Mini Dental Implants vs Traditional Implants

Dental implants have become widely popular and the number one way to replace missing teeth. There are of course a variety of kinds of dental implants and many are wondering about the pros and cons of mini dental implants vs traditional implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

Both traditional and mini implants are usually made out of titanium. They are titanium screws that are implanted into the gum and jawbone of the mouth where a tooth needs to be replaced. The biocompatibility of the titanium allows it to literally fuse to the bone, firmly anchoring it in place. A crown or fake tooth is then placed on top of the implant and can be used and cared for just as any other natural tooth.

Mini Dental Implants vs Traditional Implants

Use

Traditional implants are between 3mm and 6mm in diameter and are usually hollow. They are often used to anchor well-used molars into place, as they provide a larger, sturdier base and can withstand more pressure. Mini implants are made of solid titanium, but are less than 3mm in diameter. The necessary pilot hole drilled before implantation of a mini implant is inevitably smaller and shallower, so these are typically used to replace teeth toward the front of the mouth.

Cost

Cost is one of the distinct advantages of mini dental implants. Because they utilize far less titanium than traditional implants, they don’t cost as much to manufacture. Also, the procedure is less invasive and involved, which makes the job quicker and easier for the oral surgeon, often taking only one day. You can often have the crown fitted the same day of your mini implant procedure, costing you less time and less money.

Healing

Because of the more invasive nature of the traditional implant procedure, more healing time will be required before the permanent crown can be fitted. Often, the first visit will entail the implantation procedure, and the surgeon will close your gums over the implant and require a 4-6 month healing period for the osseointegration, or fusing into the bone, to complete. At the end of that period, you will see the surgeon again and he or she will fit the permanent crown on the implant abutment.

Mini dental implants, on the other hand, will often only take up to 2 months to heal. Usually the procedure only takes one day, and you are either fitted with a temporary or permanent crown on that same day. That means you don’t have to go toothless any longer.

Stability and Durability

Both mini and traditional dental implants have the same durability, as they are both made out of titanium, which is one of the hardest metals known. Whether mini or traditional, your dental implant can last you a lifetime if properly cared for.

While both have the same durability, the best stability comes from a traditional implant. These are implanted deeper into the bone and are larger, which means that the osseointegration is more stable and deeply rooted. This is why traditional implants are mainly used for teeth that withstand the most pressure. Mini dental implants simply aren’t as sturdy because of their smaller nature, but they work great for front teeth and for denture supports.

So Which Should I Choose?

Whether you get a traditional implant or a mini implant depends upon the tooth that needs replacing, the density of your jawbone, and the oral surgeon who will be performing the procedure. Many dentists and oral surgeons will however often suggest traditional implants because of their longer track record of success. Mini dental implants are still on the rise, but slowly proving their success to the dental world. Talk to your dentist today about the pros and cons of mini dental implants vs traditional implants.