The versatile and minimally invasive mini and narrow diameter implants: A case series

Abstract

ABSTRACT The awareness and demand for implants as a treatment option have put the onus on the dentist to adapt to the patient’s requirements. Standard diameter implants cannot be placed in all situations due to limited bone volume, altered systemic status of patients, or financial constraints. Mini and narrow-diameter implants may be a reliable alternative in such circumstances. They have demonstrated good success and survival rates for the replacement of maxillary lateral incisor, mandibular anterior teeth, maxillary or mandibular posterior teeth when the occlusal load is favorable, and maxillary or mandibular overdentures. Splinting these mini implants has been shown to decrease the stresses on the bone and improve the load-bearing capacity. The three cases described here validate the usefulness of mini implants where standard diameter implants were not feasible.