What are dental implants and how do they work?
A dental implant is a replacement for a tooth. Basically, a dental implant is a titanium foundation that we can put a single tooth on, or in other situations, we can put a bridge, or it can be all of your teeth, or it can even be like a denture that snaps on and off. So a dental implant is a way for us to replace teeth that have been missing, and it's a permanent option, unlike something that is removable and comes in and out.
What is the difference between mini dental implants and full or regular dental implants?
There's quite a big difference. A mini implant is very, very small compared to a large implant. I like to tell patients it's almost like a thumbtack. The bones in our mouth are a little bit porous, almost like drywall. You can take a thumbtack and stick it in drywall, and it'll stay. A mini implant is kind of like a thumbtack, while a regular implant is more like a bigger lag bolt. If you want to hang a picture with heft, would you rather use a thumbtack or a big, nice lag bolt? Mini implants are much smaller, narrow, and have less surface area for the bone to bond to, making them less stable than regular implants. A regular implant is much larger and provides more stability and options for restoration.
Are mini implants a reliable option for tooth replacement?
In our practice, they honestly are not a great option. I've personally taken out hundreds of mini implants, and most of the time, I can unscrew them with my fingers. They don't integrate or bond well with the bone and are not very reliable. They started off as temporary implants, and that's where my vision stays with them. We want to ensure strong and stable implants for our patients, not temporary or unreliable solutions.
Why do mini implants cost less than full implants? Can we save money by choosing mini implants?
Mini implants cost less because they are easier to do and cheaper for us to buy. A mini implant is one piece, unlike a regular implant, which may be two or three pieces. Mini implants are less invasive and quicker to place, which is why they're cheaper. However, we believe in doing things right, and I don't offer mini implants because they might not be a reliable long-term solution.
What are the long-term risks of choosing a mini implant over a regular implant?
The long-term risk would be failure, which is not something we want, especially after surgery, time, and money invested. Mini implants may look or feel good initially but can fail after a year or two. They are very tiny and small, one piece, and there's no time for healing when placed in the mouth. They're just not as strong, and I've seen mini implants break.
Why are mini implants more prone to failure?
It's the structure of the mini implant—very skinny and thin. They were meant to be temporary implants, and their one-piece design means they don't have time to heal. Anytime you bite or chew, if you hit the implant or the abutment, it moves and doesn't integrate well.
Who is the ideal candidate for mini implants, and when should they be avoided?
The only time I see mini implants as possible is when there's no other option, such as when a patient has had a lower denture for years with a lot of bone loss. In those cases, we can place mini implants because there's no other option, but it comes with the understanding they might not work.
What are the benefits of investing in a full dental implant compared to a mini dental implant?
The benefits include knowing it's going to work and having multiple restoration options. Full dental implants provide stability long-term, and custom abutments ensure a perfect fit and appearance.
How long do full dental implants last compared to mini implants?
Full dental implants have a 98% success rate over 10 years, while mini implants have a much lower success rate. I've seen more failures than successes with mini implants, so we prefer to ensure enough bone for full implants.
What advice would you give to patients considering mini implants due to lower cost?
I would advise investing in a full implant. Mini implants sound great for marketing, but they're not long-term solutions. Either wait to afford a full-size implant or consider financing options we offer at Salvatore Dental, up to 10 years, to alleviate financial stress.
If you're interested in implants or have questions about tooth loss, please give us a call at (518) 868-6900 or visit salvatoredental.com. We offer a free consultation for implants and would love to meet you.