Dental Implants: Regular vs. The Mini Implant

When we asked dentists about dental implants, two out of three dentists reported that they are qualified to offer dental implant therapy. The remaining one out of three dentists do not place implants themselves.

While most love standard implants, opinions about mini dental implants are highly varied. Doctors are split over how often to recommend them.

“Mini implants have worked very well for my patients,” said one dentist, while another opined, “Mini implants are worthless.”

We also asked dentists to select which statement best describes how they feel about the mini dental implant:

• Good for a variety of implantology patients: 32%
• Suitable as denture implants for denture patients: 19%
• Only in a few certain cases: 30%
• Regular implants are always better: 19%

Here’s a sampling of what dentists had to say:

• “Compared to cars, regular implants are the Mercedes Benz. Mini implants are the little Toyota Echo.” (Oral surgeon)
• “Mini implants are good for patients who don’t want or can tolerate regular implants, but failure rates are higher with these minis.” (Arizona dentist)
• “Mini implants are good for dentures and specific sites, usually as a transitional situation.” (Florida dentist)
• “Regular implants are better. But for many, minis are the best choice.” (Georgia dentist)
• “Substandard treatment in most cases.” (California periodontist)
• “In the correct situation and understanding how to use them, they are a wonderful long-term solution.” (Connecticut dentist)
• “I did a case with a local specialist, and within 4 months the implants all came out. I looked bad, and the patient left the office. I am not a huge fan of the mini implant.” (Connecticut dentist)
• “There is seldom an occasion anymore when I can’t replace traditional implants therapy with minis. I’m so thankful I can now offer a less expensive alternative.” (Arkansas dentist)

Read more: Some Dentists Dislike Denture Implants