Implant Dentures/Restorations in Modesto and Manteca

The 3M™ Mini Dental Implant (MDI) Denture Stabilization System consists of:

• A metal housings that is incorporated into the base of your denture.
• A rubber O-ring, housed in the metal housings, to provide the seal that locks the pieces into place.
• Mini titanium alloy dental implants, rooted into the jawbone, that act as an anchor to stabilize a lower denture.

The mini dental implant procedure takes place in your dentist’s office, with local anesthesia. Typically, the procedure takes only one appointment and can be completed within 2-hours!

Your dentist uses a precise and controlled technique to insert the small diameter implants (around 2 millimeters wide) into your jawbone.

• With heads that are shaped like a ball, the implants protrude from the gum tissue where they will provide a secure anchor for your dentures.
• Metal housings that carry a rubber O-ring will be inserted into the bottom of your dentures.
• When your dentist seats the dentures on the mini dental implants, the O-ring snaps over the ball like a socket and locks the dentures firmly into place as they gently rest on the gum tissue.

Implants are designed to help your dentures work like natural teeth, allowing easy and comfortable mobility for functions such as eating, talking and laughing.

Because of the minimally invasive nature of the mini dental implant procedure, the MDI placement won’t require you to go through a lengthy healing period.

Within a few days, you’ll be out and about, enjoying a lunch of your favorite foods, talking with ease, laughing and smiling freely. All that time, you’re feeling a new stability in your dentures—secure that they have the staying power you need without messy denture adhesives or creams.

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Questions

Is the MDI Mini Dental Implant placement painful?
Will I have pain after the MDI implant placement?
How long does the procedure take?
What will my first day feel like?
How do I take out the dentures?
How do I put in the dentures?
What if I have trouble putting in the denture?
What about care and maintenance?
How long will mini dental implants (MDI) last?
What happens if an MDI implant fails?
What is the cost to have mini dental implants done?
Are MDI mini dental implants covered by my insurance?

Answers

Is the MDI Mini Dental Implant placement painful?
No, MDI mini dental implants are placed with local anesthetic. Unlike full size implants, MDI implants are usually placed without making an incision in the gum.
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Will I have pain after the MDI implant placement?
You should feel little discomfort, if any, after placement. Generally, any discomfort you do feel will go away within 48 hours. Over the counter pain relievers are usually adequate. If needed, your dentist can prescribe pain medication that will control the discomfort, which you should take as directed.
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How long does the procedure take?
MDI mini dental implants can be placed, and your denture fitted, in about 1 ½ to 2 hours.
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What will my first day feel like?
Your dentures will feel stable and secure. Though there may be some mild discomfort, you should not experience any excessive bleeding. You may eat when you’re hungry, but avoid excessively hard or sticky foods for a period of time recommended by your dentist.
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1. Place your thumbs under each side of the lower denture rim.
2. Push both sides up at the same time. You can also use your tongue to assist in the removal.
3. Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash.
4. 3M™ MDI Mini Dental Implants also recommends using an ACCESS™ toothbrush, which has been specifically designed to clean your implants while gently stimulating the surrounding gum tissue.

1. You must first clean and remove any food and bacterial debris from the ball of the implants and O-ring features.

1. This prevents inflammation of the gums by plaque, which could be forced into the O-ring fixtures and cause improper seating and problems with retaining the dentures in your mouth.

• Grasp the denture with both hands and lightly seat it, so that you are feeling the O-rings resting above the ball head of the implants.
• Press down firmly and equally on both sides, until the denture snaps into place.

What if I have trouble putting in the denture?
Always remember that the implants and the dentures must be absolutely clean. You might need to use a lighter touch to rest each implant over its corresponding socket. When you push down on both sides of the denture, make sure you do so equally. If you still have difficulty, you may need another person, like a spouse or family member, to help you get the feel for placing the denture.
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What about care and maintenance?
Recommends the ACCESS™ toothbrush for brushing and cleaning the implants and O-rings. In addition, ultrasonic cleaners are ideal for ensuring that the metal housings are free from food impaction and debris.

Either mouthwash or 50-50 peroxide-water mixes are good solutions for the ultrasonic cleaner. You can also use a Waterpik® to rinse out the implants and O-rings. Do not use effervescent cleaners, as they might cause the O-rings to deteriorate.

If the dentures do not remain securely in place, contact your dentist to discuss your problems. Your dentist will perform the appropriate checkup and determine the condition and maintenance of your gums, the implants, and the O-rings.
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How long will mini dental implants (MDI) last?
MDI Mini Dental Implants can last as long as full-size implants if cared for properly. Regular visits to your dentist are recommended for long-term success.
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What happens if an MDI implant fails?
Your dentist may choose to place another MDI implant in another site.
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What is the cost to have mini dental implants done?
Typically, the cost to have mini dental implants done will range from $2,800 to $5,000*. Compare that to full-size implants – which can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $30,000* – and you will see that mini dental implants can provide a cost-effective option to stabilize loose dentures.
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*Prices will vary by type of case and location. Based on a mandibular denture case.

Are MDI mini dental implants covered by my insurance?
As with most elective dental procedures, insurance coverage varies widely. If your insurance company does not cover dental implants, ask your dentist about payment plan options.
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