When you lose a tooth as an adult, you’re not just losing the crown—or the structure visible above the gum line. You are also losing the tooth root, or the bottom half of the tooth that extends below the gums, embedded into your jawbone. When you chew with your natural teeth, your tooth roots stimulate the jawbone, helping maintain its health. When you lose a tooth, you lose this stimulation, resulting in bone resorption—or the deterioration of bone. While many tooth replacement options are available, only dental implants can replace both the crown and root of your teeth! But how do you know which implant is right for you? At Brockley Dental Center, we are here to help you understand the differences between mini implants vs. regular implants!
Mini Implants vs. Regular Implants: Composition
Dental implants are titanium posts inserted into the jawbone to not only replace teeth but also act as artificial tooth roots. You can replace one, many, or all of your teeth with dental implants using artificial crowns, bridges, or dentures!
Regular implants—or traditional implants, are titanium posts about 5 millimeters in diameter. These thick implants consist of many pieces held together by an implant screw and an abutment that houses the restoration. Due to its many components, regular implants are at an increased risk for peri-implantitis or the infection of an implant site. Their many seams and components allow for movement and spaces between parts where bacteria can gather and spread infection!
In contrast, mini dental implants are less than 3 millimeters and have only one piece. As a solid piece of titanium, mini implants reduce the risk of peri-implantitis! Because they have no seams or moving parts, bacteria cannot gather as easily. Instead, your restoration is secure on a single piece of titanium built to last.
Mini Implants vs. Regular Implants: Procedure
A mini implant procedure vs. a regular implant procedure is incredibly different in method.
Traditional implants are larger and, therefore, require a much larger hole in your jawbone. Because of the ample bone needed for placement, an incision must first be made in the gums to access the jawbone. Then, a series of larger and larger drills creates a hole big enough for the implant to fit. Once the implant body is placed, the incision is stitched back up so your gums heal and the implant can stabilize, fusing to your jawbone. Each component of a regular implant must be placed at a separate appointment, so this process takes months to complete.
To place a mini implant, we use a minimally invasive approach that requires no incisions or stitches. Instead, we create a small hole in the gums and jawbone that is just big enough for the implant to fit. Then, we carefully screw the implant in place, where it becomes instantly stable! Unlike regular implants, mini implants can support a temporary restoration the same day we place them. With mini dental implants, you can go from missing teeth to a complete and functional smile in just one appointment!
Mini Implants vs. Regular Implants: Healing
Because the procedure for mini implants vs. regular implants differs so vastly, the healing time for each implant is different, too!
Traditional implants require months to fully heal, with periods of recovery in between each component’s placement. This process is long and time-consuming, involving many appointments and expensive components.
After such an invasive procedure, you will need medications to help with your recovery and provide pain relief as well as a period of rest. Additionally, you should stick to softer foods for a while to reduce pain or possible complications.
Healing after a mini implant procedure is a lot less time-consuming. Because the hole is so small and we don’t use incisions, your gums will heal much faster! In some cases, you can get a mini dental implant placed and return to work the next day!
Of course, it is important to always listen to your dentist’s recommendations and instructions post-procedure. You will likely need to take over-the-counter pain medications for the first few days, and you should stick to softer foods and avoid extreme temperatures initially after placement.
Book a Consultation Today to Restore Your Smile!
When you lose a tooth, prompt replacement is important to maintain oral health. Dental implants help you replace teeth both above and below the gum line so you can have a healthy smile and jawbone! At Brockley Dental Center, we offer mini implant solutions that provide incredible benefits that traditional implants cannot.
When replacing your teeth, try mini dental implants instead of regular dental implants. Book a consultation with us today to learn more!
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