The Difference Between Dental Implants and Mini Dental Implants Sandston, VA

Many have found increased confidence, improved daily function, and better oral health through teeth replacement with implants or mini dental implants. We can help patients determine the most effective option for their needs. By learning more about possible replacement options during a consultation, we can help patients determine which option will give them a smile they desire.

During a consultation, we will take the time to answer questions about the process. Everyone should feel confident when smiling in public, and no one should feel insecure about imperfections caused by missing teeth. Give us a call at (804) 412-0878 to learn more about implants and mini dental implants for teeth replacement.

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Understanding Mini Dental Implants

You can achieve a more attractive smile, address oral health concerns, and improve overall mouth function through teeth replacement with mini dental implants. Mini dental implants are a type of dental implant that is used to support dentures, bridges, or a crown. Implants and mini dental implants are available at Sandston Comprehensive Dentistry in Sandston and the surrounding area. You can learn more about mini dental implants and what steps are involved in the treatment process during your initial consultation.

The greatest difference between mini implants and traditional implants is size, giving them their name. In most cases, traditional dental implants are typically between 4 and 6 mm, whereas mini-implants range from 2 to 3 mm. Placing mini dental implants will also have differences from the traditional procedure. In many cases, the mini dental implant procedure is less invasive.

“In most cases, traditional dental implants are typically between 4 and 6 mm, whereas mini-implants range from 2 to 3 mm.”

Candidates For Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are commonly used to support dentures and prevent bone loss. However, they may be a good option for a dental bridge or dental crown as well. Mini dental implants work in the same way as traditional implants, although the placement process is less invasive and requires less supporting bone. Mini dental implants are a versatile solution capable of treating a wide range of issues, from single tooth replacement to supporting dentures for a full arch replacement. Mini dental implants can be an effective option for patients who do not have enough bone density in the jaw to support traditional implants.

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry explains that a bone graft procedure can strengthen the jawbone for traditional implants. However, not every patient is a candidate for regular dental implants. This is where mini dental implants come in as a recommended alternative. Mini dental implants are often recommended for patients with small teeth, who want restoration in narrow spaces, have lost a lot of bone, need replacement of front teeth, or want a full smile quickly.

“Mini dental implants are commonly used to support dentures and prevent bone loss.”

Benefits of Mini Dental Implants

Understanding the benefits of each treatment option helps patients make an informed decision. The benefits of mini dental implants include the following:

  • Less invasive procedure. For traditional dental implants, the procedure is much more invasive. In contrast, mini implants are easier for an oral surgeon to place and require less intensive treatment.
  • No need for bone grafting. Mini dental implants are sometimes an option in instances where there is not enough bone density for traditional implants.
  • Fewer complications. The risks of oral infection, implant failure, or longer recovery times are often less significant with mini dental implants.
  • Comfortable and convenient. Mini implants look, feel, and function similar to a natural tooth.

“Mini dental implants are sometimes an option in instances where there is not enough bone density for traditional implants.”

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Implants Can Prevent Tooth and Bone Loss

Implants, both traditional and mini, are of the greatest advancements in dentistry as they preserve the jawbone, do not decay, and function just like natural teeth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), an implant is so strong because of osseointegration, the process in which surrounding bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. This allows for bone preservation and strengthening of the surrounding and underlying tissues. Preserving the teeth, jawbone, and tissue secures surrounding teeth to the bone underneath, preventing or reducing the likelihood of tooth loss.

Bone atrophy refers to the deterioration of the underlying jawbone. Dental implants prevent bone atrophy the same way natural roots do: by sending signals to the implant and surrounding bone. The implant acts as a stimulator to promote bone generation and keep them functioning properly. Both traditional and mini dental implants have this advantage and can prevent tooth and bone loss.

“Dental implants prevent bone atrophy the same way natural roots do: by sending signals to the implant and surrounding bone.”

Choosing Between Implants and Mini Dental Implants

Implants are often best for replacing a single tooth, where mini dental implants are perhaps preferable when looking to support dentures. However, every patient is unique and should evaluate the pros and cons of each option, along with discussing the steps involved in the process with a dentist before making a final decision.

A dental professional can place mini dental implants in the jaw, similar to that of a traditional dental implant. Mini dental implants are the only dental restoration option that preserves natural bone. With that said, traditional implants typically require more bone density than mini implants to ensure a secure hold long-term.

How to Choose the Most Effective Option for You

While traditional implant placement is not as invasive, there are similarities. Both options require accessing the jaw and placing the implant into the bone, but mini dental implants do not require as much support. However, mini implants may not provide as secure a hold. Although the placement of the artificial tooth happens sooner, and the recovery time is generally much quicker with mini dental implants.

Your dentist may recommend one option over the other depending on the amount of bone density you currently have. Mini dental implants are possibly an option at times when traditional implants are not. If both are viable long-term solutions, then the patient’s preference will likely be the deciding factor.

“Mini dental implants are the only dental restoration option that preserves natural bone.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Implants and Mini Implants

Q. Are mini dental implants durable?

A. Mini dental implants are durable in the sense they can last for years without needing significant repair or replacement. However, they are not as durable as traditional implants. It is not uncommon for mini dental implants to last five to ten years without any issues.

Q. Is the mini dental implant recovery process different?

A. The recovery process is typically shorter with mini dental implants, which is why many dentists and patients prefer them over traditional, full-sized implants. Whereas implants generally take several months for the jaw to heal fully, mini implants only require a couple of weeks for recovery.

Q. Can mini dental implants support a bridge?

A. Mini dental implants often work well for bridges and dentures rather than crowns for single tooth replacement. While mini dental implants may not have the same strength and durability as traditional implants, they can support replacement solutions for multiple missing teeth, including bridges.

Q. Do mini dental implants feel like real teeth?

A. Yes. Mini dental implants look, feel, and function very similar to natural teeth. There are few diet restrictions, and they are essentially indistinguishable from natural teeth when around others.

Q. How much do mini dental implants cost?

A. The average cost of mini dental implants ranges from $500 to $1,500 per implant, depending on the patient’s case and the severity of their condition. However, many insurance plans cover part or most of the treatment. We encourage patients to contact their insurance provider to understand what their plan covers.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

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Dental Implant Terminology

Abutment
An abutment is a component that attaches to the dental implant so a professional can place a dental crown to provide patients with an artificial, aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional smile.
Bridge
Multiple replacement teeth that are fixed in place via attachment to dental implants, natural adjacent teeth, or a combination of the two.
Dental Crown
A crown is an artificial tooth, usually consisting of porcelain, which covers the top of the implant to provide people with an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
Endosteal (endosseous)
Endosteal is a type of dental implant that a professional places in the alveolar and basal bone of the mandible that transcends only one cortical plate.
Eposteal (subperiosteal)
Eposteal is a type of dental implant that conforms to whichever edentulous surface of an alveolar bone is superior.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix in place with the use of dental implants inserted in the jaw to create a sturdy set of artificial teeth.
Osseointegration
Osseointegration is the process in which a titanium dental implant fuses with the surrounding bone over several months after an oral health professional places the implant in the jaw.
Periodontal
Literally “around the tooth”
Resorption
Resorption is the process in which the body absorbs the calcium from the jaw since there are no tooth roots to cause the necessary stimulation and proceeds to use the calcium in other areas.
Transosteal (transosseous)
Transosteal is a type of dental implant that includes threaded posts which penetrate the superior and inferior cortical bone plates of the jaw.

Call Us Today

If you are interested in restoring your smile, call us at 804-412-0878 for more information about implants and mini dental implants. We are here to help you make the right decision about replacing missing or severely damaged teeth. Our friendly team is willing and able to answer any questions you have about the process.

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