Mini Dental Implants: Procedure, Adventages, Success Rates and Brands

November 2, 2024

Last updated on November 29th, 2024

Mini or small-diameter dental implants have become a popular alternative to traditional dental implants, offering a less invasive method for replacing missing teeth. They are designed for patients with insufficient bone density or seeking a quicker, more affordable solution. In this article, we will explore several aspects of mini dental implants, including what they are, the procedure for placement, costs, benefits, and more.

What Are Mini Dental Implants?

Mini dental implants are smaller versions of traditional dental implants. Typically, the mini implant is half the width (1.8 mm to 3 mm) of a regular implant and thus less invasive and often easier to place. They consist of a tiny titanium post placed in the jawbone to anchor replacement teeth like crowns or dentures safely.
Mini dental implants, owing to their much smaller size, are more appropriate for patients with low bone density in their jaws or for those who wish to undergo a minimally invasive surgical procedure. They provide a stable base for the attachment of prosthetics while preserving remaining healthy teeth.

This infographic shows the differences between mini dental implants and traditional dental implants.

Who Are Good Candidates for Mini Dental Implants?

The typical good candidates for mini dental implants are those who:

Have low bone density: Mini implants are smaller than traditional implants, so they don’t require as much bone density. This makes them a good option for people who have lost bone due to periodontal disease or other health issues.
Have experienced tooth loss: Mini implants can support a single crown or bridge, or stabilize a denture.
Have dentures that no longer fit properly: Mini implants can provide a more secure fit for dentures.
Are in good oral health: You should be free of active gum disease and have good oral hygiene habits.
Prefer a less invasive option: The placement procedure for mini implants is usually less invasive than traditional implants.
Are looking for an inexpensive replacement option

However, people with certain medical conditions or on specific medications have to consult with either the dentist or medical professional as to whether they are suitable candidates for mini dental implants.

What is the Procedure for Placing Mini Dental Implants?

Mini dental implants are placed under local anesthesia or sedation. During the procedure, the dentist makes a small incision in the gums to expose the bone and drills a hole for the implant. Unlike traditional implants, mini implants can often be placed directly in the available bone, usually without needing bone grafts.

The entire process generally takes less than 2 hours. After placement, it takes several weeks for the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone. Once healed, a crown or denture can be attached to the implant. Mini implants are versatile, supporting anything from a single crown to a full denture, making them suitable for various stages of tooth loss. Their smaller size also allows placement in areas with less bone width, making them an option for more patients.

For a visual overview of the mini dental implant placement process, check out this video, which explains each step in detail.

What Are The Advantages of Mini Dental Implants over Traditional Options?

There are several advantages to choosing mini dental implants over traditional implants, including:

Less invasive procedure
Reduced recovery time
No extensive bone grafting in many cases
Cost-effectiveness
Immediate results for some patients

These benefits make mini dental implants an appealing alternative for many patients seeking to enhance their smile and oral function.

Advantages of mini dental implants over traditional options

What are the Success Rates of Mini Dental Implants?

The success rates of mini dental implants (MDIs) generally range between 85% and 90%. A comprehensive study by the Harvard School of Dental Medicine reviewed 41 studies conducted from 1993 to 2011 involving over 10,000 small-diameter implants (SDIs) placed in approximately 2,762 patients. Across these studies, the overall survival rate was over 90%, with 22 studies reporting rates between 95% and 99.9% and eight studies even reporting a 100% survival rate.

The success of mini implants depends greatly on the skill and experience of the surgeon, as well as proper planning and placement. According to a study in the Journal of Orthodontics in 2014, ‘Reasons for mini-implants failure: choosing installation site should be valued’, the success of mini implants is influenced by factors such as the surgeon’s ability, the patient’s condition, the chosen placement site, initial stability, orthodontic mechanics, implant type, and oral hygiene.

What Is The Average Cost For Mini Dental Implants?

The prices vary greatly according to location, the expertise of dentists, and other treatments that come along with it. Whereby, the average cost would lie between $500 to $1,500 per implant.
Although mini implants may be more affordable compared with traditional implants, patients should also consider the additional costs related to crowns, dentures, and follow-up visits. For a detailed breakdown of implant costs in Turkey vs. the UK & US, visit our Dental Implant Turkey page.

Which Brands Offers a Range of Mini Dental Implants?

A variety of companies provide options for mini dental implants (MDI). These companies include Straumann, 3M ESPE IMTEC, Bicon Dental, Zimmer Biomet, Implant Direct, Intra-Lock, Hiossen, Simpler Implant, KAT Implants, OCO Biomedical, and American Dental Implant. For a broader overview of leading brands in the implant industry, explore our Top 10 Dental Implant Brands to see what options are available.

How Long Do Mini Dental Implants Last?

Patients can generally expect a 5–10-year success span from mini dental implants, although, with good care and maintenance, they may last even longer.

Regular dental check-ups and cleaning are necessary for maintaining your mini implants and surrounding tissues in healthy condition. Poor oral hygiene can lead to several complications and can even reduce the life span of the implants. As revealed by research in the Journal of Clinical Oral Implants Research, good oral hygiene can help patients extend the longevity of their mini dental implants to a greater extent.

What Are the Disadvantages of Mini Dental Implants?

When improperly planned or executed, mini-implants can present risks, including contact with adjacent tooth roots, mucositis (gum inflammation), contamination, and even mini-implant fracture during placement or removal. Inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues is another potential complication, which can lead to loss of implant stability.

Recovery and Aftercare: What to Expect Post-Procedure?

Most patients can resume normal activity within one to two days after the procedure. Initial sensitivity is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.

Patients should not eat hard or sticky foods for a few days after the surgery, so they will not cause stress on the implant site. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene, including gentle brushing and rinsing, will support healing and decrease the risk of complications such as infection.

How to Maintain Mini Dental Implants?

To ensure your mini dental implants last as long as possible, regular dental check-ups and proper oral care are essential. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing, and considering an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup. Also, it is very important to carefully monitor changes in the mouth and immediately report to the dentist any discomfort or changes in your implants.

How Much Bone Do You Need for Mini Dental Implants?

One of the greatest advantages of mini dental implants is that they require less bone overall when compared to traditional implants. In many situations where there is enough bone to support and anchor the implant, additional procedures like bone grafting may not be required.
Your dentist will evaluate your bone density using imaging studies, before determining whether you are a suitable candidate for mini implants.

How Painful Are Mini Dental Implants?

The majority of patients report very little discomfort during the mini-implant procedure. Local anesthesia is used to render the surgery pain-free, while any post-operative pain is managed through over-the-counter analgesics. Follow up as instructed by your dentist and report strange discomforts after the procedure.

Can Mini Implants Be Done in One Day?

Yes, some practitioners offer same-day mini-dental implants. These are often referred to as “immediate load” implants. In such a case, it is placed, and restoration may be attached on the same day.
This option is contingent on the patient having adequate bone density and is typically more common with mini implants than traditional varieties.

In conclusion, mini dental implants present a favorable option for many individuals seeking tooth replacement. Understanding the procedure, benefits, costs, and care can help you make informed decisions about your dental health.

SOURCES:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17319180/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23037782/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22313216/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4296612/
https://hsdm.harvard.edu/