Mini Dental Implants vs. Traditional Implants

Farragut dental implants are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. But did you know there are multiple types of implants available to you?

Apart from traditional implants, mini implants are becoming increasingly popular. Their main differentiator is the length of the metal post that gets inserted into the jawline, with the one for mini implants being significantly smaller.

And this leads to significant differences between the two:

Stability

The crown itself is not different between traditional and mini dental implants; in both cases, it’s made to match the shape, size, and tooth color of the patient.

But because mini implants have a much smaller metal post, the stability of the reconstruction is lower when compared to traditional implants. This can increase the risk of implant failure with mini implants.

Candidacy

Traditional dental implants require a certain amount of healthy bone for the post to be successfully inserted.

Unfortunately, patients who’ve dealt with missing teeth for a long time likely suffered bone loss. The only way to get a traditional implant, in this case, is to have a bone graft or sinus lift to restore mass.

But mini implants don’t have this issue. They can be successfully implanted even if the patient is dealing with jawbone mass loss.

Placement Process

Mini dental implants can often be placed in a single visit. The shorter metal post makes for a faster recovery, and patients can get the dental crown attached as soon as the procedure is done.

With traditional implants, patients will need to go through a 6-month healing process called osseointegration before they can finish their reconstruction. The bone and other tissues must heal around the implant to keep it in place, then the abutment and dental crown are added in one or two additional visits.

Lifespan

With the right care, traditional implants can last 10–15 years, even longer. In most cases, patients need to replace the dental crown, as the abutment and metal posts rarely suffer damage.

Mini implants will only last around 6–9 years, and the post is more susceptible to damage.

Cost

Traditional dental implants are often more costly than mini implants. The procedure and implant reconstruction are more complex and require multiple appointments when compared to mini implants.

How Do I Choose Between Traditional and Mini Dental Implants?

Choosing between the two artificial teeth should always come down to what gives you the best chance to restore your smile.

To that end, Dr. Luis and Dr. Tori Mariusso can help you make an informed decision by assessing your oral health and smile expectations.

Based on your specific case, you can unlock the most optimal path toward a healthy and happy smile.

Schedule a consultation at Confident Smiles & Implants today and stop by to discover your options.

For more information, call us at (865) 248-2312 for a short chat.