Dental implants are an effective and increasingly well-known treatment option for patients with missing teeth. However, fewer patients know that mini dental implants are also available to treat holes in your smile. Today we’re going to be talking about what mini dental implants are, and how they differ from conventional dental implants. Our O’Fallon dental office uses these treatments to help patients achieve optimal dental health post-tooth loss.
How are mini dental implants traditional dental implants the same?
Both dental implants and mini dental implants are used to replace missing permanent teeth. These dental implants are embedded into the jawbone—anchored with titanium roots. The titanium roots hold the implants in place, and they actually bond to the natural bone, helping to preserve jawbone strength and density. The titanium roots are then capped with white dental restorations—this is the part of the implant is visible.
How do mini dental implants conventional dental implants differ?
As the name suggests, the major difference between a mini dental implant and regular dental implant is size. The titanium root of the mini dental implant is much thinner than the root of a conventional dental implant.
This means that mini dental implants…
· Can easily fit into small spaces along the gum line.
· Can be surgically placed in patients with diminished bone density.
· Are placed with less invasive surgery than traditional dental implants
· Are used to anchor dentures
While conventional dental implants are used to…
· Replace full-sized, larger teeth
· Replace teeth in patients with adequate bone density, or in patients with poor bone density who are candidates for bone grafts before surgery
Some patients actually benefit from a combination of dental implants and mini dental implants. Our dental team will help you determine what kind of tooth replacement treatment is right for the appearance and the health of your smile. Give us a call to schedule your own consultation with our O’Fallon dentist office!