Dental Bridges, Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Dentures, Implant Dentures, Mini Dental Implants, Sonora Dental Blog

What Is the Difference Between a Dental Implant and a Mini Dental Implant? [Video Explanation]

What Is the Difference Between a Dental Implant and a Mini Dental Implant? | Free Consultations in Sonora, CA
Dental implants are the best way to restore your smile, as they secure your crown, bridge, or denture to your jawbone. With implants as a foundation, patients like you can enjoy a stable smile that will last for years to come! However, there are two general types of implants to choose from. While both have their advantages, it may be overwhelming for some to know which implant best suits their needs! If you’re asking yourself, “What is the difference between a dental implant and a mini dental implant?”, it’s time to visit Dr. Berger in Sonora, CA. With over 36 years of experience restoring people’s smiles, he can help you decide the right next steps.

What Is a Dental Implant?

Conventional dental implants are around 5 millimeters in diameter and have multiple components to their structure. Thanks to their large size, these titanium screws require a significant amount of bone to stabilize in your jaw.

However, many patients lack the necessary bone, as tooth loss directly causes bone loss. Fortunately, there are additional procedures that rebuild lost bone structure, helping patients become eligible for dental implants.

Additionally, conventional implants require multiple placement appointments, as each component is placed separately.

Over a period of a few months, your implants will stabilize in your jawbone, creating an incredibly strong foundation for your restorations. Then, your abutment (or connector piece) will be placed, allowing a temporary restoration to secure on your smile. After about a year in total, your implants will be strong enough to support a final restoration.

What Is a Mini Dental Implant?

Mini dental implants are less than 3 millimeters in diameter and are often considered alternatives to conventional dental implants.

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While the conventional implant process involves cutting open the gums and using a series of large drills, mini implants require a much less invasive procedure.

At Sonora Dentist, Dr. Berger creates a small pilot hole in your gums and bone and carefully places your implant. Once inside your bone, the titanium post will immediately begin securing. Typically, we wait a few months for your implant to heal before placing your restoration. However, we can secure a temporary restoration or healing cap the same day we place your implants!

This way, if you have an urgent need to replace your tooth—whether your daughter’s wedding is tomorrow or you have an important vacation coming up—we can restore your smile in one day!

We always encourage patients to come in so we can assess their individual needs. Book a free implant consultation to learn if mini implants are right for you!

What Is the Difference Between a Dental Implant and a Mini Dental Implant?

Thanks to their minimally invasive procedure, patients often prefer mini dental implants over their conventional counterparts. Because the mini implant process doesn’t involve any incisions and doesn’t disrupt the bone’s blood supply, patients typically experience less pain, lower costs, and shorter treatment time!

Historically, since 1955, dental implants have maintained a success rate of approximately 95%, with a margin of error of about one percentage point. However, mini dental implants have now surpassed standard implants in terms of durability and long-term performance. As a result, Dr. Berger prefers mini implants over conventional implants, providing patients with a stable, effective smile.

Book a Free Consultation at Sonora Dentist!

Want to know what the difference is between a dental implant and a mini dental implant? Visit Dr. Berger in Sonora, CA! He helps patients navigate their journey to a brand-new smile and offers innovative mini implants that save you time and money.

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Book a free consultation to learn if mini dental implants are the right choice for you!

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Dr. Paul Berger

Dr. Paul Berger is the owner and founder of Sonora Dentist located in the beautiful foothill town of Sonora, California. Dr. Berger brings 36 years of experience and a passion for delivering the best quality of dental care for his patients and their families. Dr. Berger has maintained his dental practice in Sonora since 1989. A graduate of Loma Linda School of Dentistry, this Sonora dentist is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, San Joaquin Dental Society, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and Academy of Computerized Dentistry. Dr. Berger has completed hundreds of hours of training at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Dr. Berger is an avid outdoorsman and pursues the healthy lifestyle he stresses to his patients. Whether hunting, fishing, hiking, flying, skiing or golfing, he sets a high standard for himself by being outdoors and active physically and mentally. A father of six children, grandfather of five grandchildren, and married to his best friend and wife, Kathy, for 39 years, Dr. Berger will give you and your family the quality and service he would give his own loved ones-quite simply, the best he can deliver. Dr. Paul Berger is a well-educated, experienced dentist whose favorite part of dentistry is patient interaction. He has come to regard his patients like family and watched some of his youngest patients grow up with great smiles. If you need a Sonora California dentist, look no further than Dr. Paul Berger and his exceptional team.