Costa Rica [Dental Clinic with 90% clients from Abroad]
El Salvador [US Board-Certified Dental Surgeon & Implantologist]
India [US JCI-Accredited hospital & a Clinic run by Board-Certified Dentist]
Mexico [Reputed Dentist in Various Locations]
Mini dental implant (MDI) is an FDA-approved, easy and cost-effective method developed in the 1980s. It uses tiny implants (1.8 to 2 mm diameter and lengths of 10, 13, 15 and 18mm for IMTEC implants) in place of traditional dental implants to fix dentures on the lower jaw. Because of the smaller size, the mini dental implant procedure is far less troublesome for the patient. What’s more, the procedure is much more affordable than traditional implants. The cost of mini dental implants abroad is significantly lower in countries like India, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Mexico for the same level of cutting-edge technical expertise.
Mini Dental Implant Procedure
The 2mm wide titanium implant works like the root of a tooth in that it holds the denture in place. The ball-shaped head of the implant is connected to the denture using a socket-like fixture. As these implants are smaller than conventional implants, MDI procedure is usually a matter of a couple of hours – the patient can go home and have the usual dinner the same evening!
The first step is to create places for the implants (six are needed on an average) on the jawbone using drills. Next, the implants are inserted in place and tightened. In the final step, the accurate and comfortable fitting of the implants is ensured. Often, MDI can be used with existing dentures, as long as the patient’s oral health and condition of the implant are satisfactory.
Who is a Candidate for Mini Dental Implants?
Almost anyone with weak gums and in need of dental implants can go for mini dental implants. On the other hand, mini dental implants are not advised in the following situations:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- History of radiation treatment for cancer (this does not include X-rays for diagnostics)
- Substance abuse
- Immuno-suppression
Patients with the following conditions may suffer complications or failure with MDIs.
- Heavy smoking/drinking habits
- Sjorgren’s syndrome
- Alzheimer’s disease
- People who clench/grind their teeth
- Young persons in their growing years
Some dentists are of the view that mini dental implants are not meant for permanent use and advocate a more prudent approach till adequate research is conducted.
If you do not wish to go for mini or regular dental implants, you may consider options like partial or full dentures or dental bridges. Partial dentures work for persons who have some remaining teeth. A partial denture replaces missing teeth. It is held in place using clips or other devices. If you have teeth adjacent to the affected tooth, a bridge is another option. There are several types of bridges.
Mini Dental Implants vs. Regular Dental Implants
Mini Dental Implants have many advantages over regular dental implants:
- MDIs are much smaller than conventional implants (2 mm as against 4mm- 5.75mm for conventional implants), so it takes less drilling of the jawbones.
- MDI surgery is minimally invasive. The surgery does not usually need cutting of gums and removal of stitches afterwards.
- Trauma to jaw bone, bleeding, chances for injury, post-surgical discomfort are all minimized.
- Mini dental implant failures and complications are very rare.
- Due to their smaller size, mini dental implants can also be used when the site for implantation is too narrow for a regular implant.
- Quite often, only local sedation of the implant site is needed in the case of MDIs.
- The MDI procedure is quick and can be completed in one sitting as opposed to conventional implants which require several visits to the dentist.
- MDIs cost less than conventional dental implants (average cost of conventional implants is between $2,000 and $4,500) by at least 30%. It is further cheaper in countries like Mexico, India and Costa Rica, without any compromise on quality.
Cost of Mini Dental Implants Abroad in Costa Rica, Mexico, El Savador, and India
In the US, mini dental implants can cost an average of $1,500-$3,000. The actual costs could vary, depending on the treatment needs of the patient. When you need an implant, find out if you can avail dental implant insurance and what the company’s terms are. If the terms of insurance like waiting period and cost do not suit you, it makes sense to look for cheap dental implants abroad.
Countries like Costa Rica, Mexico, El Salvador, and India have high-level expertise in implant dentistry. Today these countries are much sought after destinations for people for whom a dental implant could remain a distant dream due to high costs in their home country or unavailability of dental implant insurance. A visit to Costa Rica, Mexico, El Salvador, or India for mini dental implants can serve more than one purpose.
First off, the patient can get a high quality implant done with a reputable mini dental implant company/surgeon at very affordable prices. Since the process is fairly non-invasive, recuperation does not take much time. Same day dental implants in Costa Rica are very common. This way the visit doubles up as a pleasure trip to an exotic location.
The costs of mini dental implants abroad vary according to factors like the geographic location, specific needs of the patient and materials used. As a general principle, you can expect to save in the range of 35-60% of what it costs in USA when you get mini dental implants abroad. However this does not involve any lowering of the quality of treatment. Dental surgeons in Mexico, India, El Salvador, and Costa Rica are no less than their peers in the western countries when it comes to qualification and experience. The dental experts in these countries speak good English and there won’t be any communication issues.
Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates affordable mini dental implants in Mexico, Costa Rica, and India. Fill out the free estimate request form for a free quote & more information.
