What is the minimum amount of space in mm needed for implants?

Question

I am 23 and have had braces twice to make space for implants on either side of my two front teeth. I now wear a retainer with two pontics. My dentist is now saying that there still is not enough space. I refuse to go back into braces a 3rd time when I know later I will have to pay for bone graphs and then pay for the implants themselves. What is the minimum amount of space in mm needed? I have about 3mm of space, but dentist says I need 5mm. Have narrower implants been made?

H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD · Answer

Hello3 mm is indeed inadequate and it is best to achieve 5 mm as mentioned below. Mini implants are thinner, but are not designed for long term support and not advised.

Victor Sanz, DDS · Answer

The smallest implants are 3mm in diameter.  Your dentist is correct because you need at least a millimeter or more between the implant and teeth for blood circulation.  Otherwise you can lose the implant and your teeth.  You need to see your orthodontist and tell him/her there is inadequate space created.

Paul Newitt, BSc, DMD, AFAAID - Account Suspended · Answer

Th simple answer for your situation is at least 6mm between opposing teeth but there are many other considerations that have to be taken into account before a long term successful implant can be planned for you. Years of studies on implants have provided a solid guide for what works and what doesn't when it comes to implants. Most of the failures of implants tend to occur when these guidelines are ignored or violated. While it is very simple to say that the minimum space required for an implant is 5 or 6mm, there are many other factors that have to be taken into consideration. The minimal amount of space depends on the situation the implant is being placed in. so minimum space will change depending on where the implant is being placed and what condition exists in terms of existing bone, teeth, and gums.3mm is definitely not enough space for an implant in terms of distance between the other teeth. As one dentist has pointed out, ideally 1.5mm is required on either side of the implant to allow for proper tissue health, especially in the aesthetic areas of your mouth where they can be seen when you smile. So a 3mm minimum implant with 1.5 on each side is 6mm. Thickness of the bone is also essential because if there is not enough thickness you could end up with the implant coming through the bone (dehiscence) facially (in the front) Depth of bone, root position of the other teeth, sinus position, gingival (gum) thickness and shape etc are all extremely important in success of your implant and determining minimum size of your implant , in both width and length, and type of implant. Make sure you have someone who is very familiar with implants before moving ahead and consider the possibility that an implant my not be the best treatment for your situation. There are alternatives and you don't want to jump into something that may not be ideal for your situation and possibly cause more complications.

What is the minimum amount of space in mm needed for implants?

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What is the minimum amount of space in mm needed for implants?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.