Laser Gum Surgery

Over the years a number of clinicians and companies began to market mini-implants for definitive support to dentures, bridges, and crowns. Companies manufacturing these mini-implants, often with no research and development and poor quality control, market their products to non-implant specialists as an ‘easy’ implant, one that doesn’t require as much training or skill to place. Of greater concern is a current trend by some (unscrupulous) clinicians to use mini-implants instead of the stronger, more predictable conventional implants, without notifying their patients.

The discerning Dental Patient should approach mini-implants with caution. Though there are real indications for the use of mini-implants (see below), it is our opinion, and the opinion of every leading organization in the field of implantology, that mini-implants should not be routinely considered as a first treatment alternative. Even with recent advances in mini-implant surfaces that promote better integration to bone, there are only a handful of poorly controlled studies, and not a single long-term study, that examines the success rate or predictability of mini-implants. This should be compared with the nearly forty years of extensive data, and tens of thousands of studies, which have proven the long-term success of conventional dental implants. Having said this, and as long as the patient and clinician understand and discuss the limitations of mini-implants, there are a limited number of scenarios where mini-implants should be considered. These include:

• Cases of a severely atrophic (resorbed) mandible, where bone grafting is not indicated, and implants are needed to aid in retention of a lower denture
• Cases where significant medical issues preclude surgical access for the placement of conventional implants
• Cases where there isn’t sufficient space to place a conventional dental implant and orthodontic opening of the space is not possible/indicated

The Doctors at the Florida Institute for Periodontics and Dental Implants are fully trained in the placement of mini-implants and available to discuss this as an option in the appropriate cases. Please feel free to contact us with questions regarding mini-implants.

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The discerning dental patient should approach mini-implants with caution. Though there are real indications for the use of mini-implants (see below), it is our opinion, and the opinion of every leading organization in the field of implantology, that mini-implants should not be routinely considered as a first treatment alternative. Even with recent advances in mini-implant surfaces that promote better integration to bone, there are only a handful of poorly controlled studies, and not a single long-term study, that examines the success rate or predictability of mini-implants. This should be compared with the nearly forty years of extensive data, and tens of thousands of studies, which have proven the long-term success of conventional dental implants. Having said this, and as long as the patient and clinician understand and discuss the limitations of mini-implants, there are a limited number of scenarios where mini-implants should be considered. These include:

• Cases of a severely atrophic (resorbed) mandible, where bone grafting is not indicated, and implants are needed to aid in retention of a lower denture
• Cases where significant medical issues preclude surgical access for the placement of conventional implants
• Cases where there isn’t sufficient space to place a conventional dental implant and orthodontic opening of the space is not possible/indicated

The doctors at the Florida Institute for Periodontics and Dental Implants are fully trained in the placement of mini-implants and available to discuss this as an option in the appropriate cases. Please feel free to contact us with questions regarding mini-implants.
- See more at: http://perio-implant.com/mini-implants/#sthash.M2mwIsn9.dpuf