
Dental Code 6013: Surgical placement of mini implant
Dental implants are an effective treatment option for replacing missing teeth. One type of implant that is growing in popularity is the mini dental implant. Code D6013 specifically refers to the surgical placement of a mini dental implant.
What is a Mini Dental Implant?
A mini dental implant is a smaller version of a traditional dental implant. Traditional implants are typically around 3.5-6 mm in diameter and 8-13 mm in length. Mini implants are much smaller, usually around 2 mm in diameter and between 6-10 mm in length. Their smaller size allows them to be placed in areas where bone volume may be limited.
When do I need a Mini Implant?
Mini implants can be a good option for patients who do not have adequate bone width or height for standard-sized implants. They are sometimes used when only a single tooth or a few teeth need to be replaced. Mini implants may also be considered for patients who cannot afford the cost of standard implants or need a faster, less invasive treatment option. As with any implant procedure, a comprehensive exam and X-rays are needed to determine if mini implants are a suitable treatment choice.
Surgical Placement of Mini Implants (D6013)
If it is determined that mini implants can successfully replace missing teeth, the dentist will schedule the surgical placement procedure coded as D6013. Like standard implant placement, it is considered an osseointegrated procedure as the implant fuses with the jawbone.
During the procedure, which is done under local anesthesia, the dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone. Using specialized mini implant drills and instruments, a precise hole is then drilled into the bone at the desired site. The mini implant is carefully threaded into the hole. Specialized templates or guides may be used to ensure proper alignment and position of multiple mini implants when replacing several teeth.
Once placed, the mini implant is left to integrate or fuse with the bone over a period of 3-6 months. During healing, a small cover screw is placed over the implant to protect the internal connection from oral bacteria. The overlying gum tissue is also closed with sutures. Post-operative medications and instructions are provided to manage pain and minimize risks of infection as the implants heal.
Anesthesia and Incisions
Like all dental implant procedures, local anesthesia is administered to numb the surgical site and provide pain management. Lidocaine or similar anesthetics are injected.
Gum Incisions
Using a small scalpel, the dentist makes tiny incisions in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone at the placement sites. The incisions are just large enough to access the bone with specialized mini implant drills and tools.
Implant Site Preparation: Bone drilling
A series of mini drills create precise pilot holes into the jawbone matching the diameter and depth of the implants to be placed. Drills are spun at high speeds while irrigated with sterile saline to prevent overheating of the bone.
Implant Threading
The mini implants, contained in sterile vials, are manually inserted into the pilot holes and carefully threaded into the bone using a sharpener tool. Specialized templates may assist proper angulation and position of multiple implants.
Healing Phase
Cover screws are threaded onto the implants beneath the gums. Sutures close the soft tissue incisions. Post-operative care focuses on pain management, limiting physical activity, and adhering to medication and hygiene protocols during integration of the implants with surrounding jawbone over 3-6 months.
Mini Implants second procedure
After sufficient bone integration has occurred, the dentist will schedule a second procedure to expose the implants and attach replacement teeth. Any cover screws are removed and healing abutments are placed to bring the mini implant connections up through the gum tissue. Impressions are then taken to fabricate an implant-supported bridge, denture, or single crown(s).
At a following appointment, the prosthetics are carefully fitted and cemented or screwed into place, thus "loading" the mini implants with replacement teeth. Adjustments are made as needed and a soft diet with thorough cleaning around the implants is recommended during initial healing.
Summary of Dental Code D6013: Surgical placement of mini implant
Dental code D6013 refers to surgically placing mini dental implants. Mini implants are smaller than standard implants at only 2mm wide and 6-10mm long, allowing placement in areas lacking sufficient bone width. During the procedure, small incisions are made to expose the bone. Implant sites are precisely drilled and implants are threaded into place using specialized instruments. After 3-6 months of healing, abutments are fitted to attach replacement crowns, bridges or dentures. Studies show over 95% success after one year when mini implants are properly placed and loaded to replace a limited number of missing teeth.
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