Dental Implants vs Mini Implants
West Linn, OR
 Dental implants have proven to be extremely effective at replacing lost or damaged teeth. Patients are no longer required to wear dentures and other devices when they can enjoy permanent dental implants that mimic their real teeth. Dental implants offer clear advantages over other restoration options, such as dental crowns, because they last longer.
Despite the obvious benefits of ceramic crowns, they are not considered to be permanent teeth and may have to be replaced once every 10 to 15 years. Dental implants, by contrast, are permanent solutions since they are placed directly in the jaw. However, in your search for dental implants, you may have come across mini-implants. What’s the difference? Both are designed to replace missing or damaged teeth, but they have some differences.
Regular Dental Implants
The primary goal of dental implants is to restore the appearance and function of missing teeth in the mouth. Regular dental implants are designed to last for several years, and for the most part, the patient may not require additional surgeries in the future. Skilled dentists such as Dr. Frank Sioda and Dr. Sioda can ensure that your dental implants last for a longer period of time.
All regular-sized dental implants require the patient to have a sufficiently dense jawbone. This allows dentists to skillfully drill the implant into the bone. Without sufficient bone mass, the patient would not be able to support the implant, and it may fall out. Patients with insufficient jaw density may be asked to undergo bone grafting surgery which can increase the restoration process by another eight months.
Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants, as the name suggests, are smaller than regular dental implants. The major difference between regular dental implants and mini-implants is that mini dental implants are about 1.8 to 2.4 mm in diameter. This often means that the patient may require two mini-implants to receive the same support offered by a regular dental implant. This is a key reason why patients often have longer recovery times with varying weight distribution. Mini implants are mostly used on patients who have lost a considerable amount of jawbone mass. These implants can also be used to provide support to crowns and dentures.
Another advantage of mini-implants is that they are less costly.
Other benefits of mini implants include | • |
High success rate
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Clearer speech
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Can be custom designed for the patient
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Easy to practice oral hygiene
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No discomfort
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Permanent results |
Which Option Should I Choose?
Both regular implants and mini-implants require candidates to have a sufficient amount of bone mass. Your dentist will provide recommendations on the best solution based on your specific situation. Whether you need dental implants or same-day crowns, you can get in touch with our experts at ZenTech Dentistry for recommendations. Book an appointment today by calling (503) 765-9699 and talk to our friendly staff. |
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