When replacing missing teeth, you have several options—but only dental implants prevent bone loss in your jaw! Unlike other tooth replacement solutions, implants fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This process provides incredible stability and helps maintain your bone structure, as the implants stimulate your jawbone when you chew, preventing bone loss. At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we place these implants in your jawbone, creating a strong foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures! These restorations, combined with implants, function like natural teeth—both above and below the gumline—keeping your jaw healthy and your smile complete. In general, there are two types of dental implants, each with its own distinguishing features. We strongly encourage you to understand the differences between mini implants vs. traditional implants so you can make an informed decision.
Mini Implants vs. Traditional Implants: Structure
Traditional dental implants are around 5 millimeters in diameter and consist of multiple pieces held together by an implant screw. Because they are larger and require more bone, many patients with less available bone structure are ineligible for these implants without a bone graft.
A bone graft is the process of rebuilding your bone structure using bone or bone-like material. Unfortunately, East Longmeadow Family Dental Center doesn’t perform bone grafting procedures, so you would need to visit a separate specialist.
Mini dental implants are less than 3 millimeters in diameter and offer a sleek one-piece design. Due to their smaller size, we use a minimally invasive procedure that requires much less bone. In fact, if you have been told you are not eligible for a traditional implant, you are often still eligible for a mini implant, even without a bone graft!
At your initial consultation, we will perform a thorough dental exam and take X-rays to asses your jawbone. At this appointment, we help determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Additionally, traditional implants’ multi-piece design puts them at a higher risk for peri-implantitis, as they have multiple seams between parts. These seams act as a breeding ground for bacteria, infecting the area around the implant. In extreme cases, peri-implantitis can even contribute to implant failure.
Mini dental implants offer a one-piece design, eliminating these seams and reducing your risk of peri-implantitis.
Mini Implants vs. Traditional Implants: Procedure
Due to their large size, we must make a large hole in your jawbone to fit a traditional implant. To do so, we first create an incision into your gums to access the bone underneath. Then, using a series of drills increasing in size, we form the hole and carefully screw the implant body in place. Afterward, we stitch your gums back up to facilitate healing and allow the implant body time to osseointegrate.
Then, we reopen your incision to place the abutment, which allows the restoration to secure on your implant. This also takes time to heal, resulting in about 4-5 months total of healing before they can support your final restoration.
Mini implants need a much less invasive procedure, preserving the surrounding bone and gums to promote faster healing. Instead of making an incision, we create a small hole in the gums and jawbone to guide the implant. Then, we gently screw it in place.
Because mini implants are only one piece, this procedure requires one appointment and no additional surgeries! Additionally, mini implants are remarkably stable after placement, allowing us to secure a temporary restoration on your implant the same day we place it.
The success rates between mini implants vs. traditional implants are generally the same, as they are made from the same durable titanium material. The difference, however, lies in the comfort level and healing period post-procedure. With mini implants, your titanium posts will be ready for your final restoration much sooner, and any discomfort is easily managed through over-the-counter medications.
Mini Implants vs. Traditional Implants: Price
Between mini implants vs. traditional implants, mini implants are most often the more affordable tooth replacement option. Because of their complex procedure and structure, traditional implants are usually much more expensive than mini implants!
With mini dental implants, you only pay for one component, have fewer appointments, and likely won’t need a bone graft to prepare for your implant.
However, at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we believe that everyone should have access to these important dental procedures. Though insurance companies don’t often cover dental implants, we will work with your insurance plan to maximize any coverage possible.
Additionally, we work with third-party financing companies to provide flexible financing options for patients like you. With your costs split into manageable monthly payments, you can have the smile you deserve. If you have any questions about insurance or financing, please contact us. Our dedicated team will gladly assist you in any way we can!
Contact East Longmeadow Family Dental Center for a Free Consultation
To replace your teeth and preserve your jawbone health, try dental implant solutions! While both traditional implants and mini implants are incredibly stable and effective, we prefer mini implants for our patients because of their many added benefits. When you visit for your complimentary exam, we will determine your eligibility for mini implants vs. traditional implants and design a treatment plan suited to your needs.
Book a free consultation today to start your journey to a beautiful and functional smile!
Follow East Longmeadow Family Dental Center on Facebook to learn more about what we can do for your smile with mini implants.
