Figuring out the best dental procedure can be confusing for most people. For instance, if you are missing a tooth, you’re most likely looking for long-term solutions for the problem like mini dental implants. However, even if you have heard it is a good option, how do you know for sure if it is best for your case?

What are mini dental implants?

Mini dental implants are small implants that won’t require complete embedment in the jawbone. Mini dental implants are a single solid piece that has a diameter of around 3mm. It is fastened to the jawbone. While mini dental implants resemble the conventional dental implants, they are smaller.

Mini dental implants have two parts—a titanium post with a ball and socket and an O-ring that embeds the tooth to a position that is attached to the jaw. The implant aspect is very thin, around the size of a toothpick. Mini dental implants are considered a great alternative to fixed crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Mini Dental Implants Pros and Cons

For many people, mini dental implants can be the best solution. If you are considered a candidate for mini dental implants, below are some of the pros and cons you need to consider:

Mini Dental Implant Pros

• It won’t require complex flap surgery. With mini dental implants, you can enjoy the benefits provided by conventional implants without going through complex procedures like flap surgery.
• It is less invasive. During a mini dental implant procedure, you can experience less soreness, pain, and discomfort. Additionally, bone tissues and gums will also experience less disturbance so you can forego taking over-the-counter painkillers.
• It is comfortable. With mini dental implants, you won’t have to worry about your teeth slipping unlike dentures. You also won’t feel awkward when talking or eating. Mini dental implants can also boost your confidence since you are confident you won’t experience any embarrassing slippage.
• It is convenient. Mini dental implants will require a single session to complete. You can also eat right away a few hours after the procedure.
• It can help prevent facial collapse. If you experience any bone loss, there is a possibility for your face to collapse. However, since mini dental implants are screwed in the jawbone, they function like the natural tooth root and help ensure any facial collapse is avoided.
• It has fewer complications. If you qualify for mini dental implants, you would be delighted to know that failures and complications are very rare. The success of mini dental implants can be attributed to the fact that dentists have perfected the techniques and best practices of the procedure.
• It costs less compared to the conventional dental implants. Mini dental implants only cost half of what you would pay for traditional dental implants. The average mini dental implant procedure can cost between $500 to $1,500. Other factors that can affect the cost of mini dental implants include affordability of the materials, type of anesthesia used, and complexity and duration of the procedure.

Mini Dental Implants Cons

• It will require ample jawbone. While mini dental implants will not require as much bone as its traditional counterpart, you will still need to have ample bone to build robust support. That said, if you have experienced bone loss, a mini dental implant is not the best option for you.
• It requires that you are not a teeth grinder. Mini dental implants are not an option for you if you grind your teeth or you have bruxism. If you won’t be able to resolve your teeth grinding problem, you can wear your artificial teeth down and damage your mini dental implant as well.