Mini Dental Implants Explained

Written By Tom Wichowski
Article Source: http://www.ezinearticles.com

Not all dental implants are created equally. The two basic varieties of implants are mini, and traditional. The former has the advantage of applications that are more immediate and a patient can literally have a functional "implant in a day".

The general application of this technology has benefited the traditional denture wearer the most. The difficulty of stabilizing a denture is legend and with the application of as few as two, the denture can be secured. Ill fitting dentures result in frustration and a patient wearing them less, the ensuing loss of bone requires frequent re-linings, office visits, and a lessening in a patients "quality of life".

The traditional application of a titanium implant requires the implant to cook for as long as six months under the gum and fuse to bone (osseointegration). The next step in the process is to expose the implant and apply the abutment to which the prosthesis and or bridge is attached.

The mini implant does not require the abutment phase of the process and is referred to as an immediate load implant. This shortened process and decreased chair time should be considered when comparing the costs of treatment plans from various dentists. The other factor that effects the cost is the choice of materials used in the replacement dentition (tooth).

Mini implants can also be utilized to secure a fixed upper or lower prosthesis, or a combination of fixed and removable as your dental practitioner recommends. The benefit of having a removable upper affixed by mini implants is their easy removal for a thorough and regular cleaning. As always such decisions should be made in conjunction with a consult with your dental practitioner.