Have you ever been told by a dentist that dental implants are the best solution for your missing teeth? If so, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about.
Whether you are considering getting dental implants due to tooth loss or simply looking for an upgrade from traditional dentures or bridges, it’s important to understand the benefits that come with choosing this form of restorative treatment.
From their durability and comfort level to their ease of care, dental implants offer a multitude of advantages over other forms of teeth replacement options available today.
After all, traditional dentures and bridges have been around for centuries. What makes dental implants so special? Let’s take a look at the benefits of dental implants and find out!
Benefits of Dental Implants in General
- Implants are much more durable than other tooth replacement options and can last a lifetime with proper care.
- They don’t require special care; you brush and floss them like your natural teeth.
- Dental implants look and feel like your teeth, allowing you to eat and speak confidently.
- Unlike dentures, implants are anchored in your mouth, so there’s no risk of slipping or moving.
- Dental implants don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support and won’t damage those teeth.
Because implants most closely resemble natural teeth, a dentist is more likely to recommend them over other tooth replacement options. However, only some people’s jawbone is dense enough to support standard implants. Mini dental implants (MDIs) can fill that need.
Mini dental implants vs. standard dental implants
A titanium pillar with a ball at the end makes up the second half of their design. Next, a rubber O-ring is used to bind the crowns to the ball further. MDIs can have a diameter of 1.8 to 3.3 mm and a length of 10 to 15 mm. Mini dental implants can be the answer if traditional implants are not an option for you, but you are missing teeth.
Due to their size and construction, mini dental implants differ from conventional implants. Mini dental implants are smaller than traditional implants. While most tiny dental implants have a diameter of less than 3.3 mm, regular implants range from 3.4 to 5.8 mm.
Mini dental implants have a more straightforward design than traditional ones. MDIs consist of a post with a ball at one end and a rubber O-ring that secures the crowns, as opposed to conventional ones, which are designed with a post with an abutment attached to it, to which the crown links.
Mini dental implants protrude above the gum line when implanted into the bone, whereas standard implants are positioned below the gum line.
Who can have mini dental implants?
Regular implants must be inserted and supported over the long term with a particular bone strength and density level.
The issue with this is that a missing tooth can cause bone loss due to trauma or lack of usage, which leads to a narrow alveolar ridge bone. In addition, standard implants need to be at least 6 mm wide to be successful, but if your bone has deteriorated, you might not be able to satisfy the specifications.
Since implants are currently the best option for replacing missing teeth, your dentist might suggest MDIs instead because they can be positioned in a smaller ridge. However, your dentist might recommend an MDI rather than a typical implant for other reasons besides a narrow ridge.
Mini implants can be used for:
Anchoring a denture: Mini dental implants can support your lower denture and improve your ability to chew and speak. In addition, this type of implant is less likely to loosen than other methods of attaching a denture, such as adhesives.
Replacing one tooth: A single mini dental implant can replace one missing tooth. An artificial tooth, called a crown, is then attached to the implant post.
Stabilizing an existing denture: If you have trouble keeping your current denture, several mini dental implants can stabilize it. The denture is then attached to the implants using either O-rings or metal attachments.
What are the benefits of mini dental implants?
The benefits of mini dental implants include the following:
Aesthetics: Dental implants are the closest thing to your natural teeth regarding look and function.
Improved oral health: Dental implants do not require reducing or altering adjacent teeth, as is often the case with other tooth replacement options. In addition, since they are placed in the jawbone, they help to preserve bone mass and prevent further deterioration.
Increased comfort: Unlike dentures, which can slip and rub against the gums, mini dental implants are secure and stable. In addition, because they do not rely on adhesives, they do not risk losing them.
Ease of care: Caring for mini dental implants is no different from caring for your natural teeth. You brush and floss as usual.
Durability: With proper care, mini dental implants can last a lifetime.
What are the risks of mini dental implants?
As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with mini dental implants, including:
Infection: Infection is always a risk with any surgery, but it is particularly important to avoid infection at the implant site due to the proximity of nerves and blood vessels. Your dentist will take steps to clean the area and minimize the risk of infection before beginning the surgery.
Nerve damage: If the implant post comes into contact with a nerve during surgery, it can damage the nerve.
A mini dental implant is a long-lasting solution to tooth loss. However, they could not last as long as conventional implants. In addition, they are more prone to shatter with repeated use since they can withstand less bite power. Also, they are more likely to loosen or come out over time.
How much do mini dental implants cost?
Mini dental implants typically cost less than regular implants. Still, the exact price will depend on several factors, such as the number of implants you need and the complexity of the surgery. Your dentist can give you a more accurate estimate after examining your mouth and determining which implant is right for you.
Mini implant procedure
A panoramic x-ray and occasionally a cone beam CT scan are required for patients before it can be assessed whether they can receive MDIs. After that, the surgery can be carried out, particularly when the patient has a tiny ridge and if the patient is qualified for treatment with MDIs.
MDI placement is regarded as a minimally invasive surgical procedure. A typical mini dental implant surgery, which involves placing four MDIs in the patient’s lower arch, often lasts an hour and is referred to as teeth in a day.
Let Us Help You Out!
River District Smiles Dentistry is your best option when it comes to dental implants in Rock Hill, SC. We have a team of highly experienced and qualified implant dentists that can help you restore your smile.
