Conventional Implants vs. Mini Dental Implants

In the following educational video, see how each type of implant serves unique needs and which might be right for you.

Let’s discuss the differences between mini dental implants and conventional dental implants. Conventional dental implants have been in use for a very long time, while mini implants have been around for a shorter period. Despite both being effective, they serve different purposes based on individual patient needs.

The primary difference between the two lies in their size. Conventional dental implants have a larger diameter compared to mini implants. Additionally, mini implants are a single, solid piece of titanium, with the part that supports your tooth or teeth already attached to the implant itself. In contrast, conventional implants typically consist of at least three parts: the titanium implant that is placed into the bone, a component that screws into the implant (which could be a peg for a single tooth or an attachment for a denture), and a screw that holds everything together.

The larger diameter of conventional implants allows space for these additional components. However, this also means that conventional implants are more invasive, requiring more bone to support them and often necessitating an incision and larger drilling to place the implant.

Mini dental implants, on the other hand, are much less invasive because of their smaller size. They require less bone, so there’s no need to make an incision to expose the bone, and the placement process is simpler, often without the need for extensive drilling. Additionally, there are versions of mini implants with a traditional diameter that can serve as an alternative to conventional implants, even in cases of softer bone.

If you’re interested in learning which type of implant is best for you, we would be happy to discuss your options during a consultation. We can perform a 3D scan to assess your specific needs and determine the most suitable implant for your situation.