Small Diameter (Mini) Dental Implants

Replacing missing teeth can have a positive influence on your quality of life. That’s because smiling, chewing, and talking are made easier with a full set of teeth. One of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 20 years has been the development and use of dental implants. Implants are medical devices that replace the root portion of missing teeth.

What are mini dental implants?

A dental implant is a strong, cylindrical titanium post that is placed below the gums in an upper or lower jaw bone. Part of the implant extends through the gum tissue and serves as an anchor for an artificial tooth (i.e., a crown or bridge) or for a removable prosthesis (i.e., a partial or complete denture). With most regular or standard dental implants, a second piece, called an abutment, is connected to the implant to support the replacement teeth. Mini implants are smaller in size and are all one piece – they have no separate abutment. Mini implants are used by-in-large to help anchor and stabilize partials and dentures.

What’s involved?

Mini implants are relatively simple to place compared to standard implants. In most cases, they can be placed in the jaw bone under local anesthesia only and without making a surgical incision in the gums. They also require only one appointment to place and can be restored within weeks, whereas a standard implant takes months to heal.

You can expect only mild discomfort after treatment, which is controlled well by pain medications that are given the day of the procedure. Occasionally, stitches have to be placed to secure the tissue around the implants, but these will dissolve and fall out on their own.

How will they help me?

If you currently have complete or partial dentures and are not satisfied with the way they fit, feel, or chew, mini implants can dramatically improve them. We will simply adjust the underside of the denture and attach it to the mini implant posts. Drs. Camp or Heubner will evaluate your dentures beforehand, though, to be sure that they will work well with your future mini implants. If your dentures are too old, worn, fractured, or exhibit a poor bite, then a new set may be recommended.

If you desire new dentures altogether, they can be fabricated before or after the mini implants are placed. Either way produces the same, great results.

How do I care for the implants?

While you are adjusting to the new implants, avoid foods that are sticky or very hard. Drs. Camp or Heubner may recommend using an antiseptic mouthwash and carefully cleaning around each implant post with a cotton swab or brush for several days after treatment. With a little practice, you will be able to remove and insert an implant-supported denture easily, which allows you to maintain good oral hygiene every day.

If you have other natural teeth present, brush them twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Floss or use another interdental cleaner once a day. Schedule regular dental checkups to keep your mouth healthy.

Like natural teeth, dental implants can be affected by wear and tear, stressful biting or grinding, osteoporosis, poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, and lack of follow-up dental exams and cleanings. Even if you do not have any natural teeth remaining, it is still important to see us once a year.