Dental Implants - Because You Deserve an Amazing Smile!

At Shenandoah Family Dentistry we can have the mini implants placed in less than two hours, then you can go out and enjoy your favorite meal. You will be able to eat comfortably, laugh and talk with confidence. Your implant will feel secure and is being held firmly in place. All of this is available at an extremely affordable price.

How Do Mini Dental Implants Broaden My 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 dental implants bring. Several different types of implants and restorations are available. The choice depends upon the amount of bone available, the patient's general health, and restoration preference. Discuss the options that will work best for you with one of the dentists at Shenandoah Family Dentistry.

Mini dental implants revolutionized dentistry with the introduction of a minimally invasive treatment plan for denture stabilization. These small diameter implants (around 2mm diameter) enable your dentist to broaden the spectrum of patients that can be treated. The MDI Denture Stabilization System was developed in order to provide greater denture stability for those patients who cannot withstand the rigors of conventional implant surgery, who do not have enough bone to allow for full sized implants to be placed or those that are seeking an option with a lower cost than traditional implant treatment.

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 slight mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces.

How Are Mini Dental Implants Placed at Shenandoah Family Dentistry

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. MDI 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, MDI placement doesn't require a lengthy healing period, meaning dentures can often be stabilized the same day the mini implants are placed. 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 & Maintenance?

You must brush and clean the ball of the implants as it 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 fixtures, causing improper seating and loss of retention. The fixtures must also be cleaned out.

The ACCESS toothbrush has been designed for optimum cleaning of the dental implant fixtures. Ultrasonic cleaners are ideal for insuring 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-Pic" may also be used to rinse out the denture fixtures. Do not use effervescent cleansers, as these may deteriorate the O-rings.

What Will My First Day Be Like?

Leave the denture in place for 48 hours alter MDI placement. You should not experience any excessive bleeding. There will be some 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 ESPE also recommends using an ACCESS toothbrush. It has been specifically designed to clean your dental implants and gently stimulate the surrounding gum tissue.

How Do I Place and Remove My Dentures?

The implants and the 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 your new dental implants.