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Traditional implants are large enough to be the “gold standard” for replacing missing teeth, but they are not suitable for everyone. They are expensive, especially when multiple implants are needed. In some cases, mini implants are a good alternative. Mini implants are smaller and cheaper than traditional implants, and the procedure is simpler and less invasive.

1. What is Mini Implant?

Mini Implants are made of high-grade titanium alloy like traditional implants but have a smaller diameter and narrow body.

After natural tooth extraction, the jawbone loses its thickness due to bone loss. The jawbone can also deteriorate with age or osteoporosis. If you are not healthy enough to undergo bone grafting, Mini Implants are the optimal choice for those who do not have enough bone for traditional implants . Unlike traditional implants, Mini Implants are shaped like a screw that can be inserted into the jawbone through the gum tissue. The implant surgeon does not need to flip the gum flap or stitch the wound, so the healing process will be faster.

Mini implants are a good solution, but they do have some limitations. Mini implants do not provide the same level of stability and longevity as traditional implants. Traditional implants are more stable when inserted into the jawbone. For this reason, mini implants are often used to help stabilize removable dentures.

Using Mini Implants to help stabilize loose dentures requires at least 4 Mini Implants to be placed in the lower jaw, while up to 10 Mini Implants are needed to increase stability in the upper jaw. Mini Implants can also replace small teeth, such as lower incisors, or replace teeth in narrow areas where traditional implants are too large.

Mini Implant diameters range from 0.07 to 0.11 inches (1.8 to 2.9 mm). Mini Implant lengths are 10, 13, 15, and 18 mm. This variety of lengths allows the implant surgeon to select the Mini Implant that best fits the size and shape of the jawbone. The overall strength of a Mini Implant is determined by its length, not its diameter.

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2. Compare traditional implants with Mini Implants

2.1. Size

This is the main difference between the two implant methods as the traditional implant is 4-5mm in diameter and consists of the implant and a separate connecting post. In contrast, the Mini Implant is less than 3mm in diameter and is a solid block.

Mini implants are smaller so they are ideal for replacing small teeth in areas with limited space and increasing retention for full or partial dentures.

2.2. Durability

Both implants are made from a high-grade titanium alloy and tests have shown that implant strength depends on their length, not their diameter. Although Mini Implants are narrower than traditional Implants, the Implant length is still comparable to that of conventional Implants.

However, some implantologists believe that Mini Implants are less able to withstand chewing forces than traditional Implants. For this reason, traditional Implants tend to be used to restore molars.

2.3. Implementation procedures

With the traditional implant method, the implant surgeon must lift the gum flap and expose the bone to insert the implant. A small hole will be drilled to place the implant. The gum will be sutured closed immediately after the implant is placed in the jawbone. The implant will then be left in the bone to heal for a few months before the tooth is restored. Phase 2 will expose the implant to complete the tooth above the implant.

Mini implants can be inserted directly through the gum without a gum flap, so there is no need to cut or suture the gum. Since the implant is a single piece, there is no need for a second stage like with traditional implants. Mini implants also reduce the need for bone grafting and the process is faster, less invasive and heals faster.

3. Lifespan and success rate of mini implants

Traditional implants have been widely used for many years and continue to be studied. A properly placed and well-maintained implant has a very high success rate and can last for decades or even a lifetime. Mini implants are a recent breakthrough and several studies have been conducted on their success. The advantages and success rates of Mini Implants are becoming more widely recognized.

4. Advantages and disadvantages of Mini Implant

4.1. Advantages

  • Mini Implant placement is usually a quick process, and can be done immediately with a new denture. This means that the implant can be placed and a temporary denture fitted within a few hours. This denture is used temporarily while the implant heals and integrates with the bone; this allows the patient to speak and eat normally.
  • Mini Implant surgery is less invasive because there are no stitches required, and the implant hole is also smaller so that the implant can be inserted into the jawbone. This process can be more convenient, especially for people who are often anxious and afraid of dental implants.
  • The smaller implant diameter reduces the risk of surgical complications when the implant is placed too close to a nerve or maxillary sinus. If any risks arise, they are easier to correct and treat.
  • Healing will be faster and recovery time will be shorter because Mini Implant surgery is less invasive.
  • Mini Implants can be used in areas of thinner jawbone where traditional Implants would not fit without bone grafting.
  • Mini Implants cost less than traditional Implants and are considered a great solution to provide stability for loose dentures.

4.2. Disadvantages

  • Mini Implants require a significant amount of bone as they are typically long. This means that Mini Implants cannot be used where there is insufficient vertical bone or bone loss.
  • A certain number of Mini Implants are required to increase the stability of the denture. The minimum number of Mini Implants required for the lower jaw is 4, while traditional Implants only require 2 Implants.
  • Mini Implants are not the best solution for the upper jaw because the upper jaw bone is often thin. We have to use more implants, maybe up to 10 or 12 Mini Implants to stabilize the upper denture.
  • Mini Implants are one piece, so if the implant head wears out after many years of use, the entire implant will need to be replaced. Traditional implants are two pieces, so the connecting post or abutment can be easily replaced.
  • Mini implants have been less widely studied than traditional implants, so there is little data on their longevity and success rates.

5. Mini Implant Procedure

Mini Implant placement is performed within 1-2 hours under local anesthesia. The mini implant procedure is completely different from the traditional implant procedure. Mini Implants can be placed and removable dentures can be fitted within the same day.

  • Before the procedure, the implantologist will use images to determine the ideal location for the implant. These images will also be used during the surgery so that the surgeon can make marks on the gums before starting the implant.
  • Once the location is determined, the dentist will drill a small hole through the gum with a guide drill. A Mini Implant will be placed into the jawbone through this hole and tightened with special tools. The round tip of the implant will protrude from the gum. During this stage, the patient's removable denture will be imprinted, the position of the implant will be recorded and all information will be sent to the lab for completion.
  • Once completed, the denture will fit onto the implant head using an “O-ring”. This tight fit will make the denture more stable.

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