Mini dental implants have the same structure as regular implants but are slightly smaller in form. These mini-implants have two parts as described by the Mini Dental Implant Centers of America (MDICA): a titanium post with a ball on the end and a socket with a rubber O-ring that attaches the tooth to the post.
According to Dennis Flanagan, DDS and Andrea Mascolo, DDS in the Journal of Oral Implantology, regular implants are 3.4 to 5.8 mm wide, but mini implants are 1.8 to 3.3 mm in diameter and 10 to 15 mm long.
What They Can Replace
Mini implants support most types of replacement teeth. The MIDCA points to dentures, bridges and fixed crowns, but the American Academy of Implant Dentistry says mini implants are also suitable for securing loose and lower arch dentures.
Mini Implant Options
Receiving regular implants takes several months and requires at least two dental appointments. Certain treatments require additional visits for bone-grafting to supply sufficient bone to support the implant posts. Still, other patients aren’t able to undergo invasive surgery and repeat dental appointments or have lost too much bone mass in their jaws to receive a full-sized implant, and this is perfectly normal. In these cases, mini implants may be the best option. Dentists can usually install mini implants in only one visit using local anesthesia and without any sutures.
Better yet, you can use your new teeth that same day.
Dr. Mehta & Associates assists patients in the Riverside, Temecula, and surrounding communities to acquire the smile they desire. Dr. Mehta carefully balances the art and science of dentistry with every treatment. Moreover, she never compromises on the long-term oral health of the patient.