Dentistry is changing fast. The traditional methods of dentistry, which sometimes have involved painful, months-long repeated procedures, are being slowly replaced with quick, easy, minimally invasive and high quality dental solutions.
Among the latest trends in dentistry is mini dental implants. These implants come with a number of advantages and disadvantages. Obviously, based on the “mini†in their title, dental implants are smaller… but not in the way you might think. They’re also designed to be faster and more convenient. But are these small implants really better than traditional implants? Are they best for every dental patient’s long term health? What are some potential issues of mini dental implants?
What Are Mini Dental Implants?
When you think of mini dental implants, it’s important to not just think of them as being small. The “mini†might also stand for “minimally invasive.†The design and structure of these implants is designed to cause less of a physical impact, and therefore less healing time, for the patient. These implants are mounted on small screws (the standard is under 3mm) directly into the bone. Because the mounting takes up so much less space, there’s usually no need for painful and long-healing procedures like bone grafts.
The Advantages of Mini Implants
As you might infer from the above paragraph, the biggest advantage of mini dental implants is its minimally invasive nature. Far less skin and bone is removed during the procedure, allowing for faster healing. They are easier, in many cases, for dentists to install. In addition, the overall cost of mini implants tends to be smaller than the cost of traditional dental implants.
While mini implants are not as popular as traditional implants, they are becoming more popular, especially as stronger, lighter materials continue to be integrated into these dental solutions.
Potential Issues of Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants do have their potential disadvantages, however. It should be noted that the type of dental implant used in a patient varies widely, and is largely determined by issues including gum health and especially bone health.
These types of implants are not as popular as traditional implants. In many cases, they are used only as “transitional†implants, or implants temporarily used until a more traditional implant is installed. There remains quite a bit of controversy surrounding the use of mini dental implants; most criticisms center on the long-term structural soundness of mini implants. However, structural integrity is likely to evolve as materials change.
Whether your dentist suggests a mini dental implant or a traditional implant, the advantages of having these cosmetic and functional implants often include greater confidence, increased oral health, and even a longer life span.
