Mini Implants Information

Mini implants were developed over 20 years ago and have been growing in popularity the last few years. Mini implants, like the standard dental implant, are usually made of surgical grade titanium and act to replace the root of your tooth. The head of the implant is shaped like a ball and the retaining fixture for the O-ring is located inside your denture. The O-ring snaps over the ball when the denture is seated and holds the denture securely in place. When seated, the denture rests lightly on the gum tissue, kept in place by the mini-implants.

One of the most effective, life changing uses of mini implants is stabilization of a lower denture. Mini implants securely hold the denture in place so you will never have to deal with a loose denture again. Mini implants can also be used to securely hold an upper denture or a partial denture in place.

Mini implants have several advantages:

• They can be placed in areas with less bone.
• The procedure to place them is very minor compared to standard implants.
• They can be used the same day they are placed.
• Only one visit is required to place the mini implants and retrofit your denture with the O-rings. There is no need to wait months for healing after the surgery.
• Mini implants are generally less expensive than standard implants.
• They can securely stabilize a loose or ill-fitting denture.
• They can be used to secure partial dentures without clasps.
• There is no downtime and very little post-op discomfort.

You might ask, "What about failures?" You have to admit that all implant systems, as well as natural teeth, are subject to wear and tear – potential failure due to natural causes. Some conditions that could lead to failure are osteoporosis, poor oral hygiene, poor health, heavy stressful biting or grinding of your teeth, poor health, lack of follow up dental care and maintenance. Mini implants, therefore, do not carry any actual or implied guarantee of longevity.

However, the loss of an implant is far less critical with mini implants since they can be replaced at a relatively minimal cost compared to conventional implants and with minimal associated bone or gum degeneration. Failures involving mini implants are rare.