Mini Dental Implants

Replacing a missing tooth doesn’t necessarily mean you need to spend a fortune or undergo lengthy, complex treatments. 

Fortunately, multiple options, such as mini dental implants, offer both comfort and cost-effectiveness. Mini dental implants are a high-quality alternative to regular dental implants. 

What are mini dental implants?

Mini implants are alternatives to traditional dental implants but in a smaller size. It’s designed to be used in specific cases where using traditional implants is not indicated. A mini implant is available in sizes less than 2.5 mm and mostly comes in the form of one piece, “containing the implant and abutment in a monoblock ”. 

Who needs mini-implants?

Mini implants are commonly used in various clinical cases where the conventional implant might not be suitable. They are used in the following cases:

1. Thin ridge resulting from not replacing missing teeth for a long period: patients who undergo tooth extraction, suffering from jawbone resorption, which is losing their bone quality or volume in the extraction site, resulting in a thin ridge that can’t receive a regular-sized dental implant in case of missing teeth replacement. This creates a need for a smaller-sized dental implant, mini dental implants, which can be placed in limited bone space without the need for a bone graft surgery. 
2. Narrow space: when a tooth is lost in a small, tight place like in the bottom front area, the use of a traditional implant-which has a bigger diameter- could risk damaging the neighbouring teeth’ roots and cracking the alveolar bone of the jaw. So it’s ideal for replacing missing front teeth, especially missing lower front teeth, because of the naturally thin alveolar ridge space. 
3. Denture anchorage: patients suffering from loose or unstable dentures can use mini implants to get more retention and support. By acting as a secure anchor that locks dentures firmly in their place. Making the dentures feel more comfortable and natural.
4. Uncontrolled medical condition: any patients with an active, uncontrollable disease such as diabetes or autoimmune disease are often advised to avoid any surgical treatment. That’s to make non-surgical options like mini dental implants the best. Since they don’t require any major surgical intervention like a dental bone graft and membrane.
5. Cost issues: Although dental implants in Turkey are famous for their cost-effectiveness and high-quality, full mouth implants such as All-on-4 dental implants are still not affordable. The mini dental implants solve this problem, as they are available at a more reasonable price. 
6. Orthodontic treatment: mini-implants can also be used during orthodontic treatment. They are strategically placed in specific areas in the oral cavity to help pull teeth in a definite direction. 

Mini dental implants vs regular implants 

Here are the differences between mini implants and regular implants: 

	Mini dental implants	Regular implants
Recommendation	For denture stabilization, replacing teeth in thin ridges	For most of all the cases that require replacement of the missing teeth
Size “diameter”	Ultra-slim design 1.2 mm-2.4 mm in diameter	Standard sizes from 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm
Structure	Mainly one unit including (screw and abutment integrated in a solid unit)	A 2-piece system consists of Separate Screw “fixture.” Custom Abutment
Surgery	Done with a small incision, even without the need for any stitches	Need a surgical flap with stitches, leading to a longer healing period
Strength	Provide moderate strength, best for low stress (bottom front teeth).	Provide maximum strength that can withstand heavy biting force. (molars)
Cost	lower	higher

Benefits of mini-implants for replacing missing teeth 

Mini dental implants are considered a value-for-money option. They offer many benefits, such as: 

1. Less invasive technique: they are placed directly in the ridge without any need for large surgical intervention, which means a less painful procedure and faster healing compared to traditional implant surgeries. 
2. Affordable cost: Mini dental implants are one of the most affordable dental implant systems, that cheaper than traditional implants. This allows many people to benefit from this service.
3. No bone graft needed: they don’t depend on the quality of bone in the implant area, so you can easily get mini dental implants without the expensive and time-consuming bone graft procedures. 
4. Bone preservation: they act as the tooth root, maintaining bone in the missing area. This, in turn, prevents bone resorption. Maintaining your youthful and healthy appearance. 
5. Fast treatment: unlike the conventional implant, you don’t need to wait for a long period for healing. You can get mini dental implants with the final restoration in a short timeline. 

Disadvantages of mini dental implants 

Despite being a mini dental implant, an excellent solution in some cases, this solution may have a few disadvantages due to its small diameter. Including the following: 

1. Force limitations: their small size means they can’t withstand the heavy biting force, especially in the back area of the mouth, ”molars or premolars”.
2. More prone to fracture: as they are ultra-slim designs, they are more prone to fracture under high force. 
3. Technique-sensitive: usage in a limited area that needs to be placed well in a little room that needs a specialist 

Cost of mini-implants

Now let’s get to the important question: how much do mini implants cost? To get an accurate answer, there are multiple factors to be considered that directly affect the mini-implant’s cost. Factors like the clinic location, dentist expertise, and implant brand, among many other factors. After considering all mentioned factors, the cost can be, on average,300 USD-900 USD for a single mini implant, which is a reasonable price.

Best mini-implants brands in the market 

We prioritise your safety by using biocompatible materials with a high success rate. We only use FDA-approved brands. Ensuring that we offer the best dental implant brands in the market. Such as: 

• straumann mini implants
• Nobel biocare 
• Dentsply sirona 

How long does a mini implant last?

Mini dental implants are designed to last for years. But the actual lifespan is influenced by your meticulous oral hygiene and your overall health conditions

At Suave Dental Clinic, we strive to offer all types of implants to suit every clinical case. By offering diverse options, including traditional dental implants and mini dental implants. Our implantologist selects the most suitable type for your specific health conditions and needs.