Mini dental implants are an alternative to traditional dental implants. Because they are smaller, they can be used in places where there is not enough bone to support traditional dental implants. In the right situation, mini dental implants are a great option, but they are not a replacement for traditional dental implants in all situations.
During your consultation, we can talk about the condition of your oral health and discuss whether mini dental implants or traditional dental implants will work better for you. To schedule a consultation with an Orange County implant dentist, please call (949) 551-5902 or email Rice Dentistry in Irvine.
When Are Mini Dental Implants the Best Choice?
Mini dental implants are good because they give us more options for restoring your dental implants. This allows you to get replacement teeth that are perfect for your anatomy, potentially without need for bone grafting, sinus lift, or other procedures to improve bone volume. Mini dental implants are used when:
- Bone loss prevents use of traditional implants
- Placement restrictions prevent use of traditional implant
- Multiple dental implants are being used to anchor a crown, bridge, or denture
- Bite force does not exceed the capacity of mini dental implants
Mini dental implants are a great alternative to bone grafting and similar procedures in some situations.
What Are Mini Dental Implants?
Mini dental implants are what their name implies: dental implants that are a little smaller than the normal dental implants. Technically, dental implants are classed as “mini” if they are 3.0 mm (less than 1/8 inch) in diameter or less, while traditional implants are 3.7 mm in diameter or more. In the past, these two classes of dental implants were more distinct, but today there are hybrid dental implants that bridge the gap, which allows us to choose just the right size dental implant for your procedure.
Otherwise, mini dental implants are similar to traditional dental implants. Both are made of titanium. Both have surface coatings to help integration with the jawbone. Both can support dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures. And with both mini and traditional dental implants, you can sometimes get your finished tooth the same day of the procedure.
Find an Implant Dentist You Can Trust
When it comes to the issue of mini dental implants or traditional dental implants, it’s important to leave this decision up to your implant dentist. Your implant dentist is going to be in the best position to make the difficult judgments necessary to give you the best chance of getting attractive and healthy dental implants.
That’s why it’s best to consider multiple implant dentists before committing to one. And if your implant dentist gives you a treatment plan, it’s best to get a second opinion before committing to the plan.
If you are looking for an implant dentist in Orange County, please contact Rice Dentistry in Irvine, today.
