Can Mini Implants Be Used Long Term?

Terry asks:
Hello, I'm quite confused here! Are mini implants considered long term, as in years to decades? Are they appropriate for someone in their 50s with 4 missing molars on the lower jaws? I've been advised to have traditional implants by one dentist and the second opinion says mini implants are the way to go. Who is correct?

Answered by: Dr. Allan Fuhr

Boca Raton, FL

Hi Terry,

This may seem strange, but both dentists are, in theory, correct. The right solution will depend on many factors.

If you have adequate bone height and width, conventional or standard root-form implants have always been the implant of choice in your situation. However, the surgical procedure is more invasive and you generally must wait 3-6 months before the implants can be restored. Also, standard implants are more costly than mini-implants.

For the above reasons, it's possible that mini implants would be a good option for your situation. In most circumstances, mini implants can be immediately loaded with a temporary crown (in some situations, standard implants can also be immediately loaded), and they are less expensive than standard implants.

As for long-term use, the FDA has granted its formal consent to market the Mini Dental Implant device not only as a transitional or temporary dental product, but significantly, as a long-term item. (3M/IMTEC was the first company to receive long-term approval of its MDI implants from the FDA.)

According to 3M/IMTEC, the manufacturer of the most widely used Mini Dental Implant System:
"When critically needed for support purposes, and where solid bony adaptation (integration) has clearly occurred, mini implants can function as long-term supporting structures rather than as short-term or medium term devices. In fact, some have been successfully functioning in patients' jaws for several decades. In the past several years, some clinicians have been utilizing MDI's for single tooth replacements and in crown and bridge cases."

As always, please discuss the options with your Dentist and get more than one opinion, to see if you are a candidate for either procedure.