Mini dental implants are tiny titanium posts that resemble small screws. They can be implanted into jawbones to secure dentures or false teeth. The replacement teeth or dentures are fitted with a fixture for the head of the MDI to attach to. The head of the implant will snap into these fixtures to hold the teeth or dentures firmly in place and allow them to rest gently on the gum tissue.

Loose and ill-fitting dentures lead to an array of negative side effects, including difficulty in speaking, eating and self-consciousness. Denture wearers often struggle with adhesives and glues in an effort to find a temporary fix to ill-fitting dentures, but these are often messy and uncomfortable. In addition, long-term ill-fitting dentures can result in significant jaw recession, which causes dentures to fit even more poorly.

There are generally 4 Mini Dental Implants implanted at the front of the lower jaw for the purpose of securing dentures. The procedure is relatively painless and non-invasive, and usually only involves one visit to the dentist. The dentist will identify the ideal placement, drill tiny holes, and secure the Mini Dental Implants into those holes. There is usually no need for sutures or repeat visits.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Mini Dental Implants for the use of securing dentures in 2003. This approval was granted following significant clinical and technical evidence, as well as taking into account its successful use by dentists for over 20 years.

Because the replacement teeth rest gently above the gums when attached to the implants, they look, function and feel just like natural teeth.

Dentists have been successfully using Mini Dental Implants for over three decades, and when an experienced and qualified dentist such as Dr. Boatman performs the procedure, the success rate is extremely high.

The key considerations are your general health and the density of your jawbone, but because of the size of Mini Dental Implants, they are often a viable option for people who do not have the jawbone density necessary for conventional implants. If you are missing teeth as a result of injury, decay or disease, there is a good possibility that you could be a candidate for Mini Dental Implants.

A skilled dentist can minimize the discomfort for patients by using a local anesthetic. Most patients experience very little pain following the procedure, but pain medication is sometimes prescribed if there is significant discomfort.

Because smoking affects circulation, which is a factor in healing, patients who smoke do have a higher likelihood of implant failure. Heavy drinking or other activities that negatively affect patient health can also affect success.

This depends on your specific insurance provider and plan, but certain plans can have coverage extended to cover Mini Dental Implants.

Because every patient is different and proper upkeep is an important factor in Mini Dental Implants durability, it is difficult to guarantee how long Mini Dental Implants will last. If a mini dental implant fails it can be easily removed and a new implant can usually be placed next to the site of the original implant.

Because Mini Dental Implants are smaller than conventional implants, they are created with a special titanium alloy increasing their strength. Clinical trials have demonstrated the reliability and longevity of mini dental implants, which act just like your natural teeth roots, except these are made from titanium.

Your age should not be a factor in your eligibility for MDIs, as long as you are in good health and have adequate jawbone density; you should be a good candidate. Because of the ease and affordability of MDIs it is often a good option for seniors. Patients with severe osteoporosis or compromised bone density may experience difficulties with implant procedures.