Mini Dental Implants Cost and Procedure Guide

Embarrassed to say “cheese"? The American College of Prosthodontists reports that approximately 120 million individuals in the United States have lost at least one tooth due to disease or damage, with roughly 36 million Americans facing the absence of all their teeth. This issue is particularly prevalent among older adults.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

• Be a better option for replacing teeth in certain locations in the mouth
• Be a preferred option for narrow jaws or patients with low bone density
• Support dental bridges or dentures
• Serve as an alternative to provide anchoring for orthodontia²
• Serve as an affordable alternative to full dental implants²

Good Candidates for Mini Dental Implants

Good candidates for mini dental implants should have full-grown teeth, not suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) or active gum disease and be nonsmokers in good general health. Mini dental implants are especially a good choice for those with weaker or deteriorated jawbones as they have a smaller diameter and require surgery that's less invasive than a full dental implant.⁴

How Much Do Mini Dental Implants Cost?

Mini dental implants are priced per implant. The national average cost* of mini dental implants is $860 but can range from $676 to $1,616.⁵

Mini dental implant cost by type

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* and cost ranges of mini dental implants by type.⁵

Mini dental implant cost by state/district

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* for a single mini dental implant by all 50 states and the District of Columbia.⁵

The total price of the procedure can vary based on several factors, including:⁵

• Additional procedures, such as the removal of a damaged tooth
• Experience of the provider
• Geographic location of the provider
• Implant material used
• Number of implants being used during the procedure

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.⁶ However, some insurance policies will cover all or part of the cost if the implants are deemed medically necessary, such as after an accident or severe trauma to the mouth.⁷

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 many benefits that make them ideal for certain conditions, including:⁸

• Better for small spaces. The smaller diameter makes mini dental implants a better fit for tight spaces in the mouth.
• Faster healing. The smaller size and simpler design of a mini dental implant leads to less inflammation, which enables a swifter recovery.
• Less expensive. While the price of mini dental implants can vary, they are usually more economical than traditional dental implants.
• Less invasive procedure. The one-piece screw design of a mini dental implant allows the implant to be placed without the need for a flap surgery or stitches.²
• 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.³
• 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.
• Removable. Although removal is not common, if needed, mini dental implants are easy to remove.

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, a dentist will examine teeth, gums and oral history. 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.⁹

Procedure

To begin the procedure, the jaw and gums will be numbed with a local anesthetic. The dentist will make a small incision in the gums to expose the bone. 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. If needed, the gums will be sutured closed around the implant.¹⁰

Recovery

While patients may experience some tender gums and soreness, recovery from a mini dental implant procedure is usually quick and easy.¹⁰ Most patients can return to their regular activities within a day or two.¹⁰ While patients are able to eat after the procedure, it is best to initially avoid hard, sticky foods and instead consume liquids or soft foods.¹⁰ Total recovery time averages three to four weeks.¹¹

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 mini 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.