Sometimes dental implants just aren’t a viable option, often because of bone density problems. Mini-implants are a relatively new innovation in dentistry, pioneered by one Dr. Victor Sendax; a Manhattan dentist. Mini implants allow people who previously would have been unsuitable for implants to have an almost instantaneous dental restoration.
What are implants and how are mini-implants different?
A dental implant is essentially a fake tooth which is anchored in to your jaw, often by a metal rod. Mini-implants are essentially small versions of these rods which can be used on jaws with a lower bone density.
Other uses
Mini-implants can be used for more than just replacing individual teeth. They can also be used to stabilise removable dentures: Six mini-implants with screw tops can be inserted into the jaw; your dentures can then be attached to and removed from these implants. This is a very effective way of preventing denture slippage. It also has the added benefit of overcoming a common problem with dentures: Accelerated bone loss. Dentures worn without stabilised implants compress the gingiva and reduce the blood supply to the bone, which causes accelerated bone loss. Wearing dentures with mini-implants, however, can stimulate the bone, as they are anchored in, and help prevent bone loss.
Standard procedure
The procedure is quite simple, relatively quick and not particularly invasive. The patient will be put under local anaesthetic and then a small hole (or holes) will be made in their gum which will house the implant(s). The head of the implant(s) will be positioned above the gum line so that they can anchor in crowns, bridges or dentures. Due to the size of the mini-implant, the gum is not even required to be cut. As a result the process can take as little as half an hour and can be completed in a single visit! The healing process after surgery is also relatively quick.
Talk to us!
Sound interesting? Then why not talk to us at Liverpool Dental Spa? We will happily talk you through everything that this procedure entails.
Tags: Dental implants, Dental implants Liverpool, liverpool, mini implants
