That makes it a good subject for a blog post, so here we are.
The Difference Between Mini Dental Implants and Regular Dental Implants
The most obvious difference is provided in the name. A mini dental implant is 3mm or less in diameter, whereas a regular implant is between 3.5mm and 6mm in diameter.
Size isn’t everything though as there are other important differences between the two. A mini dental implant can be used in situations where there is little bone or space to work with. If we used a standard dental implant in this situation, we would have to consider a bone graft to offer the strength needed to support it.
By using a mini dental implant, we don’t have to do that.
The other major difference between mini dental implants and regular implant is that a mini implant is made from a single piece. Regular implants use a titanium post, an internal thread and a separate tooth abutment. A mini dental implant is a single screw with a ball-shaped end that an abutment fastens to.
Mini dental implants are useful for the replacement of single teeth, or as part of a series of implants to fasten a bridge where there is thin bone in the jaw. As they are simpler and involve fewer parts, they are often les costly than regular dental implants too.
The most important benefit as far as we as holistic dentists are concerned is that mini dental implants require much less surgery to fit properly. They don’t need bone grafts, they don’t need incisions in the gum, and they don’t need multiple steps of months of healing before completion either. That makes for a faster, simpler procedure that benefits the patient.
If you have been told previously that you are not a suitable candidate for dental implants due to low bone density in your jaw, a mini dental implant may still be possible. Your dentist should be able to tell you more when you ask.
If you would like to know more about mini or regular dental implants and whether they would be right for you, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation.
