Remarkable Mini Dental Implants – or MDIs – have changed how people think about dental implants. Old-fashioned implants called for surgery and often bone grafts as well as many office visits. Today’s MDIs eliminate the necessity for a big surgery and can be handled in just one visit. They are the perfect choice for stabilizing full-arch dentures and more.
Understanding MDIs
Mini dental implant system utilizes a self-tapping threaded screw design and employs minimally invasive surgical intervention
Mini dental implants are the latest technology in implants: very small titanium implants designed to take the place of a natural tooth root better than older, bigger choices and with reduced healing time. In most brands and models, the exposed part of the implant is rounded and fits into a retaining mechanism for holding prosthetic teeth so that they hover just above the gums. Unlike unfixed dentures, implant-supported dentures can withstand more than the necessary amount of force for biting and chewing.
These implants to support dentures are perfect for patients who have had problems with regular dentures and need an alternative that doesn’t involve extensive surgery. A primary advantage of mini dental implants from a San Diego Dentist Association member is that they work even if you have significant bone loss, which can make larger implants impossible to place.
Depending on the bone available in your jaw and other factors, four or more mini implants can be placed without surgery in a single visit, and that’s enough to support an entire upper or lower arch. For traditional single-tooth implants, invasive surgery and multiple visits are necessary, adding to discomfort, dental visits and cost.
Among the advantages of visiting a caring, professional SDDA dentist for mini dental implants are these:
- Better, easier to understand speech
- Greater ease of chewing
- Simpler, more effective cleaning
- A better fit than unsupported dentures
- Increased comfort
- No need for adhesives
- Less chance of food lodging under dentures
- Permanent results
- And more.
How Mini Dental Implants Are Placed
Mini dental implant placement usually takes an hour or perhaps less. For the best results and stability, the four implants are inserted about 5 mm apart. Before the day of the procedure, the dentist will want you to do a dental visit so they can use some diagnostic tools to determine the right MDI placement.
The actual procedure is done under local anesthetic only and involves drilling small holes in the bone at each implant position. The implants are essentially screwed into the holes and tightened. Special tools made for the purpose make this process a breeze for your dentist and for you.
A rubber O-ring on each mini dental implant snaps perfectly into place in the corresponding holes of the dental prosthetic that is made for you. The denture rests just millimeters above the gums comfortably, securely, and permanently – except when removed for cleaning or any needed repairs.
You will have very little discomfort and can probably eat just fine right after the procedure, although you will need to avoid tough food for a few days. To learn more about MDIs, now’s the time to reach out to a San Diego Dentist Association member.