Mini Dental Implants vs. Conventional Implants: What’s the Difference?
In this video, Dr. Charles Pearson explains what mini dental implants are and how they differ from traditional implants in size, placement protocol, and cost.
I’ve been told that conventionals are better than minis, and some people even say that mini-implants don’t work, which is nonsense. Conventional implants and mini-implants are tools in a tool chest. Use them where appropriate, and they work fine.
A conventional implant has two advantages over the mini: number one, they’re bigger; number two, they don’t stick up above the gum line when they’re healing. That’s a big thing there. Having soft bone doesn’t mean you can’t have an implant. If you have enough of that soft bone, we can put the conventional implant under the gum line and let it heal with no interference for six months; most of the time, they do quite well. A mini-implant, on the other hand, sticks above the gum line; with food and chewing moving it around, I almost guarantee they’re not going to work.
The upside of the conventional is their size, but they cost more, and the surgery is a little bit more involved. Those types of things are disadvantages, but I don’t hesitate to use them where they’re indicated. Whenever I can use the small, minimally invasive procedure, that’s usually what I opt for. However, as I’ve said earlier, the chewing teeth need stronger implants. If we try to put minis back there, sometimes they break off, so we won’t do that. But anywhere else, I try to make my “go-to” the mini-implants. Come in, we’ll be happy to take a look at your free consultation and direct you to the right path.
If you or someone you love is struggling with missing teeth or loose dentures, contact Dr. Charles Pearson at St. Apollonia Dental in Sterling Heights, MI, for a free consultation to learn how our dental implant treatments can enhance your smile, improve your function, and restore your self-confidence.
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