For whatever reason, maybe you can’t get regular dental implants for your smile. Perhaps you don’t qualify due to issues with pricing, health, or some other factor. In this situation, you should consider mini dental implants; they’d likely be a good alternative option. You’ll just want to make sure you’re suited for these prosthetics first. With that said, here’s a primer on what makes a good candidate for mini dental implants.
What are Mini Dental Implants?
Compared to traditional ones, mini dental implants aren’t as well-known. You’d do well to review the basics about them for context.
Mini dental implants are just regular implants made smaller. As such, each one consists of a single screw (that’s less than 3mm in diameter) with a ball-shaped end that protrudes from the jaw. Dentists place this screw through less invasive methods than those used for conventional implants. Indeed, they’ll simply put it over the gum surface when placing it into the bone.
Who’s Well-Suited to Get Them?
Given the facts above, people suited for mini dental implants are often:
Those Unable to Get Surgeries
“Regular” dental implant surgery is invasive, requiring incisions, drilling work, and other steps. Patients with certain conditions aren’t healthy enough to receive that kind of care. In contrast, mini dental implant surgery is simple and fairly non-invasive; it involves fewer incisions, less recovery time, etc. The latter is thus ideal for people who can’t get very extensive dental work.
Those With Busy Schedules
The normal implant process takes four to six months, with patients having to attend multiple dental appointments. It can thus prove challenging for patients with busy or inflexible schedules. Thankfully, mini dental implants demand less time; dentists can place them in one visit with local anesthesia. Their placement doesn’t even require sutures, further ensuring a speedy treatment.
Those Lacking Dense Jaws
To receive traditional implants, a patient has to have a sufficiently dense jaw. Only a jawbone with plenty of bone tissue can support the final posts placed by a dentist. Meanwhile, mini dental implants don’t have this requirement; you can get them even when your jaw isn’t dense. That means they’re suitable for patients who’ve lived with tooth loss for a while.
Remember to Consult Your Dentist
Ultimately, you can’t confirm your candidacy for mini dental implants on your own. You’ll need to consult your dentist to see if treatment suits you.
Your dental provider knows more about your oral health than you do. Given such knowledge (and their training), they can determine whether mini dental implants would help your smile. They’ll even suggest alternative tooth replacement options if necessary.
A good candidate for mini dental implants doesn’t take much. Therefore, consult your dental provider to learn if they’d help!
About the Practice
Dentistry at Hickory Flat is based in Canton, GA. Led by our four dedicated dentists, our practice aims to give every patient truly amazing dental care. We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative procedures, all tailored to your grin’s unique needs. Our team also provides same-day appointments for dental emergencies, ensuring your smile stays safe! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (770)-213-8166.