Mini Implants

Mini implants, or denture stabilization implants, are used in dentistry to aid in denture retention. They are titanium posts that are screwed into the ridge and act as "roots". The head of the post is shaped like a ball that will fit into a corresponding housing on the denture. This allows the denture to "snap" in place and give a much better fit. Well-fitting dentures allow the patient better speech and chewing function. 

Placement of the implants is accomplished quickly and easily in a process performed in the dentist's office, with local anesthesia. Using a precise, controlled, minimally invasive surgical technique, Mini Dental Implants are placed into the jawbone. The heads of the implants protrude from the gum tissue and provide a strong, solid foundation for securing your dentures. It is a one-step procedure that involves minimal invasive surgery, no sutures nor the typical months of healing.

Is your loose denture causing you to:

• miss out on life’s simple pleasures?
• miss eating your favorite foods, like steak or corn on the cob?
• be afraid to laugh, smile or speak in public?

It’s time to enhance your life with the MDI Denture Stabilization System!

What will my first day be like?

Leave the denture in place for the first 48 hours after MDI Mini Dental Implants are placed. You may experience minor bleeding. If excessive bleeding occurs, contact your dentist or healthcare provider. There will be mild discomfort, but this should be minimal and controlled by the pain medication you have been given. If needed, take the pain medication only as directed. The denture should feel secure. You may eat as soon as you wish to, but avoid excessively hard or sticky foods for a period recommended by your dentist. Upon removing the denture, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash. 3M also recommends using an ACCESS toothbrush. It has been specifically designed to clean your implants and gently stimulate the surrounding gum tissue.

How do I place and remove my dentures?

The implants and the O-ring fixtures must be clean and free from debris. Grasp the denture with both hands and lightly seat the denture, feeling that the O-rings are resting above the ball head of the implants, then press down firmly and equally on both sides. Make sure that you feel the implant heads easily fitting each O-ring. You will feel the denture snap into place. If you have trouble seating your denture, first make sure that the implants and denture are absolutely clean. Second, make sure that you feel the implants resting over each socket. A light touch will give you the best results. Remember to push downward equally on both sides. If you are still experiencing difficulty, see if a spouse or family member can assist you in placing the denture.

To remove the denture, place your thumbs under each side of the lower denture rim and push both sides upward at the same time. The tongue can also assist in this simple removal process.

What about care and maintenance?

You must brush and clean the ball of the implants as if they were your natural teeth. As with natural teeth, food and bacterial debris (plaque) must be removed after meals. If not removed, the plaque will cause inflammation of the gums and can be forced into the O-ring fixtures, causing improper seating and loss of retention. The O-ring fixtures must also be cleaned out. The ACCESS toothbrush has been specifically designed for optimum cleaning of the implant fixtures. Ultrasonic cleaners are ideal for ensuring that the retaining fixtures are kept clean and free from food impaction and debris. Use either mouthwash or a 50-50 peroxide solution in the ultrasonic cleaner. A “water pick” may also be used to rinse out the denture fixtures. If the denture does not remain firmly in place, call your dentist and inform him/her of your problems. Your dentist will determine your appropriate checkup. At that time, the condition of the implant, your gums and the O-rings will be evaluated and properly maintained. Do not use effervescent cleansers, as these may deteriorate O-rings.

What is the MDI Denture Stabilization System?

The MDI system consists of a miniature titanium alloy implant that acts like the root of your tooth and a retaining fixture that is incorporated into the base of your denture. The head of the implant is shaped like a ball, and the retaining fixture acts like a socket with a rubber O-ring. The O-ring snaps over the ball when the denture is seated and holds the denture firmly in place. When seated, the denture gently rests on the gum tissue. The implant fixtures allow for micro-mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces.

How are MDI Mini Dental Implants placed?

Placement of the implants can usually be done during a 2-hour appointment in your dentist’s office with local anesthesia. Using a precise, controlled, minimally invasive surgical technique, MDI Mini Dental Implants are placed into the jawbone. The heads of the implants protrude from the gum tissue and provide a strong, solid foundation for securing your dentures. Because of the minimally invasive nature of this procedure, the healing period for most patients is shorter than that of traditional implants—meaning dentures can be stabilized the same day the MDI mini dental implants are placed. Typical results may vary depending on the clinical case. As with any procedure, potential risks may be involved. Ask your dentist if mini dental implants are right for you.

How do mini dental implants broaden your options?

Dental implant therapy has been one of the most significant advances in dentistry in the past 25 years. Hundreds of thousands of grateful denture patients have experienced the immediate improvement in their quality of life and confidence that long-term denture stability brings. Several different types of implants and restorations are available. The choice depends upon the amount of bone available, your general health, and restoration preference. Please discuss potential risks and benefits with your dentist. Mini dental implants revolutionized dentistry with the introduction of a minimally invasive treatment plan for denture stabilization. These small-diameter implants (around 2 mm diameter) enable your dentist to broaden the spectrum of patients who can be treated.

The MDI Denture Stabilization System was developed to provide greater denture stability for you when you:

• can’t withstand the rigors of conventional implant surgery, 
• don’t have enough bone to allow for full-sized implants to be placed, or
• are seeking an option with a lower cost than traditional implant treatment.