Conventional dental implants have been used to replace missing teeth for years. Following the discovery of titanium’s biocompatibility, these screws have become the gold standard for restoring your smile, as they integrate with your jawbone to create a stable foundation. However, not everyone is eligible for these implants, as they require a significant amount of jawbone for support. For those without ample jaw structure or seeking a less invasive procedure, Riviera Dental Care recommends mini dental implants! But what is the difference between a mini implant and a conventional implant?
Conventional Implants vs Mini Dental Implants: Key Differences
Many patients who visit our office ask about the differences between conventional and mini dental implants. There are several key distinctions between the two.
The Difference Between a Mini Implant and a Conventional Implant: Structure
A conventional dental implant is typically wider in diameter, around 5 millimeters. Due to their large size, these implants require the removal of more jawbone to allow for proper integration.
Unfortunately, most patients lack the jaw structure necessary to support conventional implants, requiring additional procedures to rebuild lost bone structure. These procedures help patients support dental implants, but at a higher procedural cost.
In contrast, mini dental implants have a much narrower diameter that requires significantly less bone removal. Due to their small size, patients who aren’t eligible for conventional implants are typically still eligible for mini implants!
The Difference Between a Mini Implant and a Conventional Implant: Procedure
Once a conventional implant is placed in your jawbone, we stitch up your gums to help facilitate the healing process. The recovery process takes several months of healing to ensure your titanium implant has fully integrated with your bone.
Then, we place the abutment, or connector piece, that allows us to attach your temporary crown, bridge, or denture restoration. This shorter waiting period is necessary to prevent premature stress on the implant.
After a few weeks, your conventional dental implants will be strong enough to support a final restoration.
To place mini dental implants, we use a minimally invasive procedure that facilitates faster healing and a more comfortable recovery process. Thanks in part to their simple placement and one-piece design, mini implants can support a temporary restoration the very same day we place them!
Then, in just a few weeks, we secure your final crown, bridge, or denture.
The Difference Between a Mini Implant and a Conventional Implant: Cost
Conventional dental implants have multiple components, appointments, and additional procedures necessary for placement. These costs quickly add up, making them a more expensive replacement option.
While these large-diameter implants are necessary in some cases, most patients can use mini dental implants instead!
Mini implants have a sleek one-piece design that only requires one appointment to place. Additionally, they rarely require additional procedures to rebuild lost bone!
With fewer appointments necessary, fewer parts, and a simpler procedure, mini implants are generally more cost-effective than their conventional counterparts.
Visit Riviera Dental Care To Learn if Mini Implants Are Right for You!
Conventional dental implants are often the go-to for patients looking for a stable tooth replacement option. However, not all patients are eligible for these large implants, and some may prefer a less invasive procedure. To save on costs and time, we recommend mini dental implants!
Book a free implant consultation to learn if you’re eligible for the mini dental implant process.
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