Nowadays, almost everyone has heard of dental implantation. In fact, cosmetic dentistry with all its diversity is gaining widespread acceptance and popularity. And the best part about procedures like dental implants is that almost everyone can get them. Unfortunately, some conditions or age limits can prevent you from getting the treatment. That’s where mini dental implants come in.
For years, people with diabetes or other diseases that impair healing couldn’t get dental implants. Even though the procedure is minimally invasive, the process of placing the implant in the jawbone may cause some complications.
But fortunately, medicine has advanced and with the right pre and post care, even diabetics can get the treatment, but only those with controlled diabetes. As studies show that with the right care, diabetic patients can heal without risks. And mini dental implants would be an even better alternative in these situations.
So let us explore the topic, its procedure, benefits, and uses.
What Are Mini Dental Implants?
To fully understand the structure of dental implants we must go over the traditional implant structure. This will help you draw comparisons between the two and easily identify the differences.
So the traditional implant is a 3 part unit, you have the implant, the abutment, and the crown. The implant is about 3.25 mm to 5 mm in diameter. The abutment is then just a small piece that will connect the crown to the implant.
With mini dental implants, we have only two pieces. An implant and a crown. As you may have already guessed from the name, mini dental implants are smaller than the traditional implants.
So to put things into perspective, mini implants have a diameter of less than 3 mm.
Benefits of Mini Dental Implants
Less Invasive
Even traditional implants are not invasive and both applications call for the use of local anesthetic. But because mini implants are slimmer, less drilling is required. And this means that less tissue will need to heal.
Faster Recovery
Because of their size and less invasive procedure, the recovery period of these implants is shorter.
No Need for Grafting
Usually patients with low bone density will have to go through grafting. This is a procedure that increases the bone density in the target area, making it suitable for dental implants. Because of their small structure, grafting is not at all necessary even if you have low bone density.
Long-Lasting
Unlike dentures that dentists advise patients with compromised healing, mini dental implants are long-lasting. Although you must note that they don’t last as long as traditional implants.
For instance, traditional dental implants can last up to 18 years with maintenance. Whereas mini implants can last up to 9 years maximum.
Do Mini Dental Implants Come with Any Drawbacks?
Mini dental implants are often only temporary and are not intended to be permanent replacements for missing teeth. These implants are also known as temporary implants.
Orthodontists recommend them as a replacement for traditional headgear, which many people find uncomfortable to wear.
Immediate-loading implants are also known as little dental implants. This means that the implant is inserted as soon as a tooth is pulled, leaving a space for the implant.
This short procedure can be done at the same time as a tooth extraction, making it more convenient. However, this also implies that they aren’t suitable to stay in your mouth for long periods of time.
Mini Dental Implants Procedure
Dental X-rays are the initial stage in the process of receiving a mini dental implant. The dentist can use X-ray imaging to see exactly where the implants should go.
Following the completion of the X-ray imaging, your dentist will begin with the procedure right away.
- To numb your gums and jaw, your dentist will apply a topical anesthetic.
- Then they will make a small hole in your jaw using a drill. This pocket is where your dental implant will go.
- Your dentist will then secure and tighten the implant post into the hole, then attach the replacement tooth to the post.
- They will then test if the implant root is in the right position and is secure.
Suitable Candidates for Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants aren’t right for everyone, especially children or those with a still-developing mouth. This is because, like a nail in a tree, the implant can become encircled by the bone as it grows.
They’re also unsuitable for those who grind their teeth. Mini dental implants are often not available to people with particular health issues, such as:
- Vascular disease in diabetics
- Thrombophilia and other clotting disorders
- Illness of the bones
- Periodontitis is a group of diseases that affect the healing of wounds and bones.
- Your ability to acquire small dental implants may be hampered by certain lifestyle habits and medications, such as if:
- You moke and have poor oral hygiene
- You’re on any anticoagulant drugs
- You’re getting chemotherapy or radiation, or any other drugs that slow down bone repair
Although mini implants do not require as much jawbone density as regular implants, they still require that you have at least some bone density to work with. This means that if you have serious tooth decay and bone loss, they could not work.
Mini implants may not be able to suitable for individuals with receding gums or gum diseases.
How Long Does It Take for a Mini Dental Implant to Heal?
Mini implants usually have a quick and painless recovery. After their small implant dentistry operation, most people are able to resume their normal activities within 1 or 2 days. In many circumstances, a follow-up appointment is unnecessary.
Following the operation, you may suffer some discomfort and soreness. Pain can be managed with ice or over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil). The dentist may prescribe medication to assist manage pain in specific circumstances.
After your small dental implant treatment, stay away from hard or sticky foods. The implant will be less likely to loosen or be yanked out as a result of this.
Soup, smoothies, applesauce, and mashed potatoes are examples of soft foods or liquids.
The Takeaway
Mini dental implants are great for people with low bone density and diabetics with controlled diabetes. But patients must remember that they do not have a high survival rate. Where traditional implants can last up to 18 years, mini implants have a maximum survival rate of only 9 years.
So if the cost of dental implants is the factor stopping you from getting treatments, you can consider medical tourism in Turkey.
At Dentakay, most of our patients come from the UK and the USA where dental treatments have a reputation for being extremely expensive. For what you would pay for a mini dental implant in those countries, you can get a traditional dental implant in Turkey.
For any inquiries, feel free to contact us. You can either choose to fill out the form or directly message us on WhatsApp. Our medical consultants will get in touch with you ASAP.
