Mini Implants vs. Traditional Dental Implants
Around 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, while 40 million adults have lost all their teeth. Although implants are a popular option for replacing missing adult teeth, not everyone is a candidate. In these situations, your dentist at Thomas F. Brown, DDS suggests mini implants as the best solution.
Traditional implants consist of titanium rods topped with abutments surgically placed in your jawbone. These rods fuse with your jawbone, so they become one, and the rods are thoroughly anchored. While an effective method of replacing lost teeth, not everyone can use a traditional implant.
On the other hand, mini implants are a smaller version of standard implants. Mini implants consist of a tiny titanium rod topped with a small ball. This small ball provides an anchor for the O-rings that attach the teeth to your implant.
When Are Mini Implants Used Instead?
Size is the only significant difference between mini implants and traditional implants. However, the smaller size of mini implants provides numerous benefits. Many more people qualify as candidates for mini implants. They’re also a more cost-efficient solution to missing teeth.
Mini implants may be used instead of traditional implants if:
- You can’t (or don’t want to) undergo invasive surgery.
- You don’t have enough bone mass for traditional implant placement.
- You don’t have time for repeat dental visits to replace your missing teeth.
Mini Implant Benefits
Mini implants provide most of the benefits of traditional dental implants. They permanently replace missing teeth, which allows for easier eating and speaking. They can also help boost self-confidence. However, there are a few benefits specific to mini implants.
These include:
- They’re less expensive than other permanent tooth replacement options.
- They require less bone mass for placement.
- The procedure is less invasive and takes fewer trips to the dentist.
- They can fit in smaller areas of your mouth.
- The recovery time is faster.
- They negate the need for bone grafting.
The Mini Implant Process
Before anything else, you’ll meet with our dentist to verify your candidacy for mini implants. Almost everyone is a candidate, but there can always be exceptions for those battling severe health issues. We will also check the health of your gums, jaw, and mouth overall.
If you’re a candidate for mini implants in Naperville, you’ll make an appointment to have your mini implants placed. At your appointment, the dentist will numb your gums and jaw using a local anesthetic. Then, they’ll make incisions into the gum to expose the jawbone.
Your dentist will drill a small hole into your jawbone and place the tiny metal implant post. They’ll secure and tighten the post before attaching the replacement tooth. Once the replacement tooth is set, they’ll verify its proper placement. Then, the gums are stitched close around the implants, leaving a portion exposed above the gums.
You’ll need to return to our office at Thomas F. Brown, DDS to have the implants checked. Our dental team will provide you with post-op instructions to follow after your mini implant appointment to ensure proper healing.
Mini Implants Could Be the Solution to Your Missing Adult Teeth
If you’re one of the many adults in Naperville missing permanent teeth, mini implants could be the solution you’re looking for. Mini implants are perfect for healthy adults who have been told they aren’t candidates for traditional implants or who lack the time and money to receive them. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
