When are Mini Dental Implants Recommended?

Mini dental implants are a modification of a full-sized implant. Like a regular dental implant, a mini implant can be used as a replacement for a permanent tooth.

If both kinds of implants can be used as tooth replacements, what makes one type of implant different or better than the other? When do dentists choose to use mini implants instead of traditional dental implants? Keep reading to find out!

What are mini dental implants?

Just like the name suggests, a mini dental implant is smaller than a regular implant. It measures between two and three millimeters in diameter. Full-sized dental implants are about twice as wide as their smaller cousins.

Because they are wider, traditional dental implants are sturdier and offer more support than mini implants. If this is the case, then why would a dentist choose to place mini implants?

Five reasons to get them

Let us take a look at some of the reasons why mini dental implants might be recommended:

1. When the tooth to be replaced is quite small

Some people have tiny teeth, and when such teeth fall out, they need to be replaced by an implant that will fit without putting pressure on the other teeth. This often happens with patients who have tiny front teeth.

So when the dentist examines their patient and finds that the jaw has limited space, they will place a mini implant.

2. When the tooth to be replaced is in the front of the mouth

Unlike the molars, the front teeth are not subjected to lots of grinding and pressure as a person chews. This means that a dentist will be comfortable with replacing a front tooth with a mini implant.

They will be confident that an implant placed on the front teeth has a good chance of lasting a long time.

3. When a person does not have enough jawbone to hold a full-sized dental implant

Some people lack enough bone mass to hold a traditional implant, but they still have enough bone to support a smaller one. A dentist will weigh the benefits of a mini implant against the chance that it will not withstand the stress of chewing.

The dentist may decide to place a mini implant to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting and becoming misaligned.

4. When a person needs support for their dentures

Dentures become loose and otherwise ill-fitting with time, which is why some people prefer implant-supported dentures to removable dentures. A dentist may choose to use mini implants to support the dentures. The logic behind the decision is that the implants will not be subjected to constant grinding and stress.

If a dentist finds that their patient only has enough bone mass for mini implants, they will use the smaller implants as support for the patient’s overdentures.

5. When a person wants a less invasive procedure

Mini implants can be placed on the same day, which is why many patients prefer smaller implants. A dentist will agree to place mini implants if they are sure that the implant will not be put under too much stress. If the tooth to be replaced is at the front, then the dentist may agree to place a same-day mini implant.

Mini dental implants have their uses

Although they are not perfect for every situation, mini implants were invented for a reason. Sometimes they are the best way to replace a missing tooth, and other times they are the only viable tooth replacement method.

Get started!

Dealing with a missing tooth? Discuss your options with a dentist today. Perhaps mini dental implants will be the best solution!

Request an appointment here: https://newyorkdmd.com or call New York DMD at (917) 284-9680 for an appointment in our New York office.