Mini-implant Procedure

May 8, 2014

If you are considering mini-implants as an option to regain your missing teeth, it would be good to have an idea of how the procedure might take place at your Columbia SC dental clinic. Unlike traditional implants, mini-implants take a shorter time to complete and there’s even a treatment that allows a patient to have a full set of mini-implants done in just one day!

Mini-implant Procedure: Then and Now

The speed of a mini-implant procedure has a lot to do with hi-tech dental scanners and the size of mini-implants. It used to be that when a person needed to get implants, he’d have to go for several visits to a South Carolina dentist. The visits would involve checkups, treatment planning, and a series of operations/oral surgeries.

On top of that, he’d have to wait for several months for the previous surgery to heal before he can go back to his dentist for the rest of the implants. All in all, it could take 6 to 18 months for the whole procedure to finish.

With mini-implants, a South Carolina dentist can do all the checkups and treatment planning in just 2-3 visits (consultation, treatment planning, and actual surgery). An example of this procedure is the All-on-Four treatment, which uses 3-D scanners that produce three-dimensional images of the patient’s teeth and jaw. A dentist could complete the actual implant surgery in just one afternoon. The total length of the mini-implant procedure will still depend on the individual dental health condition of a patient, but if there are no problems, an All-on-Four treatment could be done in just 2-3 visits to your South Carolina dentist.

Advantages of Mini-implants

Besides the shorter treatment period, mini-implants are also very ideal for people who do not have enough jawbone density to support traditional implants. Since the implant posts are less than 3mm in size, they can be securely placed into a person’s jawbone even if its thinner than average.

Mini-implants are also less expensive than traditional implants costing only about $2,000 to $4,000. They also need less healing time, usually just 3-8 weeks.

For a professional consultation about mini-implants, please call Total Dental Care of South Carolina at 803-272-4162.

Woman smiling, wearing elf ears, with text:

How Holiday Foods Affect Your Teeth and How to Stay Protected

By Total Dental Care of South Carolina • December 1, 2025
Holiday gatherings often mean more sweets and acidic drinks. Find out how to protect enamel, prevent cavities, and maintain oral health with guidance from Total Dental Care of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina, keeping your smile strong all season.
Smiling child with text

Sealants for Kids: A Strong Defense Against Cavities

By Total Dental Care of South Carolina • November 15, 2025
Learn how dental sealants act as a strong barrier against plaque and decay. At Total Dental Care of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina, parents gain insight into how sealants protect molars, encourage healthy habits, and help maintain brighter, stronger smiles.
Young girl smiling with braids, dental checkup graphic on background.

Dental Checkups for Kids: How Often Should They Go?

By Total Dental Care of South Carolina • November 1, 2025
Regular dental visits are essential for children’s oral health and confidence. Learn how often kids should visit the dentist and how Total Dental Care of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina, makes every appointment fun, comfortable, and preventive to keep growing smiles healthy and strong year-round.
More Posts