Not everyone who has lost their teeth is eligible for regular dental implants. That’s because tooth loss (& dental diseases like periodontitis) leads to bone loss in your jaw. If too much of the bone in your jaw has dissolved away over time, there may not be enough bone structure left to anchor a full sized implant. However, because mini dental implants are smaller & fewer of them are needed, even people with bone loss are sometimes good candidates for mini dental implants.
What Are Mini Dental Implants?
Mini dental implants are used as the foundation for a removable arch of replacement teeth—in other words, dentures. Unlike traditional dentures that are held on with suction or adhesive, implant-supported dentures clip onto the implants for a very secure fit. The added security of mini dental implants is especially attractive to people who are replacing their bottom arch of teeth, because standard lower dentures are less stable than top dentures. This added stability allows most patients to start reintroducing tougher & harder foods back into their diet, which is great for both quality of life & nutrition.
Mini Dental Implants Are More Affordable
Mini dental implants can be more affordable than regular implants because fewer implants are needed. Two, four, or six mini implants is often all you need to secure dentures. Another added cost-saving factor is the possibility of retrofitting your existing dentures to clip onto mini dental implants. If you’re already a denture wearer & are happy with your existing dentures or want to save money, it’s often possible to add snaps to your existing dentures so you can keep wearing them with your new dental implants. Of course, if you want to upgrade or redo the look of your teeth, we can create new custom dentures to go with your new mini dental implants.
Mini Dental Implants Can Help Stop or Prevent Bone Loss
One of the reasons you lose bone structure when you lose your teeth is because of the lack of sensation from biting & chewing. The roots of your teeth naturally transfer the force of your bite into your jawbone, thus stimulating bone to renew & regenerate itself continuously. When you lose teeth or have them removed, your jawbone no longer gets the signal to regenerate, even if you chew with dentures. With mini dental implants, the force of your bite can travel through your false teeth, into the implants, & then into the bone. This can stimulate your bone & prevent future bone loss.
Talk to us at your next appointment about whether mini dental implants are a fitting restorative solution for you.