What’s the Difference Between Regular Dental Implants and Mini Dental Implants?

If you’ve decided to get dental implants in Charlottesville, VA, you probably want a little more information first, right? Well, the first thing you might want to know about is the difference between regular dental implants and mini-dental implants.

What Are Regular Dental Implants?

Regular dental implants consist of implanting a regular-sized threaded titanium post into your jawbone as a replacement for your tooth’s root.

How Regular Dental Implants Work

Your dentist in Charlottesville, VA, will implant a titanium post into your jawbone. Over time (a few months), bone will fuse with the implant through a process called osseointegration. This is what holds your dental implant in place and makes it just as strong as a natural tooth. Then, an abutment and artificial tooth will be placed on the top of your implant.

When Regular Dental Implants Are Used

Regular dental implants are used when you have good oral health and enough bone density to support a regular implant. Regular dental implants are generally used to replace one, several, or a full arch of missing teeth.

What Are Mini-Dental Implants?

Mini-dental implants are smaller and less invasive than regular dental implants.

How Mini-Dental Implants Work

Mini-dental implants are smaller in diameter than regular implants. The implant placement process is the same as that of regular dental implants. Mini-dental implants typically range from 1.8 to 3.3 millimeters. Since they are smaller, they don’t require as much bone density as regular implants. So, they are perfect for people who don’t have enough bone density to support a regular dental implant.

When Mini-Dental Implants Are Used

Mini-dental implants are generally used when there is limited bone density to work with. If you don’t have enough bone density, there won’t be enough bone to support a regular implant (unless you opt for bone grafts). Mini-dental implants are also used to replace small teeth, such as your incisors or premolars.

Some people prefer mini-dental implants because they are less invasive. They also offer quicker recovery times and less discomfort.

Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Charlottesville, VA?

If you’re ready for dental implants or just have a few questions first, please Contact South Side Dental Center today. We will go over all your dental implant options and address any questions you might have.