Dental implants are the best modern tooth replacement method. These titanium screws embed in your jawbone, where they will integrate over time to become incredibly secure. Then, once your implants are in place, they can anchor dental crowns, dental bridges, or implant dentures to your jaw. But traditional implant placement is relatively invasive, as it involves making incisions and using large drills. For patients who are afraid of oral surgery or looking to avoid long healing periods, there may be an alternative for you. At Aesthetic Dental, we offer minimally invasive mini dental implants! These titanium posts are smaller and sleeker, allowing us to place them in your jaw without all the hassle. To learn if minimally invasive dental implants are right for you, book a free consultation with us in Southfield, MI.
The Minimally Invasive Mini Dental Implants Process
Minimally invasive dentistry is a newer approach that involves preserving as much of your tooth’s structure as possible. Rather than unnecessarily removing healthy tooth structures, this method aims to preserve the majority of your healthy teeth, gums, and bone.
In implant dentistry, traditional implants require incisions and large drills. This invasive procedure disrupts a large portion of the gum and bone tissue surrounding your future implant. And the more your healthy tissues are disrupted, the more intense your healing may be.
In contrast, minimally invasive implant treatment avoids unnecessary removal of gum and bone tissue. To place mini dental implants, we simply create a small pilot hole through the gums and into the jaw. Without incisions, we avoid excessive healing and the need for stitches.
Then, we gently screw the implant inside using the pilot hole as a guide. With mini implants, we don’t need to use a series of large drills to make an opening in your jaw. These implants are threaded, allowing them to secure similarly to a self-tapping screw.
Thanks to this gentle procedure, minimally invasive mini dental implants heal in just a few weeks. Rather than waiting months for your gums and bone to heal, you can often enjoy a final restoration in about a month.
Mini Implants vs. Traditional Implants
Aside from their procedural differences, mini implants and traditional implants differ in many ways. These differences include:
| Mini Dental Implants | Traditional Dental Implants | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Mini dental implants have a unique one-piece design. Because of their structure, we place mini implants in just one appointment. Additionally, this sleek design helps protect mini implants from bacteria, reducing your risk of infection! | Traditional dental implants have a three-piece structure, with each component placed at a separate appointment. Between each of these pieces are small spaces called micro gaps. Over time, these gaps can collect bacteria, increasing your risk of infection. |
| Size | These minimally invasive implants are less than 3 millimeters in diameter. This is around the diameter of a toothpick. | These implants vary in size but are generally 3 millimeters or larger in diameter. Implants around 5 millimeters require an opening in the jaw about the size of the eraser at the end of a number 2 pencil. |
| Price | Mini implants are single-piece and generally require a single placement appointment. Overall, they’re typically less expensive than their traditional counterparts. At our office, mini implants usually go for around $3,500, which includes the implant, the procedural appointment, and the final crown. | Traditional dental implants have multiple components and a few placement appointments spread out over several months. In most cases, these implants are more expensive than mini implants. At our office, your traditional implants may cost around $4,500, which includes the implant screw, abutment, and crown. This price generally doesn’t include the placement or any additional procedures you may need. |
Are You Eligible for Minimally Invasive Dental Implants?
Of course, not everyone is eligible for dental implants. Both mini and traditional implants have specific eligibility requirements that not all patients meet.
For one, traditional implants require ample jawbone structure. These large-diameter titanium screws need enough jaw space to integrate with your bone, which many patients don’t have. Additionally, those with autoimmune disorders or uncontrolled diabetes may want to avoid invasive procedures, as they require extensive healing. Any conditions that affect your ability to heal may interfere with the implant’s integration with your jaw.
On the other hand, mini dental implants require less bone and less healing. But they do need relatively strong bone for support. Patients with softer bone tissue may not be eligible for mini implant treatment, especially when replacing molars. Those teeth may need a wider implant to withstand chewing forces.
It’s also important to note that those who smoke may not be good candidates for dental implant treatment. Smoking affects both a mini and traditional implant’s ability to heal properly.
Find Minimally Invasive Solutions to Tooth Loss in Southfield, MI
Dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth. But if you’re not eligible for traditional implants or you’re looking for a less invasive alternative, we recommend using mini dental implants! Mini implants are minimally invasive, allowing patients like you to heal faster. To learn if you’re eligible, book a free consultation with us in Southfield, MI! There, we will help you determine which implant is right for your smile and your budget.
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