What If I Don’t Have Enough Bone For a Conventional Implant?

In this video, Dr. Aaron Bratton discusses when mini dental implants are a viable solution, particularly for patients with limited bone or space constraints. If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for standard implants, schedule a free consultation at Atkins Dental Clinic today to explore your options.

I have been placing both conventional and mini dental implants for over 10 years, and each has its specific application. One of the most common situations I encounter is patients being told by another provider—whether a specialist or a general dentist—that they do not have enough space for a standard implant. This could be due to limited room between adjacent teeth or significant bone loss from years of wearing dentures.

In many of these cases, mini implants provide a solution. Because they are thinner, they require less bone and can be placed in tighter spaces. I have successfully placed mini implants in areas with minimal available bone where standard implants would not have been an option. As long as there is sufficient bone for support, mini implants can be a viable alternative.

The primary medical concern when considering mini implants is osteoporosis. Medications known as bisphosphonates, which are used to treat osteoporosis, can interfere with the body’s ability to heal around an implant. This is a discussion I would need to have with both the patient and their primary care provider to assess the risks based on medication dosage and duration.

Outside of osteoporosis-related concerns, most individuals with adequate bone structure are candidates for mini implants.

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