Dental implants are titanium or ceramic screws used to replace the roots in our mouth. When we suffer tooth loss, we must not only replace the tooth, but many times we must also replace the actual root. In many cases, dental implants are used to replace dentures. Dentures tend to slip, but with dental implants, there is no slippage.
Mini Dental Implants in Costa Rica
Dental implants also provide teeth like stability. They work just like natural teeth. However, traditional dental implants require intensive procedures. The recovery time for traditional dental implants can take around seven days for a single implant. The recovery time for full mouth reconstruction can take much longer than that depending on the health of the patient.
Because dental implant procedures can be so costly and time consuming, the dental industry came up with a solution for patients that don’t require full-fledged dental implants. Mini dental implants allow patients to get almost all of the benefits of traditional implants while costing less and taking up less time.
Benefits of mini dental implants compared to traditional implants:
Size – They are half the size of traditional dental implants. Because they’re smaller, they don’t require extensive dental surgery.
Quicker results – While dental implants require around 7 days of recovery time, this kind of procedure are same day dental implants. Some patients, depending on their personal recovery time, can use their new teeth the same day.
Titanium implants – They are made from titanium. That means, there is zero chance of decay.
Less dental visits – It often takes at least two visits for traditional dental implants. Mini dental implants require only a single visit.
Cost efficient – They are more cost effective than traditional dental implants.
Mini Dental Implant Procedures – Who Are Candidates?
Individuals who are able to go through a tooth extraction procedure are good candidates. If you’re heavy smoker, or consume alcohol, you might not be a good candidate.
Senior dental patients are often perfect candidates for this type of implants. Senior patients don’t wish to, or can’t, go through invasive procedures like bone grafts, sinus lifts, or traditional dental implant procedures. If a senior patient has enough jawbone, they might be a good candidate for mini dental implants.
Whether you believe you are a good candidate or not, you must discuss with your dentist before starting either a traditional or mini dental implant pre-procedure process. A consultation with a specialist will let you know if you’re a good candidate for mini dental implants.
See below for a list of who is not a good candidate:
Patients with uncontrolled diabetes
Heavy smokers or patients who drink alcohol
Patients who have gone through radiation treatment for cancer
Alzheimer’s afflicted patients
Individuals who grind their teeth
Children and individuals who have yet gone through puberty
What Makes Mini Dental Implants So Popular?
This procedure have become almost as popular as dental implants. They cost less than traditional dental implants, often only require a single visit, and often don’t require pre-implant procedures such as bone grafts or sinus lifts.
Although this procedure is gaining in popularity, there are pros and cons.
Pros and Cons
Like with traditional dental implants, there are pros and cons for mini dental implants. Let’s walk through the pros first before getting to the cons.
Pros for this Procedure
Doesn’t require as much bone density – Due to their size, they do not require as much bone density as traditional dental implants. If you’re missing teeth, you may have also lost some jawbone. Mini dental implants can help prevent further jawbone loss.
Can strengthen jawbone – Not only do they require less jawbone density, but they also strengthen the actual jawbone.
May not require a sinus lift or bone graft– If your sinus is too close to your jawbone, you must go through a sinus lift procedure before getting dental implants. With mini dental implants, again, because of the size, you may not have to go through a sinus lift procedure. Because mini dental implants don’t require as much bone density, patients might not need a pre-implant bone graft. This cuts down on invasive procedures.
Costs less than traditional dental implants – Mini dental implants costs less than traditional dental implants.
An option for senior patients – Senior patients who don’t have enough bone density and can’t or don’t want to go through a bone graft procedure, often can get mini dental implants. Not only that, but some senior patients have trouble with bone resorption around dental implants. Resorption isn’t as important with this procedure.
Used to stabilize dentures – One of the great benefits for senior patients is that mini dental implants can be used to stabilize a lower denture.
Cons for this Procedure
Now that we’ve gone through the pros for mini dental implants, check out some of the cons:
Insurance might not cover them – Dental insurance for U.S. patients often don’t cover what they deem to be cosmetic dental procedures. Dental implants are often considered cosmetic procedures. The reason is because dental insurance sees dentures as a less costly option. They might cover dentures, but won’t cover mini dental or traditional dental implant procedures.
Mini dental implants aren’t as strong – They aren’t as strong as traditional dental implants. Dental implant procedures require more recovery time and cost more. But, traditional implants are much stronger, and last longer.
No ceramic option with mini dental implants – If a dental patient wishes to get this implants, they must get titanium implants. Ceramic dental implants are only available for traditional dental implants.
Mini dental implants do not anchor to the jaw – One of the benefits of traditional implants is that they anchor to the jawbone. Mini dental implants do not do this. That means they may not last as long as traditional dental implants.
Why U.S. Citizens Should Consider Costa Rica for Their Mini Dental Implant Procedures
Like with all dental procedures, including dental implant procedures, U.S. citizens should consider getting their mini dental implant procedure in Costa Rica. All dental procedures are more cost efficient if performed in Costa Rica. See below for specific costs associated with mini dental implants:
U.S. cost for mini dental implant – $500 to $1,500 per tooth
Costa Rica cost for mini dental implant – Costs in Costa Rica are around 50% less: $250 to $750 per tooth.
Cost isn’t the only consideration. In the dental tourism industry, Costa Rican clinics and dentists are considered top of the line. Not only will U.S. citizens get mini dental procedures at half the cost than in the United States, but the dentists that perform their procedures will be as accredited and as professional as any in the U.S.
How Care Overseas Can Help
At Care Overseas, our goal is to provide North American dental patients an end to end solution. We walk them through the entire process from finding a reputable dental clinic in Costa Rica, to scheduling their dental procedures, and to even finding a place to stay in our nation while their procedures are performed.
By working with Costa Rican clinics like DDS Dental and the Flikier Dental Institute, Care Overseas can match dental patients with the perfect dentist to perform their required procedures. Plan your trip today, or contact one of our care specialists at 866-778-2766.