Benefits & Risks: A Closer Look
Mini implants provide many benefits to patients who have suffered tooth loss and need to restore their smile with prosthetic restorations:
- Mini implants are an excellent way to stabilize dentures so they will not slip out of place, and they eliminate the need for messy adhesives.
- Mini implants can be placed in as little as two hours, and are immediately ready to support restorations. Patients can leave the dentist’s office with a fully restored smile, and even eat a meal the same day.
- Standard implants require ample jawbone density. Patients may require bone grafting prior to traditional implant surgery. Patients who have been disqualified for traditional implants because of jawbone atrophy are often good candidates for mini implants.
- Because the surgery is less invasive and the time investment is minimal, mini implants are more affordable than traditional dental implants.
- Like traditional implants, mini implants offer the benefit of improved jawbone health. Implants stimulate the jawbone similarly to natural tooth roots, and halt the process of bone atrophy that occurs when teeth are missing.
As with any surgery, there are some risks involved in placing mini implants, including infection. The surest way to minimize these risks is to choose an experienced oral surgeon.
In comparison to traditional implants, mini implants provide a lesser degree of support because of their smaller size. In some cases, mini implants can secure dental crowns and bridges, but they are utilized most effectively for dentures or larger bridges. For patients who have a tendency to clench their jaw or grind their teeth, there is a greater risk of malfunction because of the increased pressure on the implant.
Depending upon the individual patient, standard implants may be a better choice, and Dr. Albanese at 4Excellence in Dentistry can help make this determination during a consultation.