Dental Implants in Union City, NJ

Dental Implants and Mini Dental Implants: What’s the Difference?

Both traditional dental implants and mini dental implants can be ideal options for different people in a variety of situations. However, in many cases, it is the mini version that offers the most benefits.

Whether you’ve decided to go forward with dental implants or you’re on the fence about the particulars, you’ll need to understand the differences between the two types of implants to make an educated decision for yourself.

Traditional Dental Implants

Traditional dental implants have worked well through the years for many people. This traditional solution involves a screw that is driven into the jawbone. It is topped with a piece called an abutment (which almost resembles a second, smaller screw), which is then covered with a prosthetic tooth (also called a crown). 

The screw that goes into the jawbone is intended to take the place of the tooth root. These implants are permanent and can provide support for other types of dental devices and solutions like bridges, crowns, and even partial dentures and retainers.

The Large Size of the Screws

The large size of the screws enables even weight distribution that eases long-term pressure on the jawbone. However, this size presents a problem for many people.

Unless dental implants are placed soon after a tooth is lost, the jawbone begins to lose density and deteriorate. This can not only change the structure of a person’s face but also can make the jaw too narrow to hold the large, standard dental implant screw in place.

Dental Jawbone Grafting

One solution for this problem is to have a bone grafting procedure done, which is not only expensive but also tedious and time-consuming. Dental bone grafts are still quite common, and it’s estimated that 2.2 million bone graft procedures are performed each year in the U.S.

The purpose of the graft is to add density and volume to the jawbone and increase the area to which implants will be secured. The bone graft material can be of a synthetic nature in some instances. However, more often, the material is taken from one of three sources:

• The patient’s own body (an autogenous bone graft)
• A human tissue bank (an allograft)
• An animal tissue bank (a xenograft)

After a dental bone graft is placed, the patient’s jawbone begins to regenerate around it, using the material as a scaffold to grow new bone.

Mini Dental Implants

The basic function of the mini implant is the same as the traditional version. The real difference between the two lies in the design of each.

Mini implants have the same functionality and appearance above the gumline as traditional implants but are half the size. The screw that is placed in the jawbone is much more narrow.

Other Differences Between Mini Dental Implants and Traditional Dental Implants

Other than the difference in size, there are additional differences you should be aware of when you’re considering which type of treatment is best for you.

The Need for a Bone Graft

Because of the large size of the traditional implant screws, a larger area of the jawbone is needed to secure the implants. Patients often need bone grafting to correct a lack of bone density at the implant site.

However, with mini dental implants and their smaller screws, this large area of the jawbone is not needed (which means that a bone graft usually isn’t needed, either). 

Abutments vs. End Balls

While traditional dental implants require that an abutment be placed over the screw before the crown goes on, mini dental implants do not require an abutment at all. 

Instead, the mini implant has a small ball on the end of the screw. This means there are fewer steps involved in the placement of mini dental implants and fewer parts to deal with.

The Actual Procedures

Traditional implant procedures are generally more invasive due to the fact that bone grafting is often needed. This also means that the time it takes for traditional implant procedures is longer.

Due to the more invasive nature of traditional implants, patient discomfort can be greater, and recovery time is often longer than with mini implants.

After a patient requires a bone graft, they need to wait a significant amount of time before they have the prosthetic tooth placed. This time is required for the graft area to heal and varies between patients according to several different factors. 

In contrast, with smaller screws and no bone grafting, prosthetic teeth can be placed right away during a mini dental implant procedure.

The Costs

Because mini dental implants usually don’t require a dental bone graft, the cost is less than that of a traditional implant procedure. The smaller size of the screws and the lack of an abutment also reduce the costs. This makes them a convenient solution for patients with limited funds available for their dental work.

Why Consider Mini Dental Implants?

There are several reasons why choosing mini dental implants may be the best option for you. To help you choose which procedure you should undergo, request a free consultation with Dr. Diana Rodriguez, DMD. 

To summarize, below are some benefits of mini dental implants:

The Process Is Less Stressful Overall

The process of placing traditional dental implants is more invasive, more time-consuming, and more costly. Smaller incisions are required for mini implants, which means a faster procedure and a quicker healing process. 

There Is Usually No Bone Grafting Needed

Standard dental implants often require bone grafting, but mini implants can be used with much less jawbone space. The overall diameter of a mini implant is half the size of a standard implant.

Enjoy Your New Teeth After Just One Visit

Mini dental implants can often be placed in just one visit to the dentist, whereas typical dental implants can require at least two visits, if not more. 

They Improve Oral Health, Appearance, and Function

Mini dental implants promote a healthy jawbone by encouraging stimulation of the tissues and preventing jawbone loss. The prosthetic teeth look exactly like beautiful, natural teeth.

Mini dental implants will allow you to enjoy all of your favorite foods again. You’ll also be more self-confident in your smile, the appearance of your jaw, and your ability to communicate verbally.

Improve Your Life with Mini Dental Implants

Are you a good candidate for mini dental implants? Many people are! We invite you to request an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Diana Rodriguez, DMD, at Union City Mini Dental Implants. 

There is no obligation or cost for this consultation. We will get to know you and your dental health goals, and we’ll take X-rays and a CT scan to help us devise a personalized plan of treatment for you. No two patients are the same, and you deserve a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique concerns and goals.

Should you decide to move forward with treatment, you can take advantage of several different financing options, some of which offer convenient monthly payments and 0% interest. We care about each of our patients and strive to always provide a relaxed, comfortable environment for treatments. 

Don’t put off the treatment you deserve any longer. We’d love to hear from you, so request your free consultation today!