implant types guide
Mini dental implants: a simpler way to secure your denture
Mini dental implants are narrow posts, 3 mm wide or less, that can hold a loose denture firmly in place. Because they are smaller, they often need less bone and less surgery than standard implants. This guide explains who they suit and how the procedure works. It also covers what they cost in Ontario and how long they last.
3 mm wide or less
Often placed in one visit
From $1,500 per implant
The basics
What are mini dental implants?
A quick, plain-language answer before the details below.
Mini dental implants are one-piece titanium posts with a diameter of 3 mm or less. Standard implants, by comparison, are usually 3.5 to 5 mm wide. Each mini implant has a small ball on top that clips into your denture.
Most often, dentists use mini implants to stop a lower denture from slipping. In fact, four mini implants can often secure a lower denture in a single visit. They can also replace a small tooth in a narrow space, such as a lower front tooth.
Less invasive
Smaller posts often go in with minimal surgery and faster healing.
Needs less bone
A good option when bone is too thin for standard implants.
Lower cost
Securing a denture with mini implants usually costs less than standard implants.
Candidacy
Are you a candidate for mini dental implants?
Mini implants suit a specific group of patients. Here is the short version, plus where to go for the full picture.
Mini implants work best for people with a loose lower denture who want a simpler, lower-cost fix. They also suit patients whose jawbone is too narrow for standard implants. Likewise, they can help patients whose health makes a longer surgery risky.
However, mini implants are not ideal for everyone. Because they are thinner, they handle less biting force than standard implants. As a result, your dentist may recommend standard implants for back teeth, heavy biters, or fixed bridges.
Often a good fit if you
- Wear a loose lower denture
- Have narrow bone and want to avoid grafting
- Want a shorter, less invasive procedure
- Need a small tooth replaced in a tight space
Talk to us first if you
- Grind or clench your teeth heavily
- Want fixed, non-removable teeth
- Need an upper denture secured
- Smoke heavily or have uncontrolled diabetes
The procedure
How mini dental implants are placed, step by step
From your first scan to a secure denture, here is what each stage involves.
1. Consultation
A 3D CBCT scan measures your bone, so your dentist can plan where each mini implant will go.
2. Placement
Under local anesthetic, your dentist places the mini implants, often with minimal surgery. Most placements take a single visit.
3. Denture fitting
Your dentist fits small metal housings into your denture so it clips onto each implant. Often, this happens the same day.
4. Healing
Over the next few months, the implants fuse with your bone. You may need softer foods at first.
5. Follow-up
We check the fit and replace the rubber O-rings inside your denture when they wear. That keeps the snap firm over time.
Comparing your options
Mini vs. standard dental implants
Both anchor to your jawbone. The difference is size, strength, and cost.
Standard implants are wider and stronger, so they handle more biting force and last longer on average. Mini implants, on the other hand, need less bone and less surgery. For a loose lower denture, many patients find that trade-off worthwhile. For fixed teeth or back molars, however, standard implants are usually the better choice.
Mini implants
- Needs less bone, often no grafting
- Less invasive, faster healing
- Lower total cost for a lower denture
- Lower survival rate and more maintenance
Standard implants
- Higher long-term survival
- Handles full biting force
- Supports fixed bridges and full arches
- Often needs more bone or grafting
Cost
How much do mini dental implants cost in Ontario?
Mini dental implants in Ontario typically cost $1,500 to $3,000 per implant. Most lower dentures need four mini implants, so securing one usually runs $6,000 to $10,000. By comparison, a snap-in denture on two standard implants typically costs $10,000 to $14,000.
OHIP does not cover dental implants. Still, many private plans cover part of the denture work. We also offer financing from $99 per month.
Typical Ontario range
$1,500 to $3,000
Per mini implant
$6,000 to $10,000
Lower denture on 4 mini implants
Long-term outcomes
How long do mini dental implants last?
Mini dental implants hold up well, although not quite as well as standard implants. For example, a 2025 meta-analysis pooled 39 studies and 3,787 mini implants supporting dentures. It found a 91.4% survival rate at seven years. Moreover, lower-jaw implants did better than upper-jaw ones, at 92.3% versus 87.1% after five years.
By comparison, a review of randomized trials found 89% to 98% survival for mini implants. Standard implants reached 99% to 100%. Still, quality of life improved about equally with either type. Keep in mind that mini implant dentures need more frequent upkeep, such as replacing worn O-rings.
Sources: Clinical and radiographic outcomes of mini-implant-retained maxillary and mandibular overdentures: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Clinical Oral Investigations, PMC
Retention of mandibular complete overdentures using mini dental implants and standard diameter implants: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs, Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry, PMC
91.4%
seven-year survival across 3,787 mini implants
92.3%
five-year survival in the lower jaw
FAQ
Mini dental implant questions, answered
Straight answers to what patients ask us most.
Are mini dental implants as good as regular implants?
For securing a lower denture, they work well and cost less. However, standard implants last longer on average and handle more biting force. Your dentist will recommend the right option for your mouth.
Can I get mini implants if I have bone loss?
Often, yes. Because mini implants are narrow, they can fit bone that is too thin for standard implants. That often means you can skip bone grafting.
Does the procedure hurt?
Most patients feel only pressure, since placement happens under local anesthetic. Mild soreness for a day or two is common.
Can I use my existing denture?
Often, yes. If your denture fits well, your dentist can add attachments to it. Otherwise, you will need a new one.
Will insurance cover mini dental implants?
OHIP does not cover implants. However, many private plans cover part of the denture work. We check your benefits for free at your consultation.
How do I care for mini implants?
Take your denture out every night and clean it. Then brush gently around each implant. Regular checkups let us replace worn O-rings before your denture loosens.