Summary of Key Benefits of Mini-Implants

Shorter Healing Time

Healing time is reduced from months to days.

Less Discomfort

Less disturbance to bone and tissue means most patients need only over-the-counter pain medication.

More Convenient

Usually, everything can be completed in one visit.  And most of our patients eat normally the same day.

Less Bone Required for Minis

Fewer Complications

Mini Dental Implant failures and complications are rare

More Affordable

Disadvantages of Mini-Implants

When used properly, mini-implants have few or no disadvantages compared to the older, conventional implants.  Most of the bad results that have occurred over the years since first introduced have come from poorly planned or poorly executed placements.

Though some practitioners may still advise you that mini-implants are not as good as larger implants, or that they are only good for temporary fixes, the fact is that problems with mini-implants almost always come from a poor understanding of load distribution, bite pattern (occlusion), or lateral forces.

The smaller diameter implants seemed to many clinicians easier to place than standard implants, and they were attracted to the smaller investment required to add mini-implant procedures to their practice.  It is true that mini-implants require fewer steps, less equipment and fewer tools, and don’t involve cutting away the gums, excavating bone with burrs and the potential of months of difficult healing and complications.  So a large number of new clinicians entered the mini implant field.

There are some cases where mini-implants are not appropriate.  These depend on a number of issues such as bone-density and forces, especially lateral forces, that may apply in a certain situation.  In those cases, a conventional standard implant procedure may be the best option.