Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are a type of dental implant that is commonly used in your lower jaw to stabilize dentures. As the name suggests, they are smaller than the typical implants used for implant-supported restorations. Mini dental implants have a diameter of approximately 1.8 millimeters to 3.3 millimeters. The other major difference between regular dental implants and mini implants is their design. Where regular implants are designed to have replacement teeth screwed on to them, mini dental implants have a ball on the exposed ends. Your dentures are then secured into place on these balls and secured with O-rings. This design holds your dentures securely in place while still allowing them to be removed for regular cleaning.

How are Mini Dental Implants Placed?

The procedure for mini dental implants is similar to the procedure for regular dental implants. However, because the implants are smaller, the procedure is much less invasive, takes less time, and has a shorter recovery period. After small incisions are made in your gums, small holes are drilled into your jawbone. The posts are placed into the jaw, and your gums are sutured closed around them.

Because the procedure is less invasive, your dentures can be stabilized the same day. However, you may experience some discomfort during the first couple of days following the placement of your mini implants. Pain medication may be provided to help you deal with this discomfort. Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods for a few days. Once you have fully healed, you can resume your normal diet.

Placing and Removing Dentures

While your dentures are secured by mini dental implants, they must still be removed to clean them. To place your denture, grasp the teeth on each side and gently seat them over the balls of the implant posts. The O-rings should be over them. Using light pressure, snap your denture into place. To remove your denture, place your thumbs under each side and gently push them free. Make sure to apply equal pressure to each side.

Caring for Your Mini Dental Implants

In addition to caring for your dentures, you must also take care of your implant posts. Brush the posts as you would your natural teeth. These areas, just like your teeth, can collect plaque and bacteria that can lead to gum disease. Make sure that you clean around the ball of each implant thoroughly. It is also important to clean around the O-ring fixtures. Keeping these fixtures clean will help to ensure proper seating and denture retention.