What are mini dental implants? Cost and Procedure
Mini dental implants are a revolutionary solution for individuals seeking a minimally invasive, cost-effective alternative to traditional dental implants. Designed to provide stability for dentures or replace missing teeth, mini dental implants are smaller in size but offer impressive strength and durability.
What are mini dental implants?
Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth due to injury or disease. While other restoration options are placed on the gums, dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone using an implant post. Conventional dental implants are made of two small pieces measuring between 3.25 and 5mm in diameter.
Mini dental implants are similar in structure to conventional dental implants but smaller in size. They consist of one piece measuring less than 3mm in diameter. The ball-shaped end protrudes from the jawbone, and the socket has an O-ring that attaches the “tooth” to the post embedded in the jaw.
What are the benefits of mini dental implants?
Mini dental implants have been proven to provide immediate stability for surrounding teeth and cause less discomfort after the procedure. This type of implant offers several benefits, including:
Less Invasive Surgery: Mini dental implants can be placed into the patient’s jawbone using local anesthesia, making the procedure less invasive than traditional implants and potentially less painful.
Faster Recovery Time: The recovery time is significantly shorter due to their smaller size and minimally invasive procedure.
Lower Costs: Each type of mini dental implant has different costs but is generally more affordable than traditional implants.
Less Jawbone Density is Needed: Traditional implants require a stable jawbone to support their size, while mini dental implants need less bone. This makes them suitable for patients with weakened jawbones due to tooth decay or injury.
Immediate Functionality: In many cases, mini dental implants can be used to support dentures or crowns immediately after placement, providing instant functionality and improved appearance
Improved Comfort and Stability: Mini implants provide a secure fit for dentures, reducing slippage and improving comfort compared to traditional removable dentures.
Who are candidates for mini dental implants?
Mini dental implants are not for everyone, especially children or anyone who has not yet fully developed their jaws. They are also not suitable for people who grind their teeth or have certain health conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Hemophilia and similar conditions
- Osteoporosis
- Periodontitis…
The procedure of mini dental implants
The first step is for the dentist to examine and evaluate the patient’s oral health, bone density, and overall health to place the mini dental implant.
After taking an X-ray or CT scan to evaluate the jawbone structure and determine the optimal implant position. The common mini dental implant procedure is as follows:
Using local anesthesia to numb the patient’s gums and jaw. Most dentists use a personalized implant surgical guide to determine the location of the bone drilling and implant placement with the highest precision. Experienced dentists directly drill a small hole into the gum and jawbone without the need for a surgical guide.
After completing the osseointegration process, the dentist will take an impression of the patient’s new teeth and send it to the dental laboratory to fabricate the final denture.
The data from the dental impression step is transferred to 3D design software to create an accurate restoration model, including the appropriate size, color, and shape. Depending on the patient’s needs, suitable manufacturing materials such as zirconia, acrylic, etc. are selected. The prosthetic is tested on a model of the jaw to check for size accuracy and fit with the mini implant.
The completed prosthetic, which is tailored to fit the implant snugly and provide optimal comfort, is sent back to the dental clinic. The prosthetic is then attached to the mini implant and securely fixed in place.
After surgery, patients may experience some swelling or gum discomfort, which typically subsides within a week. Most patients can resume normal activities within 1–2 days. Additionally, to ensure proper healing, patients are advised to avoid hard, sticky foods initially and consume soft or liquid-based foods instead.
How much do mini dental implants cost?
The cost of mini dental implants can range from $500 to $1,500 per implant. This makes it much more affordable than traditional dental implants, which start at around $3,500.
For a full procedure, depending on the number of implant posts needed and the type of support, whether it be a crown, bridge, or denture, the total cost can range from $2,000 to $10,000.
In addition, some patients may require additional treatments such as tooth extractions, and gum treatments (although less common with mini implants), which can increase the overall cost.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Whether your patient is missing one tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch, mini dental implants may be the solution for them. Choosing the right dental lab in the U.S. is also an important component of ensuring patient success. The best dental laboratory can design and deliver the most detailed, optimal final restoration for the patient.
At VTA, we provide mini dental implants that are designed in detail according to the specific treatment plan, supporting you to bring patient satisfaction. Contact us today for more details and the latest offers.