If you’ve struggled with the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional dentures, you might be considering dental implants to replace removable dentures with permanent replacements for your teeth. With today’s advanced technology, mini implants can offer a less invasive alternative.
Narrow diameter dental implants, or mini implants, are similar to traditional implants, but can be placed in a single procedure. Traditional implants, by contrast, require a two-part procedure and a significant healing interval.
Traditional Dental Implants
Traditional implants are often used for:
- Replacing single teeth
- Replacing a bridge or full denture
- Holding removable dentures in place
If you’ve suffered bone loss in your jawbone, through aging or as a side effect of wearing traditional dentures, implants might not be the best option for you. If you’ve suffered bone loss, the jawbone can be augmented with bone grafts, or the implants can be placed to avoid the places where the loss is the greatest. Consult with a cosmetic dentist experienced with implants to determine if they’ll work for you.
When traditional implants are placed, the titanium screw section is implanted directly into the jawbone. After a healing period of a few weeks, the screw bonds to the bone. The top half of the implant can then be added, along with any attached appliances. Dentures attached to an implant can be permanent or removable.
Mini Dental Implants
Mini implants, by contrast, can be placed in a single visit. It’s not necessary to make incisions in the gums, nor are there any stitches to be removed later. The mini implants are fixed with a special attachment that fits into the bottoms of your dentures, holding them securely in place. The dentures can still be easily removed for cleaning, but they won’t shift while you’re chewing or talking, giving you new self-confidence and a more natural look.
Much like traditional implants, mini implants can also securely hold a single replacement tooth or a partial bridge, as well as full dentures.
Your particular situation will determine whether traditional implants or mini implants will work best for you. If you want to find out more about implants, a consultation with a certified cosmetic dentist who’s had experience with traditional and mini implants can help you decide if you’d like to pursue this procedure.
