Traditional Implant Versus Mini Implant

There are many reasons why people lose their natural teeth. Whether you suffered severe decay or a traumatic mouth injury, a dental implant is the best long-term solution to replace a missing tooth. There are two main types of dental implants: traditional and mini implants. Here’s a closer look at the differences between the two as well as insight into which type may be right for you.

Traditional Dental Implants

A traditional dental implant is considered the standard in implant dentistry. A traditional implant is designed to give the most long-term restoration, offering optimal function and form in a replacement tooth. In fact, many patients retain successful traditional implants for a lifetime!

The drawback to traditional implants, however, is that they require a certain amount of bone structure to hold the titanium post firmly in place. If you’ve had missing teeth for a while, it is highly likley that you have lost too much bone structure to successfully support a traditional dental implant. This doesn’t count you out, but you’ll need to undergo bone grafting before implant surgery.

The Mini Dental Implant Difference

True to its name, mini implants are simply a smaller version of a traditional dental implant. In fact, mini implants have a diameter about half the size of a traditional implant. A valued benefit of choosing mini implants is that they involve a less invasive surgery and less recovery. Due to their smaller design, they also do not require as much jaw bone structure to stay in place, making them ideal for patients with significant bone atrophy. They can be used to mount full or partial dentures, crowns and other restorations.

Mini implants are not for everyone. You may need more mini implants to support a denture than you would if you had chosen traditional implants. Furthermore, mini implants can only be used in the lower jaw and they are not considered as a longer-term solution like their traditional counterpart.

Which is Right for You?

There are several factors to consider when determining which type of implant is right for you. Dr. Wayne Suway will listen carefully to your overall goals for restorative dentistry as well as closely evaluate the condition of your mouth and look at x-rays of your jawbone to make an appropriate recommendation. Our goal is to provide implants that restore a functional and beautiful smile for each patient we treat. Call our Marietta office today to learn more about mini implants versus traditional implants.