What Is The Difference Between Regular Dental Implants and Mini-Dental Implants?
Wilson, Greenville, Goldsboro, Rocky Mount, Raleigh & nearby areas
If you’re looking for durable, high-quality teeth replacement in the Goldsboro area, there’s no doubt that dental implants offer an exciting solution. Because implants are so durable and so inconspicuous, they’re growing in popularity.
But with popularity comes questions. If you’ve done some research into dental implants, you’ve probably come across information regarding mini-implants. And you might be wondering what the difference is between a mini-implant and a regular dental implant?
Well, as you might expect, a mini-implant is much smaller than a traditional dental implant. Both are made of titanium and inserted into your jawbone, but a mini-implant is less than three millimeters in diameter, while traditional implants vary in size but can be crafted up to six millimeters.
Why would some patients opt for a mini-implant? It usually has to do with bone density. In order to get a dental implant placed in your jaw, you need a certain amount of bone density. If you lack that density, your options are to get a bone graft or to find another tooth replacement solution.
A mini-implant requires less bone density, which means patients who don’t qualify for a full implant can still consider a mini-implant. However, because a mini-implant receives less support from the jawbone, it is not quite as strong or as durable as a full dental implant, which, if properly maintained, can last for the rest of your life.
There are other differences, too – for example, a traditional dental implant has two parts: the implant itself, then a metal abutment that is placed on top of the implant. Your replacement tooth will be placed on the abutment. A mini-implant does not require an abutment – instead, the tooth is attached to the implant itself.
Which is right for you? If you still have questions about dental implants in the Goldsboro, North Carolina area, please call Boles, Ham, Dixon & Boles, DDS today at 252-291-2892 to schedule a consultation with our experienced dentists.