If you think dental implants are fantastic, then you’ll love the newest implant innovation known as mini dental implants. As its name suggests, this type of dental implant is smaller than the size of regular implants. But do mini dental implants involve the same procedure recovery time? How different are mini dental implants vs. traditional implants? Leading dentist in Maryville, TN, Dr. Kim C. Norman, talks about mini dental implants and their similarities and differences with traditional implants.
Similarities of Mini Dental Implants and Traditional Implants
Mini dental implants and traditional implants are the same in many ways. After all, they both belong under the same category – implant dentistry. Both procedures have the same purpose, which is to replace a missing tooth. Both also involve the surgical placement of titanium screws into the jawbone. The screws will serve as artificial tooth roots for the prosthetic tooth or dental crown, which is to be attached once the procedure is complete. Both mini and traditional dental implants create youthful, complete smiles beautifully.
Differences between Mini Dental Implants and Traditional Implants
Mini and regular implants have a lot of things in common, but they also share some striking differences. Let’s categorize these differences below:
- Size – Mini dental implants are smaller in size than their traditional counterparts. The diameter of a mini implant ranges from 1.8mm to 3mm. The diameter of traditional implants, on the other hand, is between 4mm to 6mm. Since a mini implant is much smaller than a traditional implant, it is well suited for patients with insufficient bone mass. They are also perfectly suited for small gaps between teeth.
- Placement Process – Since traditional implants are bigger in size, the placement procedure takes longer than the insertion process for mini implants. The procedure for traditional implants involves several stages: insertion, osseointegration, attachment of the abutment, and then, finally, the attachment of the prosthetic tooth or dental crown. The entire procedure takes several months to complete, because it is important for the implanted screw to osseointegrate with the jawbone. In contrast, mini implants only take a single office visit to complete. The process involves the drilling of a small hole in the jawbone, where the mini implant will be placed. Oftentimes, no incisions are necessary. A mini implant procedure can, therefore, be completed within 2 to 3 hours.
- Price – Mini dental implants are less expensive than traditional implants. The reason why they’re priced affordably is because they’re much smaller than regular implants. The process is also much faster to complete; thus resulting in lower costs.
- Recovery Time – Since mini dental implants are less invasive than traditional implants, recovery time for the patient is much faster. While patients who get traditional implants take months to recover from the procedure, recovery time for mini dental implants takes only several days. This greatly reduces the patient’s discomfort.
Visit Dr. Kim C. Norman for Mini Dental Implants in Maryville, TN
Dr. Kim C. Norman specializes in mini dental implants, root canal therapy, teeth whitening, Invisalign, dentures, and many more dental treatments. He is a valued, trusted dentist in and around Maryville, TN. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Norman, call (865) 982-9662 today or contact us online. Talk with us about your dental care needs and we’ll do our best to help you.
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