Mini Dental Implant vs Traditional Dental Implant

Mini dental implants, with their titanium alloy construction and sizes ranging from 1.8mm to 2.9mm, act like teeth roots and are suitable for patients needing to replace missing teeth or stabilize dentures. 

Unlike full-sized implants, mini dental implants are flexible, allowing micro-mobility while resisting natural lifting forces. However, they may not offer the same level of durability.

The Use Cases for Mini Dental Implants

Mini implants are ideal for specific cases, so they may only suit some of your patients. Ineligible candidates include: 

• Children 
• Teeth-grinders 
• Patients with severe gum disease, bone loss, or damaged gums 
• Patients with certain health conditions, like: 
  • Diabetes 
  • Vascular disease 
  • Hemophilia 
  • Bone disease
  • Conditions impacting wound or bone healing

Mini dental implants are particularly helpful when there is insufficient bone for traditional implants, for immediate placement after tooth extraction, or in narrow spaces for front teeth or premolars. They can also secure dentures or replace single teeth, so they are an adaptable solution for different dental issues.

Mini Dental Implant Benefits

Mini dental implants offer several advantages for patients, including:

• A less invasive procedure 
• A more efficient process requiring fewer dental visits 
• More cost-efficient 
• Present a lower risk compared to traditional implants.

How to Place Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants can secure dentures with a retaining fixture containing an O-ring. The fixture snaps over the implant's head, holding the denture in place while allowing for mobility. This versatile solution works for single-tooth replacements, like crown and bridge applications. 

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