Who is a Candidate for Mini Dental Implants?

There are many dental treatments currently available to those who are looking to replace missing teeth. Knowing whether or not you are a candidate for a certain procedure will help to determine which treatment will get you the best results.  When it comes to mini dental implants, the advanced technology and treatment versatility allows for a wider range of candidates, when compared to other dental implant procedures. Are mini dental implants right for you? Here are some of the determining factors for candidacy.

Age. Dental implants can be placed any time after adolescence, or when bone growth is complete. Consult with your dentist prior to treatment to ensure that your bone growth is complete.

Medical conditions. Certain medical conditions may affect one’s ability to undergo dental implantation. Active diabetes, cancer and periodontal disease may require additional treatment before mini dental implants can be implanted.

Bone structure.  The number one factor that determines who is a candidate for mini dental implants is the structure of the jaw bone. A minimum of 2 mm of bone on all sides of the implant—both surrounding and underneath—is required for implantation. Traditional implants, due to their larger size, require additional bone for proper stabilization, something that many patients did not have. With Mini Dental Implants, or MDI’s, the smaller implant size requires less surrounding bone, making for a more versatile treatment.

Based on the factors listed above as well as the condition of your oral hygiene, oral tissue and personal habits, your dentist will help you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. For those men and women considering dental implants and are currently smokers, your dentist will likely advise you to quit before undergoing the MDI procedure, as smokers face a higher risk of implant failure.

With several implant treatments available, determining which is right for requires only a quick and easy visit to your dentist. Reviewing each procedure with a dental professional will narrow down your choices and help you to find the dental implant treatment that will provide long lasting results.