What Are Mini Dental Implants?
Mini dental implants are also referred to as MDIs. They are similar to traditional dental implants, however they are smaller in diameter. Over the past 10 years, mini dental implants have been successfully used increasingly by more and more dentists. The FDA has also approved MDI use for certain implant systems.
Why Choose MDIs?
Mini dental implants solve some of the concerns that patients have with traditional dental implants.
Time Saving:
Mini dental implants are placed and loaded in the same appointment. This is called immediate loading. This means that the newly placed mini dental implants, will have a denture attached to them the same day.
With traditional implants, the gum tissue is altered before placing the implant. The implant is then placed in one appointment. After placement, the gum tissue that surrounds the implant, is closed up. This allows the implant time to heal. This time also allows the implant and jaw bone to fuse together tightly.
Once it is determined that the implant has had enough time to fuse to the bone, the gum tissue is opened up again. The tooth replacement option can now be added to the implant. This can be a single tooth, a dental crown or an implant-supported denture.
Please note that everyone will not be a suitable candidate for immediate loading. The following factors affect immediate loading:
- Bone quality/density
- Level of bone available
- Implant Stability
- Implant system type
- An uneven bite
Preserve Your Facial Apperance:
Just like traditional dentures, mini dental implants also help to preserve the bone in your jaws. Dental implants are the only two tooth replacement options that can actually preserve bone in the mouth. Traditional dentures, a dental bridge or partial dentures do not help to preserve bone. This can lead to a sunken facial appearance.
An Economical Choice:
MDIs are roughly one quarter to one third of the price, when compared to traditional dental implants.
Accommodating:
Traditional implants require a certain level of bone, to be placed properly. MDIs do not require as much bone level to be placed. This is helpful for patients who do not meet the requirements for traditional implants.
When Are MDIs Used?
MDIs are used to support or stabilize complete or full dentures, the majority of times. In a smaller amount of cases, they are used to attach a dental crown when a traditional implant cannot fit.
What Is The Process?
A detailed scan of the patient’s mouth is first taken, to achieve the best placement for the mini implants. Anesthetic is given before the procedure. For most patients, four mini dental implants are placed in the same appointment. There is no need to alter the gum tissue during this procedure. This avoids a lengthier healing time when compared to traditional implants.
Once the implants are placed, the denture is fitted unto the mini dental implants. If the patient has an existing denture, it may be modified to fit unto the mini implants. In cases where it cannot be modified, a new denture will be made to fit.
What Can I Expect After The Procedure?
After the procedure, patients are able to eat the same day! Your dentist will provide you with post care instructions. This will include a list of foods to avoid temporarily, until healing is completed. Your bone will continue to fuse to the implants in the coming days.
I Am Interested. What Is The Next Step?
The first step is to have a complimentary consultation with us to determine if mini dental implants will work for you. Contact us now to schedule your consultation.
Beautiful Smiles Start Here!