Mini Dental Implants Cost and Procedure Guide

Embarrassed to say “cheese"? The American College of Prosthodontists reports that approximately 178 million individuals in the United States have lost at least one tooth due to disease or damage, with roughly 40 million Americans facing the absence of all their teeth. This issue is particularly prevalent among older adults, with about 30% of those aged 65 to 74 having lost all their natural teeth.¹

While options to address missing teeth have been traditionally limited to full dental implants, dentures or bridges, mini dental implants offer patients a newer alternative for regaining their smile.

What Are Mini Dental Implants?

Mini dental implants, or MDIs, are a minimally invasive option for replacing missing, damaged or diseased teeth. Mini dental implants have a post with a smaller diameter compared to that of a traditional dental implant, which leads to a less invasive — and less expensive — procedure.²

Mini dental implants have been found to provide immediate stability to surrounding teeth and cause lesser post-procedure discomfort. They have also been shown to provide long-lasting results and have a high rate of patient satisfaction.²

While their main role is to replace missing or damaged teeth, mini dental implants have a broad range of dental applications. They can:³

• Stabilize dentures
• Support surrounding teeth to prevent bone loss
• Support dentures or dental bridges
• Be a preferred option for narrow jaws or patients with low bone density
• Be a better option for replacing teeth in certain locations in the mouth
• Serve as an alternative to provide anchoring for orthodontia²
• Serve as an affordable alternative to full dental implants⁴

Candidates for mini dental implants

Good candidates for mini dental implants should have full-grown teeth, not suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) and be nonsmokers in good general health.⁴

How Much Do Mini Dental Implants Cost?

Mini dental implants are priced per implant and can range from $500 to $1,500. This makes mini dental implants a much more affordable option than traditional dental implants, which can cost around $4,000.⁵

The total price of the procedure can vary based on a number of factors, such as:⁵

• Any required X-rays or other diagnostic tests
• Additional procedures, such as the removal of a damaged tooth
• The number of implants being used during the procedure
• Geographic location of the provider
• Experience of the provider

Are mini dental implants covered by dental insurance?

Whether or not mini dental implants are covered by dental insurance will depend on your insurance provider as well as the reason for getting the dental implants. Many insurance companies consider dental implants as a cosmetic procedure. However, some insurance policies (including Medicare) will cover the cost if the implants are deemed “medically necessary," such as after an accident or severe trauma to the mouth.⁶

Even if the dental implants are considered a cosmetic procedure, dental insurance may cover associated costs such as X-rays, the extraction of damaged teeth or the crown itself. Check with your insurance provider to see what your policy covers.⁶

Benefits of Mini Dental Implants

While some situations may be better served by a full dental implant, dental bridge or dentures, mini dental implants have a number of benefits that make them ideal for certain conditions, including:

• Better for small spaces. The smaller diameter makes mini dental implants a better fit for tight spaces in the mouth.⁷
• No bone grafting. The smaller diameter of mini dental implants makes them a better fit for jaws with insufficient bone density without the need for bone grafting.⁸
• A less invasive procedure. The one-piece screw design⁷ of a mini dental implant allows the implant to be placed without the need for a flap surgery or stitches.⁵
• Faster healing. The smaller size and simpler design of a mini dental implant leads to less inflammation which enables a swifter recovery.⁷
• A quicker procedure. Since the procedure is faster and less invasive than traditional implants, it can make mini dental implants a better option for patients who are elderly or who have health issues that would make them unable to sit through a longer, more complex procedure.⁸
• Less expensive. While the price of mini dental implants can vary, they are usually more economical than traditional dental implants.⁷
• Immediate results. With a traditional dental implant, an initial surgical procedure is required to place the post into the jaw. Then, the area must be allowed to heal before the fake tooth can be attached. With mini dental implants, a damaged tooth can be removed and the post immediately installed, providing no time delay or embarrassment of a missing tooth while the area heals.⁸
• Removable. Although removal is not common, if needed, mini dental implants are easy to remove.⁷

How Do Mini Implants Work?

If you are considering mini dental implants, you'll want to learn more about the preparation, procedure and recovery. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Preparation

Before the procedure, dental X-rays will be taken to determine the exact location to place the implant, the health of the surrounding teeth and the density of the jawbone.⁴

Procedure

To begin the procedure, the jaw and gums will be numbed with a local anesthetic. If needed, small holes will be drilled into the jaw to attach the implant post. In some cases, no holes are needed, as the post may simply be screwed into the jaw. Once the post is in place, the replacement tooth will be attached to the post.⁴

Recovery

While patients may experience some tender gums and soreness, recovery from a mini dental implant procedure is usually quick and easy. Most patients can return to their regular activities within a day or two. While patients are able to eat after the procedure, it is best to avoid hard, sticky foods initially and instead consume liquids or soft foods.⁴

While mini dental implants have many advantages, they may not be appropriate for all dental implant cases. The choice between mini dental implants and traditional implants depends on various factors, including the patient's specific oral health needs, bone density and the type of oral restoration required. Schedule an evaluation with a dentist or oral surgeon to determine if mini dental implants are right for you.

Financing Mini Dental Implants With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you're getting dental implants or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.^* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.