A Guide to Lasting Stability: The Mini Implant Procedure Explained

What good is a bridge that pitches, warps, slides, and crumbles? Not much good, really; it’s probably not the kind of thing you’d be eager to drive over. Consider the Tacoma Narrows Bridge: In 1940, amid high winds, it started making an odd, cartoonish whipping motion before collapsing completely. The footage is fascinating. But the bridge, all told, was a failure. Now let’s imagine that your dental prosthetic won’t stay in place, or that it continually requires alteration or refurbishment. You wouldn’t call that a good prosthetic, would you? Of course you wouldn’t; you’d call it a failure and seek out an alternative solution in frustration. However, you can, in fact, mitigate the looseness or discomfort of your current prosthetic via a mini implant procedure.

Dr. Rose Magno (DDS, FAACD, FICOI, DIAMDI) is a trusted Bay Area professional with years of experience performing the mini implant procedure. She’s here to help you get back the ability to bite, chew, and smile. 

What Are Mini Implants?

Several common solutions can replace missing or damaged teeth, helping restore your smile and improve function. Depending on what you require—replacement of a single tooth, several teeth, or a full arch—you have several prosthetic options:

• Bridges: Dental bridges span a gap where you’ve lost multiple teeth in a row. They’re anchored to your natural teeth and fixed in place.
• Crowns: Dental crowns rest atop damaged teeth. They’re used to protect from infection, improve bite distribution, and enhance the appearance of your smile.
• Dentures: Traditional dentures replace some or all of your teeth with a prosthetic held in place with dental adhesive and suction.

Each of these options has limitations in terms of stability and comfort. Pairing these tooth replacements with mini dental implants, however, can overcome those challenges.

In the past, you could only get dental implants if your jawbone was strong and healthy. When teeth are missing for an extended period, the jawbone naturally shrinks—a process called bone resorption—which can prevent traditional implants from bonding properly. Because of this, many patients had to undergo bone grafting before getting their implants.

One major advantage of mini dental implants is their ability to work with less jawbone density than traditional implants. Even if you’ve experienced significant bone loss, Dr. Magno can often place mini implants without the need for bone grafting. This makes them a viable option for many patients who might not qualify for traditional implants.

Mini dental implants are small titanium posts, about 3 millimeters in diameter, that Dr. Magno places into your jawbone to support replacement teeth.

What Is the Mini Implant Procedure?

At your first appointment, you’ll meet with Dr. Magno for a thorough evaluation. She’ll take a CBCT scan—a type of digital X-ray—that gives her a detailed 3D view of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures. This imaging helps her assess your oral health, determine the extent of tooth loss, and plan the exact placement of your mini dental implants.

If any preparatory work is needed, such as extracting damaged or unhealthy teeth, Dr. Magno may recommend completing this first to make sure your mouth is healthy and ready for your restoration. Once you are ready to move forward, she will take precise impressions of your mouth so your custom restoration can be crafted to fit comfortably and look natural.

After reviewing your scans and creating your treatment plan, Dr. Magno will start placing your mini dental implants. The process is straightforward and typically requires only one visit. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Dr. Magno will gently numb the area with a local anesthetic.
2. She will then insert the mini titanium implant posts into your jawbone through your gums.
3. Finally, Dr. Magno will attach a temporary restoration to your implant.

It’s as simple as that! Eligible patients can leave Dr. Magno’s office the same day with a temporary restoration secured to their new mini dental implants. After your visit, she will send your impressions to a dental lab to craft your custom final prosthetic. Once your mouth has healed and the implants have bonded with your jawbone, typically over the next several weeks, Dr. Magno will place your final restoration

Benefits of the Mini Implant Procedure

There are many benefits of the mini implant procedure.

Mini dental implants are:

• More affordable: Their small size and streamlined placement process often reduce the need for additional surgical procedures, making them a cost-effective tooth replacement option.
• Less invasive: Their small, one-piece design allows for a simpler placement process with minimal impact on surrounding tissue.
• Faster: The mini implant procedure is so quick and easy that Dr. Magno can get you sorted with a temporary restoration in a single appointment.
• Immediately stable: Thanks to their immediate loading capability, mini implants can often support a restoration right after placement, so you can leave the office with new teeth the same day.

Recovery after a mini implant procedure is typically quick because the process doesn’t require gum incisions. This minimally invasive approach, combined with the strength and stability of mini implants, has delivered outstanding results. In fact, the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry reports patient success rates as high as 99% following the mini implant procedure.

Ask Dr. Rose Magno About the Mini Implant Procedure Today!

Dr. Magno can help you get the most out of your dental prosthetics with mini implants. Her procedure is simple, effective, and affordable. She is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, as well as a board-certified diplomate of the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants. With this level of training and experience, you can feel confident trusting Dr. Magno with your mini implant treatment.

Contact us today at San Francisco East Bay Mini Dental Implants via text with any questions you have regarding mini implants. We’re eager to get you the sharp, stable, satisfying smile you deserve.