Mini Dental Implant FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are mini dental implants?
• How can mini dental implants help denture wearers?
• How are mini dental implants placed?
• Is the mini dental implant approved by the FDA?
• Are mini dental implants expensive?

What are mini dental implants?

Mini dental implants are individual titanium posts that stabilize and provide a more secure fit for a denture. The MDI system consists of a miniature titanium 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 that contains a rubber O-ring. The O-ring snaps over the ball when the denture is seated and holds the denture at a predetermined level of force. When seated, the denture gently rests on the gum tissue.

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How can mini dental implants help denture wearers?

Denture wearers often have difficulty feeling confident that their denture will firmly stay in place in their mouth without becoming loose or floating. For patients that are having this difficulty, denture implants will give you a sensation that you can eat and speak confidently, as if you had your natural teeth. This is especially helpful for the lower denture.

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How are mini dental implants placed?

Denture implants are inserted into the top ridge of your jaw. This is a relatively painless, non-invasive procedure that can be performed by a general dentist. Your denture is then carefully adjusted by the dentist to allow it to snap onto the implants. The result? A tight-fitting, completely reliable system that allows you to speak and eat with confidence. These implants are placed in about an hour's time.

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Is the mini dental implant approved by the FDA?

Yes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved mini dental implants for the long-term stabilization of a denture in 2003. MDI has been used for over 30 years by dentists, and after providing satisfactory technical and clinical evidence to the FDA that the product was safe and had beneficial attributes, the FDA granted its formal consent.

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Are mini dental implants expensive?

Traditional dental implants can cost between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the system that is used. Mini dental implants generally cost 50-70% less. Contact our practice to learn more about our fees.

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