Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are exactly what they seem – miniature dental implants. Also known as MDI’s, these implants utilize miniature titanium screws that are far smaller than those of traditional implants. They are often used to hold dentures in place, or front teeth dental implants.

How Do They Work?

What really sets mini dental implants apart from traditional ones, aside from their size, is the top of the screw. Traditionally the top of the screw would have the abutment on top, but the tops of MDI’s are small round balls that work as a ball and socket with the fake tooth or denture.

This works because of a rubber o-ring placed within the socket of the tooth or denture. This puts enough retaining force on the connection to hold it in place and endure normal chewing and talking. Abnormal amounts of pressure, however, can cause the connection to “pop” out.

Mini implants are becoming more and more common as the placement process is much faster and easier than that of traditional implants. They are mainly used to replace teeth that don’t withstand as much pressure, such as the teeth near the front of the mouth; molars would need a traditional-sized implant in order to last. They are also used as an easier connection for dentures.

What Are Their Advantages?

Mini dental implants are far more maneuverable than traditional ones because of their size: MDI’s are about 2mm around while traditional implants are between 4mm and 6mm. With their toothpick-like size, they can also work in smaller areas, smaller mouths, and places where less bone structure is present.

And let’s not forget, cost is another advantage! Because they use less materials and the procedure is less extensive, mini implants are quite a bit cheaper – up to 60% cheaper than usual implants.

What Is the Procedure Like?

Don’t worry, it goes fast and easy. While traditional implants require two stages of completion that span a few months, mini implants only take a matter of hours. The best part? It doesn’t require the usual cutting of the gums and stitches.

The dentist will simply drill a small hole in to your jawbone into which he will insert the tiny screw until only its head protrudes. Then the connector – whether dentures or a fake tooth – is attached and you are good to go!

MDI’s are one of the latest dental implant innovations, and they are having an alarming success rate. In just one day, you can have your smile restored and secured with mini dental implants.