Mini implants

Mini implants have a much narrower post than standard implants. Because of their size, they can sometimes fit in a thin ridge where a standard implant would not, and placement may need less cutting. A study in the NIH library notes that when a patient has poor bone volume, several mini implants may be used to retain a denture. They are used mainly to hold a denture in place, as with an overdenture. They are thinner, so they may bear less chewing force than standard dental implants. Your dentist will talk with you about the choices and their limits. See implant-supported denture and bone density.