the appearance of the smile. If you are interested in dental implants but are not sure you will qualify, you should have a conversation with your dentist to see if mini dental implants may be right for you.