Mini dental implants are ultra-small diameter (l.8 millimeter width), biocompatible titanium alloy implant screws, conceived and designed over 20 years ago by a dentist, Victor I. Sendax, DDS. Dr. Sendax originally created the unique design of this unique dental product as a transitional device to help support fixed bridge replacements for lost teeth. His novel theory was that mini implants could function free standing by themselves or in combination with natural tooth supports and/or larger conventional type dental implants. This was a revolutionary concept in dental science.
Is the Mini Dental Implant FDA approved? Yes. FDA has deemed the product was safe for public use and in fact stated its beneficial attributes. The FDA granted its formal consent to market the Mini Dental Implant device not only as a transitional or temporary dental product, but significantly, as a long-term item.
When can Mini Dental Implants be used? When critically needed for support purposes, and where solid bony adaptation (integration) has clearly occurred, mini implants can function as long-term supporting structures rather than as short-term or medium term devices. In fact, some have been successfully functioning in patients' jaws for several decades. In the past several years, some clinicians have been utilizing MDI's for single tooth replacements and in crown and bridge cases.
What's the primary and most effective use for Mini Dental Implants? The most effective use of this unique dental product is stabilization of a lower denture. There are approximately 50,000,000 people in the United States who are "edentulous" (literally meaning lacking teeth) who struggle daily with prosthetic devices. A majority suffer a great deal of discomfort as a result of loose or ill-fitting dentures. Many denture wearers simply withdraw from any type of social engagement as a result of being compelled to wear them. Moreover, it's not uncommon for family members to complain about a denture wearer's disagreeable breath as a result of food being trapped and decaying under their denture prosthesis. Successful placement of the Mini Dental Implant addresses and solves all of these social and practical problems. Denture patients all over the world have experienced relief from loose or ill-fitting dentures from doctors who are trained to place the MDI. Uniquely, the MDI can be utilized to stablilze a denture in a couple of hours by a trained doctor, with the patient leaving the clinic with a stabilized prosthesis..
How specifically can Mini Dental Implants help denture wearers? The standard insertion protocol for mini dental implants calls for four of them to be gently screwed into the front of a patient's lower jaw. This is a relatively painless procedure that can be performed by a general dentist, requiring only a mild anesthesia. The mini dental implants, which are approximately the size of wooden toothpicks, are placed about five millimeters apart in the patient's mandible. The patient's denture is then carefully adjusted by the dentist to allow it to snap onto the four mini implants. The result? A tight fitting, completely reliable system that allows a patient to speak and eat with confidence. The Mini Dental Implants are placed in about an hour's time. Because of the unique, minimally invasive procedure, the minute size of the implants, and the characteristic placement area, the typical Mini Dental Implant patient can enjoy a light meal an hour or so after having the mini implants placed. Further,a denture patient who has had his or her prosthesis stabilized with MDI can remove and replae the denture easily after a little practice, and can easily utilize good dental hygiene. All in all, the MDI is quite satisfying.
Dr. Munira Lokhandwala has trained with IMTEC MDI and is certified to place mini-implants. Call us at 510-795-7786 to setup a free consultation appointment.
After readiing the information on Dr. Munira's website I came in for a consultation. Dr. Munira did a very comprehensive review and gave me several very good options. I had previous crown and bridge restorations in my mouth with metallic margins and discolorations which I wanted to fix. Also, I was not satisfied with my front teeth and smile. My previous consultations had resulted in recommendations for removal of the previous restorations and cosmetic makeover with a very high cost. Dr. Munira informed me that my existing restorations where of the highest quality and then gave me the latest options using Rembrandt Cerinate which could be placed on my existing restorations for improving the cosmetic appearance. This was giving me the highest level of care and at a much lower cost. We used the same Cerinate veneers for my front teeth. I was extremely pleased with the results. Dr. Lokhandwala is a professional dentist, an excellent listener, and is up to date on the latest in dentistry. Also she has just the most wonderful and warm personality. It has been a pleasure working with her.