Types Of Implants

We all have read about dental implants and how amazing they are but did you know that an implant has two different sizes? Yes, you read that right! there is two sizes when it comes to getting an implant. Today we will compare and contrast these types of very similar implants. There is what dentist call a traditional sized implant and there is a mini sized implant. A traditional sized implant is about 4 - 5 mm. A mini implant is usually 3mm. there are multiple reasons to why receiving mini implants have great advantages compared a traditional.

Although we know that a traditional implants may have a lot of advantages we also know that the average healing time for the traditional implant is about 3 - 6 months depending on the patient. The reason for the long healing time in traditional implants is due to the fact that it is a bigger incision compared to the mini implant. For the traditional implant we need to drill deeper into the jaw bone in order for it to sit correctly. Also most of the time patients who prefer to have traditional implant placed need to get bone graphing placed beforehand.And yes, that may sound scary, but remember the titanium becomes one with the bone and therefore the jawbone is as strong as it ever was! But what functions differently between a mini implant compared to a traditional implant?

Many people resort to Mini dental implants because many elderly patients do not have enough bone density needed to place a traditional implant. And yes, there is always bone grafting but with someone who is older, there are many health issues that can get in the way with an even more extensive surgery. Another advantage with a mini implant is the healing process. The healing process takes about 3 - 8 weeks, and when compared to a traditional implant process that is a huge difference. This type of healing process helps many patients who want a temporary and or faster solution since the healing process is a lot more quickly. We have yet seen the longevity of the mini implants since they are fairly new in the dental world.

As we all know dental implants began in 600 AD by the Mayan civilization and were brought back known as modern implants in 1965. Mini implants were not approved by the FDA until after 1999. What that means is that we have less time seeing the success rate of mini implants when compared to modern implants, 34 years to be exact!!

 Another advantage to mini implants is that they are a fraction of the cost compared to traditional implants.Since the mini implants are just as durable as traditional implants they have an even better cautionary tale vs traditional implants. Both types of implants look extremely similar when the process is over and healed. The crowns look exactly the same and feel the same. The only difference between these processes is that the mini implant doesn't have the same amount of steps as the traditional does. The mini implant does not need an abutment so therefore they don't need to take an extra step in doing so. The mini has a small ball at the end of it, resulting the new tooth can be secured in place without the third piece.

That concludes today's article. Question, What would you prefer a traditional implant or a mini implant?