Monday, February 25, 2013

Mini Dental Implants


Dentists have been placing dental implants very successfully for many decades.
The most common dental implants that dentists use are the root form implants. They are basically shaped like a screw, and are threaded into the bone to help hold a tooth replacement, or several implants are placed to help hold a denture.

Dental implants are made in many sizes and can be classified into two types according to their diameter:

·         Regular dental implants which have a diameter of 3 to 5 millimeters and wider (wider implants exist). 

·         Mini dental implants which have a diameter from 1.8 mm to 2.9 mm.

Today I would like to give you some information about mini dental implants.

Mini dental implants were first used as temporary implants, placed between the regular implants to help hold temporary teeth until the regular implants fused to the bone (oseointegrated) and were able to be used.  Dentists found that sometimes the temporary implants fused to the bone and were difficult to remove, so they started using them for retention of a lower denture and now it is a very successful procedure.

These are some of the advantages of mini implants:

·         Minimally invasive – Placed through the gums without surgery

·         Can be used in deficient bone – No need for bone grafts

·         Reduced cost – Usually half the price of regular implants

·         Only one visit required – Implants are placed and used the same day

Let me give you a brief description of the procedure used to help hold a loose lower denture.

The lower denture should fit well, if not, it needs to be relined to make it fit.

The dentist takes the necessary x-rays and records to evaluate the bone.

The day of the procedure 4 mini implants are placed in the front of the lower jaw.

The mini implants are placed through the gums without surgery (less discomfort after the procedure).

The denture is fitted with attachments that help hold it in place more securely.

The dentist checks the bite and the procedure is complete.

These are the main reasons our patients give us why they like the mini implants:

The lower cost.  It is more than half the cost of the procedure using regular implants.

No surgery.  Especially patients on anticoagulants that if removed would increase the risk of stroke.

Procedure done in one visit.  No need to wait several months for implants to fuse to the bone.

No bone grafting.  Often bone grafting is required for the regular diameter implants.

There is no need to suffer with a loose lower denture and messy denture adhesive anymore.

If you would like more information about mini dental implants, please call our office  at (561) 968 6022 and schedule a free consultation.

I will personally examine you and explain your options for your particular case.


Carlos Boudet, DDS DICOI
1840 Forest Hill Blvd Suite 204
West Palm Beach, Florida. 33406
Website: http://www.boudetdds.com
Implant Blog: http://www.palm-beach-implants.com