In recent years, mini dental implants have gained some
notoriety as an option to help anchor dentures. Some dentists like the idea
because they are less invasive and are less likely to have complications with
nerves and other surrounding structures in the jaw. Patients like the idea of
mini implants because they are less expensive than traditional implants. I want
to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each and why we should remain
cautious about extent to which mini implants are being used.
At Brown and Kupper DDS, we have been successfully using traditional
dental implants for 25 years. When properly cared for, dental implants can be
one of the most successful procedures in dentistry. Millions of dollars of
research has shown how and why implants succeed, and the longevity of these
studies helps support the validity of these findings. Because mini implants are
relatively new, we do not have the benefit of these findings to support their
long term efficacy. Until we know more, I believe traditional dental implants
to be a safer decision in replacing teeth or supporting dentures.
But if mini implants are less expensive, is it worth the
risk? While they may be of short term benefit, they are less likely to last as
long as traditional implants. The mini implants don’t have enough length and
width to support the normal biting forces that we typically need to function.
And if you have to replace them 2 or 3 times in the span of 1 traditional
dental implant, you will end up spending much more than if you did the larger
implant from the start.
Right now, the only time I may recommend the use of mini
implants would be in an effort to help stabilize a denture while traditional
implants were healing and could not be used. This would allow for immediate use
of a denture without disturbing the larger implants. Until more definitive data
can support mini implants, we will continue to recommend traditional implants
to support dentures and replace missing teeth.
For more information on
dental implants, visit www.brownandkupper.com
Lee T. Brown, DDS
Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.
No comments:
Post a Comment