Are you missing one or two tooth and wish to replace them, do you wish to transform your smile but aren’t prepared for a conventional restoration which may involve lots of money and invasive surgery?
If yes, then you may want to consider mini dental implants (MDIs).
These unique tooth replacement options that adopt modern technology to restore one’s smile without being as invasive, painful, and expensive as full dental implants.
Although its been around for nearly 20 years, not so much is known about MDI. There are many questions like how mini dental implants are done?
Are they as good as full-sized dental implants?
Who is suitable for mini dental implants?
Are there any differences between mini and full-sized dental implants?
We will answer these questions and more in this article. So, come along as we begin, shall we?
What Are Mini Dental Implants?
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 178 million Americans have one or more missing teeth.
Dental implants are among the most popular dental restorative options available to people who wish to replace these missing or decayed teeth.
There is the regular dental implant and then there is the more modern one–the mini dental implant.
The latter is a 1-piece screw smaller than 3mm in diameter and a bit bigger than 1/10 inch screwed directly into the jawbone.
Mini dental implants are similar to regular dental implants, only that they are smaller. Generally, there are two parts to mini dental implants—at one end, there’s a titanium post with a ball and an O-ringed socket at the other end that attaches the tooth to the post, which is then embedded into the jaw.
How Is a Mini Implant Done?
Mini dental implant surgery isn’t an overly complicated procedure. First, the patient will have to undergo a dental x-ray to ascertain where the dental implant will be.
Upon completing the x-rays, the dentist will then:
[list icon=”https://dentalhubantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dental-care.png” icon_color=”#333333″ indent=”4″]- Administer local anesthetics to numb the jaws and gums
- Drill a small hole in the jaw
- Insert, a metal dental implant into the hole created
- Tighten the implant post
- Secure the replacement tooth to the implant post
- Check to ensure the tooth is placed correctly and fastened
Mini dental implants do not require stitches or sutures, nor is there a need to drill holes. The procedures can vary depending on the dental requirements of the patient.
Pros and Cons of Mini Dental Implants in Turkey
Like all other tooth replacement options, mini dental implants has its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Do not require an invasive surgery
Mini dental implant does not require a complex surgery as the implant’s root is not as deep as traditional implants. All the surgeon has to do is make enough sockets to hold the implant.
- Fast recovery time
Since the procedure is less invasive and has a small size, recovery time is usually speedy.
- Affordable
While the cost of a dental implant can vary, they are generally less expensive than traditional dental implants.
Also, getting mini dental implants in Turkey is cheaper than anywhere else owing to the country’s low cost of living, affordable treatment cost, affordable accomodation and other perks.
- Requires less jawbone density
Unlike traditional dental implants, where a sizeable amount of jawbone mass is needed to support the implant, a mini dental implant only need a fraction of the jawbone density to hold an implant.
This makes it a good option for persons who have lost their jawbone to injury, tooth decay, or conditions such as osteoporosis.
- Does not need bone grafting
Bone graft is often a prerequisite for patients without enough jawbone mass to support a traditional dental implant.
This bone graft often takes up to a year to heal before the implant can be done. But with a mini dental implant, there’s no need for a bone graft.
Other benefits include:
[list icon=”https://dentalhubantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dental-care.png” icon_color=”#333333″ indent=”4″]- Mini dental implants can fit into smaller regions of the mouth
- Achieves faster result
- It is less painful to repair and replace
- It is more permanent than dentures and bridges
- It helps to prevent facial collapse
Cons:
[list icon=”https://dentalhubantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dental-care.png” icon_color=”#333333″ indent=”4″]- Mini dental are not as sturdy and long-lasting as traditional dental implants.
- It needs to be used alongside a denture
- It quickly wears off under pressure
- Requires frequent replacement
Who Should Get a Mini Dental Implant?
The mini dental implant isn’t just for anyone.
Generally, children and those whose mouths aren’t fully formed are not ideal candidates for dental implants. This is because the implant can get crowded by the bone as the bone develops.
Also, people who grind their teeth should not get a mini dental implant.
Other exceptions include those with certain medical conditions, including:
[list icon=”https://dentalhubantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dental-care.png” icon_color=”#333333″ indent=”4″]- Vascular disease
- Diabetes
- Periodontitis
- Bone disease
- Hemophilia and other clothing issues
- Medical conditions that impact bone or wound healing
Furthermore, some medications and lifestyles can impede your ability to get a mini dental implant. This includes people who:
[list icon=”https://dentalhubantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dental-care.png” icon_color=”#333333″ indent=”4″]- Smoke
- Have poor oral hygiene
- Are you receiving radiation or chemotherapy
- Are on medication that slows down bone healing
- Are on anticoagulant drugs
- That said, the ideal candidates for mini dental implants are:
- Those with a missing tooth. People with multiple missing teeth are also eligible for a mini dental implant.
- Those who have long-term dentures. This is because these people aren’t qualified for a traditional implant, but mini dental implants create support for dentures and help them achieve a better bite than before.
- Those with the inadequate bone structure are ideal candidates for mini dental implants as these people may not be suitable for regular dental implants.
The Differences Between Mini Dental Implants and Traditional Dental Implants
There are two forms of dental implants: standard and mini dental implants (MDIs). While they may seem the same, there are differences in functionality, durability, and size.
The main difference between mini and traditional dental implants is their sizes.
Traditional implants compose of two pieces of diameter between 3.25 to 5 millimeters inserted into a bone socket with a screw.
On the other hand, a mini dental implant is a solid two-piece screw with a diameter of less than 3mm and a unique-shaped end that protrudes from the jawbone.
Also, mini dental implants isn’t as durable as traditional dental implants.
The former can only last for about six years, while the latter can last for more than 15 years.
In terms of functionality, MDIs are required where there’s limited jawbone density or where bone graft and sinus lifting isn’t desired.
Which Mini Dental Implant Brand is the Best in the Market?
There are many dental implant brands available on the market, and this makes it difficult to make a decision.
However, in choosing the best brand for your teeth, consider how long the product has existed; this will increase the chances of finding testimonials from which you can make a decision.
Also, consider the quality and quantity of research about a brand.
The more research content available, the higher the chances of the brand being a good one.
That said, here are some of the best dental implant brands on the market:
Strauman
Established in 1954, Strauman is a famous Swiss dental implant brand with many biomaterials, research, and dentistry manufacturing. Strauman is highly invested in dentistry software, making it a leading brand in the industry.
Strauman is well known for its highly innovative, safe, and durable implants. The company also features dental clinics and experts with surgical and restorative productions.
Osstem Implant
The America-based brand is also one of the best on the market and one of the most dominant worldwide. Also known as Hiossen, the Osstem implant is based in a modern facility and involved in lots of research and development. The company is highly invested in satisfying its customers. The company now exports implant systems to more than 70 countries across the globe.
3M
3M dental implant offers 793 products, including dental implants, bonding agents, composites, and CAD/CAM dentistry. Others include polishing and finishing materials, glass ionomer restoratives, equipment, hand instruments, and many more, making it one of the largest brands available on the market.
3M’s mini dental implant system is less invasive and immediately stabilizes wobbly dentures using a 90-minute protocol. The dental implant brand is one of the best on the market.
FAQ
Are mini dental implants permanent?
Yes, mini dental implants are permanent tooth replacement options for patients with one or two missing teeth.
How long do mini dental implants last?
Mini dental implants are durable but less so than a traditional dental implants. This is because there’s a limit to the pressure and force an MDI can withstand. Typically, MDIs last between 6 to 9 years as against conventional dental implants that last as long as 15 years.
How do I take care of my mouth after mini dental implants?
It would be best if you took care of your MDI the way you took care of your natural teeth. The following are some care tips to note:
[list icon=”https://dentalhubantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dental-care.png” icon_color=”#333333″ indent=”4″]- Brush and floss regularly
- Avoid smoking and use of tobacco products
- Pay a regular visit to the dentist
- Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
Final Thougt: Are Mini Dental Implants Worth It?
With over 20 years of presence in the market, mini dental implants have come to stay, and that’s because it’s worth it.
So, when you wish to replace a missing tooth but aren’t up for a traditional dental implant, a mini dental implant offers you a safer, less invasive, faster, and better solution. You still get the same beautiful smile you crave.
- Can Your Mouth Reject a Dental Implant? - September 19, 2022
- What Happens to Dental Veneers After 10 Years? - September 18, 2022
- How to Prevent Dry Mouth While Sleeping? - September 18, 2022
