While dental implants are a popular solution for patients who are missing teeth, not all patients are able to benefit from this restoration method. Some patients may feel that the invasive nature of the surgery isn’t something they’re willing to experience to restore their smiles, while others may lack the necessary bone mass to support them. For patients of Dentistry of Miami, alternatives exist in the form of mini dental implants. This style of implant uses a smaller titanium post to accomplish this same goal. The post has a ball and socket arrangement, including a rubber o-ring that attaches the tooth to the post.
What Are Mini Dental Implants?
As the name implies, mini-dental implants are a dental implant alternative that uses smaller posts to support restorations and therefore are less invasive in nature. While traditional dental implants use posts that can range between 3.4-5.8mm in width (1/10th-1/4 of an inch), mini-dental implants are only 1.8mm-3.3mm. At nearly half the size, they provide restoration opportunities for patients who have limited jaw mass, naturally small teeth or are looking to limit the invasive nature of their dental restoration procedure.
When Is It Time To Use Mini Dental Implants?
There are a range of cases where mini-dental implants are the correct option. In addition to those mentioned above, mini-implants may be suggested if the front teeth or premolars are being replaced, or if the teeth to be replaced are in space with a narrow location. In each of these cases, the mini-implant provides a unique opportunity to provide the restorative work needed without compromising the treatment area or overcrowding healthy teeth.
How Long Will Mini-Implants Last?
Like traditional implants, mini-implants are capable of being a life-long solution for patients who take proper care of them. While complications can occur, regular dental hygiene and dental visits are generally enough to ensure your new smile will be with you for years. Abuse of alcohol or other substances can cause complications, as can failure to properly care for your implants. In patients with osteoporosis or other diseases that affect bone integrity, mini-implants may fail if the supporting bone degrades too much. Smoking has been shown to be a major contributor to the failure of mini-implants in patients who receive them, so it is advisable to quit if you’re intending on getting this type of restoration.
If you have more questions about mini-dental implants and want to know if they’d be a good restoration option for you, call our offices at 305-922-6268 today. Dr. Eduardo Solorzano and Dr. Randy L Furshman proudly help patients in the Miami area from our Dentistry of Miami location found at 7800 SW 87th Ave Suite A-140. If you’ve been living with gaps in your teeth that make you ashamed to share your smile, it’s time to schedule an appointment. You’ll be brought in for a full dental exam and consultation with one of our dental experts. During the consultation, you’ll learn whether mini-implants are an option that will help save your smile and help you start sharing it again!