Some of the earliest dental implants date back centuries. The first evidence of dental implants can be traced back to as early as 600 AD, when the Mayans used shell pieces to replace teeth in the lower jawbone. And some early attempts at stone dental implants originated in Honduran culture circa the 8th century. But today’s dental implants are far more advanced! When you consider the differences between traditional vs. mini dental implants, you’ll realize how far dental implants have come.
Mini dental implants improve on traditional dental implants in several key ways. Compared to their conventional counterparts, the process is less invasive, more accessible, and more affordable.
Who Is a Candidate for Mini Dental Implants?
Mini dental implants make a complete smile a reality for patients who aren’t candidates for traditional implants.
Oftentimes, patients aren’t eligible for traditional dental implants for several key reasons. For one, traditional dental implants require more invasive surgery due to their large size, and depending on your health, you might not be able to tolerate the procedure. Additionally, if you don’t have enough bone in your jaw, you’ll need to undergo bone grafting before you can have a traditional implant placed. This adds to the overall cost of your dental implants (more on that later). It also increases the time it takes to fully restore your smile and raises the risk of complications.
Older patients with more complicated health needs are often the same people who would benefit the most from dental implants. For instance, dental implants would likely improve their nutrition by allowing them to eat a wider variety of foods. But they may not be able to safely get traditional implants.
With that said, thanks to improvements with the mini dental implant procedure, our office has successfully placed dental implants for patients in their late 90s! In fact, a 97-year-old patient was able to have a second implant placed years after he had received his first. So, any healthy individual, regardless of age, could be a strong candidate for mini dental implants.
The Enhanced Design of Mini Implants
Mini dental implant procedures are a less invasive experience than traditional implants because of the advanced design of the actual implant. One of the most notable differences between traditional vs. mini dental implants comes down to their size. Mini dental implants can be more than 40% smaller than traditional implants. This difference in size has a huge impact on healing time. Because mini implants don’t disrupt as much of your gum and bone tissue, recovery is generally easier. Plus, since mini implants require less space in the bone, you likely won’t need to get a bone graft before placement.
Another way that mini dental implants improve on conventional implants is by simplifying the implant itself. Mini dental implants are one piece, while traditional implants are generally two or more pieces. Why does this matter? Well, more components mean that there are small gaps between components where bacteria can live. By simplifying the implant into one piece, the mini implant reduces the risk of bacterial buildup and peri-implantitis. This disease inflames the gums and deteriorates the bone around an implant, potentially causing implant failure.
Mini Dental Implants Improve Your Overall Experience
The upgraded design features of mini implants are critical in transforming your experience as a patient. Because, let’s be honest, no one likes getting dental work done. And traditional implant placement is especially hard on patients.
Traditional implants require multiple procedures and take several months before you can secure the actual tooth or teeth. And you’ll need gum surgery and a larger incision to securely screw traditional implants into the jaw. Then, you wait about six months to heal before going back to the office and getting a crown, denture, or bridge.
But with the mini implant procedure, Dr. Miller can create a small hole to gently guide the mini implant into place, and you’ll leave the office with a full smile in one visit. With a simpler, smaller implant and a less invasive procedure, you’ll have a more comfortable experience during and after the process.
The Cost of Traditional vs. Mini Dental Implants
Cost is on everyone’s mind when it comes to dental implant options, and for good reason. When comparing traditional vs. mini dental implants, the cost differences can be significant.
Since traditional implants use multiple involved procedures, they cost more than mini dental implants. If you need to undergo bone grafting, you’re adding the cost of an additional procedure.
Because it’s a simpler procedure that can be performed with less bone, mini implants reduce the number of steps needed to achieve your smile. In general, mini dental implants can cost 30 to 50 percent less than conventional implants.
Still, you may be wondering if mini implants can fit your budget. We offer financing options so that you can afford dental implants and improve your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants can be the solution you’re looking for.
We’ve come a long way in the world of dental implants. Now, more people than ever can make a full smile a reality, even when factors like cost and health conditions used to make it impossible.
Take the Next Step in Your Dental Implant Journey!
At Bent Tree Dental, we blend cutting-edge technology with old-fashioned hospitality. Here, we prioritize comfort and convenience by offering innovative and reliable dental treatments like mini dental implants. When you choose mini implants, you’ll experience a less invasive and more affordable procedure that is less disruptive to your life. Dr. Rick Miller is eager to provide the finest mini dental implant experience and restore your smile in one day.
Schedule a free consultation today to learn how dental implants can change your life!
