When mini dental implants were first introduced, they were used as temporary anchors with braces. Over the years, mini dental implantshave also been used for other purposes such as stabilising dentures and replacing one (or more) missing teeth.

As the name implies, mini dental implants make use of much smaller screws in order to secure the crown to the jawbone. Mini dental implants have also been marketed as a faster and more affordable alternative to regular dental implants.

How Long Do Mini Dental Implants Last?

In essence, mini dental implants have no set lifespan. In other words, no one can accurately predict how long mini implants will last. If anything, several unique factors that are specific to each patient will determine the longevity of the device.

What Are the Possible Causes of Failure for Mini Dental Implants?

The failure of mini dental implants can be attributed to several reasons. Patients who smoke for instance are more prone to experiencing mini dental implant failure compared to their non-smoking counterparts.

This is because smoking has been known to affect the circulation of blood. Blood circulation is considered a key aspect in the healing process. In addition, individuals who drink heavily or abuse substances may also have lesser chances of experiencing dental implant success.

Will Age Affect the Functionality and Lifespan of Mini Dental Implants?

In most cases, the individual’s physical condition and age won’t affect the potential for success for mini dental implants. Given patients are in good health, they can be good candidates for mini dental implants. Thanks to affordability and ease of placement, mini dental implants are even considered an excellent fit for seniors.

There is however one age-related condition that can potentially interfere with dental implants and that is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can impact bone density, significantly reducing the likelihood of successfully retaining the implants. Fortunately, this challenge occurs only in patients with severe osteoporosis.

If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, consider it best to inform your dentist so the condition can be taken into account and your dentist can recommend the best treatment option suited for your case.

Are Mini Dental Implants Durable?

Mini dental implants are typically made from titanium. Titanium is considered more robust compared to the ones used in regular implants. Many clinical trials conducted have proven dental implants to be quite durable. While it’s not possible to pinpoint exactly the lifespan of mini dental implants, they often exceed expectations when taken care of accordingly.

What are Some of the Key Advantages of Mini Dental Implants?

While mini dental implants share a structure that’s similar to that of regular implants, it does not require invasive surgery. Even if smaller in size compared to regular implants, dental implants have been known to provide a robust support for dentures.

In addition to being minimally invasive, recovery time for mini dental implant procedure is way quicker. The procedure will often only require the use of a local anaesthetic. Also, there is no need for stitches or waiting for several months for healing.