Are you worried that your dentures won’t stay in place? You might be interested in mini implants. About half the width of a full-size dental implant, mini implants cost considerably less than their full-size counterparts and require no recovery time. Plus, due to their small size and where they’re located in the mouth, mini implants are ideally suited as fasteners for dentures. Because they’re anchored in the jawbone, they can securely hold a denture in place. To learn a little more about the procedure and the benefits of mini implant dentures, please scroll down.
What to Expect from Mini Implant Dentures
Like full-size dental implants, mini implants are made of titanium and available in a variety of lengths to suit patients’ varying bone densities. An appointment to have mini implant dentures installed typically takes less than an hour and a half. Worried about the pain? Don’t be! Using local anesthesia, your dentist will minimize your discomfort, and most recovery pain can be treated with ibuprofen.
The procedure typically requires three simple steps:
- Anesthetic: First, the dentist will use an anesthetic directly on the gums where the implants will be located. In many cases, the implant can pierce the gum without the need for an incision.
- Implant Procedure: Next, the dentist will draw a tiny pilot hole in the jawbone for each implant. The dentist then screws each implant in and tightens it using a small wrench.
- Denture Shaping: As soon as the implants are in, your dentist can set the dentures. Your dentist will place a rubber o-ring over each mini implant and grind out a hollow in the denture, which is filled with hard plastic. Then the dentures will be placed in your mouth and you will be asked to bite down hard as the plastic cures.
After the procedure, you will immediately be able to snap your denture down over your implants for a stable, secure fit.
The Advantages of Mini Implant Dentures
So why should you consider choosing mini implants to support your dentures?
All dentures are fitted in one of two ways. In the first method, your dentist hollows out a space in the existing denture and fills the space with relining material. This method allows for some movement; however, it does require regular replacement of the soft lining material. In the second method, mini implants anchored in the jawbone provide stability for the denture. The mini-implant method offers several benefits:
- First and foremost, this method provides stability. If you want to minimize the movement of your denture and keep it securely in place, this option may work well for you.
- Due to mini implants’ small size, the procedure is less invasive and time consuming. In fact, the dentures can be stabilized on the same day as the procedure!
- Once your mouth has fully healed, you can eat all of your favorite foods. (For the first few days post-procedure, hold off on the hard, sticky, and chewy foods.)
- Your denture can easily be removed, allowing for regular, thorough cleanings. Simply place your thumbs on each side of the denture and gently push it free, applying equal pressure to each side.
- Compared to dental implants, mini implants are far less expensive and take less time to install.
Splitting the difference between dentures and dental implants, mini implant dentures are becoming increasingly popular. If you’re exploring denture options and you’re looking for a secure, affordable solution that will work immediately, we encourage you to explore mini implant dentures. To learn more, contact Wilkinson Dental today. You can request an appointment online or give us a call at 417-882-8222. We would be happy to help!