Mini implants: Implants with small screws & big effect

Mini dental implants for your smile

What are implants anyway?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically inserted into the jawbone by a specialist dentist. This implant partially replaces entire teeth and in this way enables a flawless smile. The dental treatment also provides a functional and stable solution for a precisely fitting replacement.

When and how are mini-implants used?

They are particularly popular when using bridges, interim dentures or full dentures. These implants have a smaller diameter and are screwed into the jawbone . For this, a small area of the upper oral mucosa must remain free for anchoring.

What materials are the implants made of?

Implants usually consist of a titanium alloy , or even pure titanium – which explains the often high price. Titanium also has the advantage that it is tolerated and accepted by the human organism and that neither allergic nor repulsive reactions occur. Ceramic implants are also popular, mainly because of their white color. Ceramic implants are also extremely durable and are also suitable for allergy sufferers.
You should always discuss with your dental practice which material is best for your mini-implants and your teeth before the surgical procedure.

What to expect before the treatment:

First of all, you will go to your dentist. A detailed discussion will be held about the prosthetic restoration and the number of implants. This is followed by a preliminary dental examination in the dental practice in order to know exactly the framework conditions of the bone structure and to be able to take preventive measures in the event of inflammation or insufficient bone. Then the planning will be discussed and you will be informed of the cost. On the day of the operation, the site of the operation in the jaw is given a local anesthetic so that you do not experience any pain. In some cases, for example in anxious patients, sedation or general anesthesia is also an option. Today there are many options so that treatment can be stress-free and fear-free for every patient.

Care instructions after treatment

Immediately after the dental treatment, you must neither smoke nor consume coffee or alcohol . Furthermore, you shouldn’t have to expose yourself to any exertion, but rather take it easy.
To prevent inflammation, very thorough oral hygiene with disinfecting rinses should be carried out. Furthermore, inflammation-prone patients are sometimes prescribed an antibiotic as a preventive measure. Regular check-up appointments are also the order of the day and, whenever they are due, are a must for good wound healing.

Advantages and disadvantages of the implant

advantages

• These dentures offer a deceptively realistic appearance and protect against the breakdown of the jawbone
• Implants close tooth gaps without damaging neighboring teeth
• Implants are very durable
• You can even replace entire teeth

disadvantage

• Inadequate oral hygiene can lead to an inflammatory disease
• High cost

What are the risks of the implant?

In the case of mini-implants, as already mentioned in the list of disadvantages, poor oral hygiene can lead to an inflammatory disease. This initially affects the tissue surrounding the implant, but if left untreated it spreads so badly that in the worst case scenario you could lose the implant. It should also be remembered that under general anesthesia, of course, all the risks exist as with any other operation.

Alternatives for dentures

The implant may look the most attractive, but there are still reasons to consciously decide against an implant. Everyone has to make this decision for themselves. But what alternatives are there anyway?

If, for example, a tooth can no longer be filled, a crown can be used here. This is either anchored in the tooth with a pin or attached to the tooth with special adhesives.

Multiple teeth next to each other can be fixed with a partial denture , better known as a bridge . There are fixed partial dentures, but also partial dentures that can be removed. For a bridge, the neighboring teeth are filed so that they can serve as bridge abutments and the bridge can be attached to them.