Mini Dental Implants

Lost teeth can dent an individual’s confidence and also lead to an array of different oral health problems. Dental implants are an effective way of replacing lost teeth and restoring the aesthetics and functionality of teeth back to normal. 

Partial or complete dentures, on the other hand, are the conventional restorative systems used when a patient loses one or more teeth. However, researchers suggest a majority of people using conventional dentures are unhappy with the restorative system. The unhappiness in patients is being closely linked with the discomfort caused by dentures and their failure to provide the functionality natural teeth do. Owing to these reasons dental implants are gaining traction as the stabilization mechanism for dentures. Studies have concluded that placing dental implants to stabilize dentures can enhance the quality of a patient’s life and preserve the jaw bone which would have otherwise been resorbed. 

What are mini dental implants?

Mini dental implants are an effective alternative to conventional dental implants which are finding increasing usage in dental practices. Although dental implants offer a permanent way to replace missing teeth and stabilizing dentures, there are multiple hurdles which can make the option unviable. Some of the factors which make dental implants an impracticable option are:

• Lack of Bone Structure to Support Dental Implants

While patients who have recently become edentulous do not suffer from this problem, the patients who have been wearing dentures for a long period of time have resorbed bones creating a lack of the structure required to anchor the implants. In such cases, bone grafting becomes necessary. However, the procedure is expensive and complicated deterring patients from opting for it. 

• Invasive and Complex Procedure

Patients receiving dental implants need to make at least two visits to the dentist and the procedure may require months for completion. In addition to this, the procedure can be painful and traumatic for patients. Consequently, significant healing time is required post the completion of the procedure. It is necessary for the patient to be in optimal health to undergo the complicated procedure which often becomes a factor behind dentists stalling the procedure. 

The factors are discouraging for people who use dentures and may deter them from undergoing the procedure. Mini dental implants offer an attractive alternative which can overcome the problems faced by conventional dental implants while providing effective functionality. Ranging in size from 1.8mm to 3mm, mini dental implants are half the size of conventional dental implants. 

What are the advantages of mini dental implants?

Mini dental implants offer the following advantages over their conventional counterparts:

• The novel alternative to dental implants cost less than traditional dental implants
• Even in the rare cases of mini dental implant failure, the patient does not require bone grafting. 
• The procedure required for fitting mini dental implants is substantially less invasive making the procedure less complicated and allowing patients to heal faster. 

In addition to being an alternative to traditional dental implants, mini dental implants are the first choice in the following cases:

• For replacing small teeth
• For replacing front teeth. 
• For replacing pre-molars
• For replacing the teeth located in narrow areas in the mouth. 

What is the procedure to place mini dental implants?

The procedure involved for insertion of mini dental implants is completed in a single visit to the dentist. Dentists use local anesthesia or dental sedation to prevent the discomfort that may be caused while placing the implants. Because mini dental implants are placed into the bone with no sensory nerve endings located around the area, patients experience minor post-operative discomfort and recover quickly. Dentists prescribe antibiotics before and after the procedure to ensure mini dental implants cause no infections and allow the bone to heal. 

Mini Dental Implants for Denture Stabilization

Single piece mini dental implants are used as structures to stabilize dentures. The mini dental implant bears a small, ball-shaped component which fits into the socket of the denture providing the structure the required stability. The structure prevents dentures from slipping, clicking or popping out. Generally, a total of four mini dental implants are required for creating a stable structure for lower denture while six dental implants are used to secure the upper denture.

We, at Bliss Dentistry of Campbell, California, cater to all your needs pertaining to dental services and routine exams. Our Campbell dentists with their entire team persevere to provide you with exceptional treatment that enhances and maintains the beauty of your smile. If you have any further question, queries or dental emergencies and are looking for an experienced dentist in the South Bay Area, feel free to contact us at (408) 963-6678 to schedule an appointment.