Mini dental implants (MDIs) are a less invasive and often more affordable alternative to traditional dental implants. They are used to replacing missing teeth or stabilise dentures. At With U Dental, we believe in educating our clients on all of their dental care options. Read on to learn more about mini dental implants and whether they might be a choice for you.
Unlike regular dental implants, which are around 3.5 to 6 millimetres in diameter, mini dental implants are smaller, usually with a diameter of between 1.8 and 3.3 millimetres. This smaller size means they can be placed with less invasive surgery, often only needing local anaesthesia.
How do Mini Dental Implants Function?
Mini dental implants consist of two main parts:
- A small titanium post: This acts as the root of the tooth and is surgically placed into the jawbone.
- A retaining fixture: This component is attached to the top of the post and holds the replacement tooth or denture in place.
These implants work by anchoring to the jawbone, similar to traditional implants. The titanium post integrates with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong, durable foundation that can support dental prosthetic teeth. For patients with dentures, MDIs prevent slipping and improve comfort and functionality.
What are the Benefits of Mini Dental Implants?
Less Invasive Procedure
Mini dental implants require a less invasive procedure compared to traditional implants. Since they are smaller, the surgery involves minimal drilling, which significantly reduces the risk of complications.
Shorter Recovery Time
One of the biggest benefits of mini dental implants is the shorter recovery time. Patients can often continue with their normal activities within a few days. This quick recovery is ideal for Australians who lead active lifestyles and prefer not to be slowed down by long healing periods. This reduced downtime also means less time away from work and other responsibilities.
Cost-Effective Solution
Mini dental implants are generally more affordable than traditional implants, ranging from $500 to $1,500 per implant. So, you can achieve a similar outcome to traditional implants without the higher price tag. This makes mini dental implants a much more accessible choice for many people.
Suitable for More Patients
Traditional dental implants need a certain amount of bone density for successful placement. However, mini dental implants can be a viable option if you have lower bone density, or you have experienced bone loss.
Due to their smaller size, mini implants can also be more suitable for people with narrow dental ridges, small natural teeth, or narrow gaps between their teeth. This inclusivity is a huge bonus for older adults or those with poor dental health who may be unsuitable for conventional implants.
Immediate Results
Mini dental implants often allow for immediate placement of prosthetic teeth. This means that patients can leave the dental office with functional teeth on the same day as the procedure. With regular dental implants, it’s common practice to have a temporary tooth placed, and the patient goes back for the permanent teeth to be placed after a period of healing..
Reduced Need for Bone Grafts
In many cases, mini dental implants won’t require bone grafting, even in patients with significant bone loss. This reduces both the cost and complexity of the procedure. This is particularly helpful for people living in the vast rural and remote areas in Australia because there’s no need to make extra trips to urban areas for additional procedures.
Versatility
Mini dental implants can also be used to secure dentures, bridges, and single crowns. This adaptability is handy for providing tailored solutions to patients with diverse dental needs.
Who is a Good Candidate for Mini Dental Implants?
You’re a good candidate for mini dental implants if you:
- Don’t have enough bone density for regular implants, but have enough to support the mini implants
- Would prefer a less invasive procedure and a quicker recovery time
- Are older and have damaged teeth
- Have smaller natural teeth
- Need to stabilise lower dentures
- Have chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, which can complicate extensive surgeries
- Are looking for a more budget-friendly solution
How are Mini Dental Implants Placed?
1. Initial Consultation and Planning
The process begins with an initial consultation with a dental professional or oral surgeon. During this visit, your dentist will:
- Conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, including X-rays or a CT scan, to assess bone density and structure
- Discuss your medical history and any existing conditions that might affect the procedure
- Create a detailed treatment plan tailored to your needs, which includes the number and placement of tooth implants
2. Preparation and Anaesthesia
You’ll come back for your dental appointment to place the implants. Before the procedure, your dentist will:
- Make sure you’re comfortable and explain the steps involved
- Administer local anaesthetic to numb the area where the implants will be placed
3. Placement of Mini Dental Implants
Once your mouth is numb, your dentist will begin the implant procedure. During the actual placement of the mini dental implants, your dentist will:
- Make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone
- Use a specialised drill to create a small hole in the bone where the implant will be inserted
- Gently screw the mini implant into the bone
- Ensure the implant is secure and positioned correctly
4. Attachment of the Prosthetic Teeth
Once the mini implants are inserted, your dentist will place the visible prosthetic teeth immediately, if possible. Here’s how:
- If the implants are stable, the dentist may attach the prosthetic teeth (crowns or dentures) immediately. This is known as immediate loading.
- If immediate loading is not possible, a healing period of a few weeks may be necessary to allow the implants to osseointegrate with the bone before attaching the prosthetic teeth.
5. Post-Procedure Care and Follow-Up
You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your new dental implants and surrounding gum tissue. This will include tips on maintaining good dental hygiene. Your dentist will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and make sure the implants are functioning correctly.
Recovering After the Mini Dental Implant Procedure
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
After the mini dental implant procedure, it’s important to rest and avoid any strenuous activity for the first 24 hours. This helps to prevent any unnecessary bleeding and allows the implant site to begin healing properly.
You might experience some swelling and discomfort around the implant site. Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face near the area to help reduce swelling. Follow any specific instructions given by your dentist, which may include taking prescribed pain medication or antibiotics to prevent infection.
Managing Pain and Discomfort
Over-the-counter pain relief medications, like ibuprofen or paracetamol, are usually effective for managing post-procedure pain. Always follow the dosage instructions on the label or as advised by your dentist. It’s worth noting that if your pain lasts for longer than 10 days, you must visit your dentist ASAP. This can be a warning sign for infection.
Oral Hygiene and Care
Continue with your regular oral hygiene routine, but be gentle and careful around the implant site. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid brushing directly on the implant for the first few days.
Your dentist may suggest using antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce the risk of infection. Flossing is still important, but be careful around the implant. Special dental floss designed for implants or an interdental brush can be helpful.
Rinse your mouth gently with a saltwater solution to keep the implant site clean. This can be done several times a day, especially after meals, but avoid vigorous swishing.
Diet and Nutrition
A nutritious diet supports healing! Focus on eating balanced meals that include a lot of fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which helps keep your mouth clean so it can heal faster.
Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods that might disturb the implant site or cause discomfort. Avoid foods like nuts, chips, and chewy candies until your dentist gives you the go-ahead.
It’s also a good idea to avoid hot and spicy foods during the initial recovery period, as they can cause irritation at the implant site. Opt for soft foods like yoghurt, soup, and mashed potatoes until the area heals.
What are the Potential Risks or Complications?
Fractures if Placed Incorrectly
Mini implants cannot be used for the back teeth as research shows a high risk of implant fractures. These fractures occur because of the increased force exerted in the teeth closer to the jaw’s temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Implants in the posterior teeth, such as molars, should have a diameter of at least 4.5 mm.
Risk of Infection
Like any surgical procedure, mini dental implants carry the risk of infection. If the surgical area isn’t properly cleaned or if post-operative care isn’t followed, bacteria can enter the site, leading to an infection. This can cause pain and swelling around the implant. In severe cases, it could cause implant failure or the need for extra medical treatment.
Implant Failure
Although mini dental implants have a high success rate, there’s still the possibility of implant failure. Factors like poor bone quality, insufficient bone mass, and your overall health can influence the stability and integration of the implant. If the dental implant doesn’t properly fuse with the jawbone, it may become loose or fall out, and need further treatment or replacement.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is a rare but possible complication of mini dental implants. During the placement procedure, if the implant is positioned too close to a nerve, it can cause temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or pain in the lips, tongue, or chin. Skilled dentists use advanced imaging techniques and careful planning to avoid this risk, but it’s still a potential complication.
Sinus Problems
For implants inserted in the upper jaw, there’s a risk of sinus issues. If the dental implant extends into the sinus cavity, it can cause discomfort, infections, or sinusitis. Proper assessment and imaging before the procedure will help to avoid this.
Allergic Reactions
Although rare, some patients might experience an allergic reaction to the metal (titanium alloy) or materials used in mini dental implants. Most implants are made of titanium, which is biocompatible, but reactions can still occur. If you have a known allergy to metals, alternative materials (like zirconia) can be considered.
Overloading
Mini dental implants are smaller in diameter compared to standard implants and may not be suitable for supporting large or multiple dental prosthetics. Overloading these implants can lead to implant failure due to the increased stress on the implant and surrounding bone.
Contact us today with any questions related to mini dental implants, implant dentistry, or dental care in general. With U Dental is always ready to help you make informed decisions.
FAQs on What are Mini Dental Implants?
How Long do Mini Dental Implants Typically Last?
When properly maintained, mini dental implants may last for years. Studies indicate that mini dental implants have a success rate of about 90 to 95% over a period of 10 years. The longevity of these implants depends on various factors, including the patient’s oral hygiene, lifestyle, and overall health.
Are Mini Dental Implants Covered by Private Dental Insurance?
Generally, private health insurance may cover a portion of the cost under major dental or orthodontic cover, but it’s less common for basic health plans to include this coverage. Check your plan before deciding to get mini dental implants.
If you found this information engaging, consider checking out our other articles that delve into Dental Implants for Pensioners and Are Dental Implants Covered by Medicare?.
Are Mini Dental Implants as Strong as Regular Implants?
While mini implants are strong and functional, they are largely considered to be less robust than conventional dental implants. Regular dental implants in Australia have a larger diameter and are typically more suitable for supporting larger prosthetics, such as multiple teeth or full dentures.
