Mini dental implants—sometimes referred to as MDI or narrow-diameter implants—are an excellent option if you’re looking to replace lost teeth in areas with less bone volume.
Mini dental implants are used in the same ways as conventional implants and have similar results, but the overall treatment methods are faster and less complex.
Another way that mini implants shine is when a space is small and not wide enough to support a regular implant. In these specific situations, mini implants can save the day when there are limited restorative options.
It is important to note that although mini dental implants are wonderful, they are NOT an easier or “cheaper” way of getting implants done. Mini implants may be a more economical option for replacing teeth, but it is imperative to remember that mini implants have slightly higher failure rates and sometimes require additional care and repairs.
Even though they are in no way a substandard treatment, conventional implants typically deliver significantly better long term results because of their strength and design and are the first choice for replacing missing teeth.
- What is the process for mini dental implants?
- How do you determine if you need mini dental implants?
- Cost of mini dental implants
- Mini implant brands and materials
- Preoperative advice and tips
- Bone density requirements & required preoperative scans
- Anesthesia: Are you sedated for mini implant procedures?
- Are mini implants a same day procedure?
- Duration of the process for mini implants
- Proper upkeep, issues with recovery and peri-implantitis
- Post-procedure tips and advice for proper healing of mini implants
- How to prevent mini implant failure
What is the process for mini dental implants?
The process for installing mini or MDI implants is not unlike the process for installing regular dental implants, but because mini implants are smaller:
- it takes less time
- it can be less invasive- no large surgical incisions or sutures
- shorter recovery periods
- Immediate loading of teeth is a option
In a nutshell, the procedure involves:
- making a small incision in your gums
- drilling a small hole in your jawbone
- placing the mini implant
- Cementing the final restoration
Typically you will experience some discomfort following the procedure, but pain is typically well-controlled using nothing more than over the counter pain medications.
How do you determine if you need mini dental implants?
Mini dental implants—aka MDI or mini implants—are an option if you’re looking to replace lost teeth but you don’t want to undergo the surgery for regular implants or lack the bone mass to support regular implants. MDI implants may be a possibility even if you have a lot of missing bone, because several mini implants can be placed in lieu of larger conventional implants.
Mini implants may also be a possibility if you have small teeth, are in need of front tooth replacements, or you have teeth in a narrow space. Mini dental implants can give awesome solutions for these situations where a person otherwise could not have dental implants.
Your implant dentist can evaluate your teeth, jaw, mouth and overall health to determine whether you’re a good candidate for mini implants or an alternative solution.
Cost of mini dental implants
Mini dental implants (MDIs) typically range in price from $500 to $1,500 per implant, with 4-6 mini implants ranging between $2,000 and $5,000.
However, there are many different factors that can affect the cost, including the type of implant being used, your geographic location, and your implant dentist’s level of experience.
Having multiple MDIs placed at one time is typically more cost-efficient than having implants installed at different times.
Mini implant brands and materials
There are quite a few well-respected companies that manufacture mini implants. More than likely, your implant dentist will mention one of these brand names when discussing mini implants with you.
- Shatkin FIRST
- Zest
- Implant Direct
- Hiossen
- Sterngold
Almost all of the dental implants they produce are manufactured using surgical grade titanium alloys, which are similar in composition to the materials used to create artificial joints.
Titanium is ideal for dental implants because it is:
- Non-corrosive
- Non-magnetic
- Lightweight, and
- Incredibly strong under stress
In addition, osteocytes (bone cells) integrate well with titanium and tend to grow towards the metal itself. This mechanism is the reason mini dental implants can withstand chewing forces over long periods of time.
Preoperative advice and tips
Prior to the procedure your implant dentist may prescribe specific medications; s/he may also ask you to stop taking certain medications.
Requirements typically include the following do’s and don’ts:
- Do brush your teeth prior to your appointment
- Do wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing
- Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to the procedure
- Don’t eat or drink anything prior to your appointment
It’s important that you follow all of your dentist’s instructions precisely because each directive is specifically designed to increase the chances of a successful procedure.
Bone density requirements & required preoperative scans
Generally speaking, mini implants require the same level of bone quality of regular dental implants but less bone volume overall. Proper diagnosis and pre-procedure planning are still essential to the successful placement of mini implants. Not every patient is a good candidate for mini implants and the initial case selection is an important step in ensuring long term success.
Implant dentists now have amazingly advanced technologies available in the office that aid in diagnosis and planning, including cone beam or CBCT imaging. The 3-D images allow your implant dentist to completely evaluate your bone structures and produce the best possible plan for your treatment. For instance, bone quality and quantity can be observed and measured precisely so that the correct implant design can be chosen. The use of cone beam imaging or other CT scans leads to fewer risks, safer implant procedures, and better outcomes.
Anesthesia: Are you sedated for mini implant procedures?
In many cases, the choice of whether or not to be sedated is up to you. But most mini implant procedures are performed using local anesthetic, which numbs the treatment area intraorally. It is very safe and predictable and “right” for the vast majority of these procedures. Conscious sedation or even general anesthesia can be used if you have elevated anxiety levels, but typically this is not required for most mini implant procedures.
There is an additional cost for sedation that is not included in the implant fee. You should discuss sedation options with your implant dentist during the consultation phase.
Are mini implants a same day procedure?
Usually. The process of installing mini implants is faster and less invasive than traditional implants and MDIs can sometimes be placed and restored in one visit. This “Teeth In A Day” procedure is one of the main benefits of using mini dental implants.
Some of the advantages of mini implants include: minimal discomfort and healing time, as well as a lower cost as compared to traditional implants.
Duration of the process for mini implants
The process of installing mini dental implants is a little bit quicker and easier than installing traditional dental implants and can sometimes be completed in one office visit. MDIs are placed in the jaws using more conservative surgical approaches. This leads to less trauma and reduces post-procedure discomfort and overall recovery times.
Proper upkeep, issues with recovery and peri-implantitis
Mini implants can fail and this does happen on occasion, as not all implants fuse with the jaw bone. One advantage of mini implants is that they can usually be replaced easily if a failure happens. Implant dentists expect these rare failures and actually plan on secondary replacements when using mini implants. Smoking and underlying health issues are factors that can contribute to the failure of mini implants.
Peri-implantitis—a condition that can occur in tissues around dental implants, one that is characterized by inflammation and progressive loss of supporting bone—is another concern. The onset of peri-implantitis can occur early during follow-up and often progresses in a non-linear and accelerating pattern. There is evidence that patients who exhibit poor plaque control skills and are less diligent about maintenance care have an increased risk of developing peri-implantitis.
Post-procedure tips and advice for proper healing of mini implants
Post-procedure care is imperative to the successful healing of mini implants. After leaving your implant dentist’s office, relax at home for the remainder of the day. Avoid hot and solid foods while your mouth is still numb, and do not use a straw. Also, avoid aerobic exercise or any other strenuous activity for at least three days afterwards. Finally, maintain a diet of soft foods for at least several weeks following the procedure and avoid any foods that are hard or crunchy.
You’ll also want to avoid brushing, flossing and using a Waterpik in the area of the surgery until your implant dentist instructs you to do so. Of course, you’ll want to maintain normal oral hygiene in the rest of your mouth.
Your dentist may also instruct you to rinse post surgically with saltwater to promote healing, while the oral rinse Peridex™ may be prescribed to promote antimicrobial cleansing of the surgical site and reduce the chance of infection. A natural or holistic rinse from StellaLife®.may also be recommended. Practitioners are using these products more and more often to promote soft tissue or gingival healing with impressive results.
How to prevent mini implant failure
In terms of behaviors that can lead to implant failure, smoking is far and away the biggest detriment to implant healing due to vasoconstriction—that is, limited blood flow to the surgical site. It is also imperative that you avoid chewing directly on your MDIs for at least a few months after installation. In most cases that is sufficient time for the necessary healing to take place.