The terms Dental Implants and Mini-Implants both refer to a dental procedure in which a small titanium screw is drilled and fixed into the jawbone to support a false tooth. The difference between a regular dental implant and a mini implant is the size of the titanium screw that is being implanted. Generally, the screw used in a mini implant is around half the size of its traditional counterpart. Mini implants do not feature a removable abutment, and thus the false tooth is mounted directly onto the implant screw. But what does this all mean? And which one is better?
The answer to these two questions largely centers around the condition of your jaw bone. To qualify for a traditional dental implant, you must have a strong and sturdy jaw bone that can support the larger implanted screw. However, if you have suffered any kind of any kind of bone degeneration following tooth loss, then you would generally have to undergo a preliminary bone graft to ensure the health of your jaw is adequate. For those with jawbone atrophy or a receding jawbone, mini implants could be offered as an alternative treatment option, as they require less bone to be sufficiently anchored. However, this structural compromise could mean that the amount of strain applied to the attached false tooth would need to be limited. Mini implants are not recommended to patients who suffer from teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism).
As mini implants do not require a preliminary procedure, the recovery time is significantly reduced. The cost of a mini implant is also less than its traditional counterpart.
If you are considering having a dental implant, then please contact your dental office and seek expert medical advice.
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