The Difference Between Dental Implants and Mini Implants

blog image

Losing a tooth is always a big deal. Regardless of how you lost yours, keep in mind that your missing teeth have to be replaced. While regular dental implants are the best teeth replacement options, they’re not for everyone. Those who belong to this category should look into mini implants in Jupiter.

Regular Dental Implants vs. Mini Implants

What are Regular Dental Implants?

Regular dental implants consist of small, biocompatible titanium rods that are inserted into your jawbone via surgery. Depending on your needs, your dentist may recommend any of the different types of implants:

  • Single Tooth Implants: designed to replace one missing tooth.
  • Multiple Tooth Implants or Implant-Supported Bridge: made to replace sections of missing teeth.
  • Implant-Supported Dentures: designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth using 6 to 8 implants.
  • All-on-4® Implants: this concept of treatment takes 4 implants.

Once the implant is inserted, the bone grows into the implant through the process of osseointegration. The process turns the implant into a stable root that works to support your replacement tooth. When the osseointegration and your jaw’s healing period is completed, another surgery is performed for the abutment placement, which is where your dentist places your crown and artificial tooth. The placement of regular dental implants requires sufficient bone mass in the jaw. If you don’t have enough bone density, you may need a bone graft.

What are Mini Implants?

The smaller versions of the regular dental implants are called mini implants. Unlike regular dental implants that may require a bone graft and several months of healing, mini implants don’t. These are made of a biocompatible titanium rod with about the same diameter as that of a toothpick. While regular dental implants are capped with an abutment, mini implants feature a small ball on their exposed end that serves as an anchor for the elastic O-rings, which attach your replacement tooth to the implant. Compared to dental implants, mini implants are less expensive and require less invasive surgery and downtime.

Learn More About Mini Implants Jupiter!

You don’t have to get stuck with dentures if you don’t qualify for regular implants! Contact Prestige Periodontal and Implant Center to schedule your appointment and determine if mini implants are the right choice for you.