The Dallas, TX Dentist Explains What You Need to Know about Mini Dental Implants before Deciding

Written by Dr. Lin on Jul 10, 2018

If you’ve lost teeth due to damage or decay, you may have begun researching options for replacing the missing teeth. There are several alternatives for tooth replacement, but one of the most popular is currently dental implants.

There are different types of dental implants available as well, depending on your particular situation, and another popular option is mini dental implants (MDIs). The Dallas, TX mini dental implants dentist explains the difference:

How Dental Implants Work

A typical dental implant contains a small titanium screw that is implanted directly into the jawbone and will eventually integrate with the bone securely, functioning as a substitute for the missing root portion of your lost tooth. The process of healing after implant placement can take several months since the jawbone requires time to heal around the titanium fixture to create a stable base for the new tooth.

Why Choose Mini Dental Implants?

As the name implies, mini dental implants are essentially smaller dental implants – generally no wider than a toothpick – and therefore are less invasive and much easier to place into the jaw bone. They are used to replace small teeth and incisors and to anchor dentures. Because mini dental implants are thinner and less traumatic to the bone when they are implanted, most patients of the Dallas, TX mini implants dentist have their implants and restorations placed on the same day. They leave our office able to eat, speak, and smile normally.

In particular, mini dental implants are an appropriate option for use with older dentures that have become loose over time, creating problems for the wearer when eating and even speaking. In this case, one or more MDIs are implanted in the jaw and attached to the existing denture, creating a more stable anchor for the denture and greatly lessening discomfort for the patient.

Please Call for Your Consultation

However, it should be understood that MDIs are not an alternative to the traditional titanium dental implant except in specific circumstances. Our dentist Dr. Tony Liwill discuss your specific needs during a consultation and make a recommendation as to which implant option is most appropriate for you.