Mini-Implants for Dentures
Dr. Davis is committed to educating denture wearers and their families and friends
about mini-implants because he has seen mini-implants drastically improve people's lives.
He is a frequent guest speaker in the community and on television about mini-implant technology
and the importance of having dentures done right.
Dr. Davis is available to answer your specific questions, and in the meantime,
here are some general questions that are frequently asked,
which may help you understand more about mini-implants and what they can do for you.
FAQ's about Mini-Implants
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A. A mini-implant is a titanium screw with a round head that is placed into your jaw and an o-ring is placed into your denture to snap your denture securely in place.
A. Placement of the implants is accomplished quickly and easily in a process performed in the dentist's office with just Novocain or if you prefer, we can use oral conscious sedation to help make you more comfortable. A small hole is placed in your gum and the mini-implants are gently screwed into the bone. The heads of the implants protrude from the gum tissue and provide a strong, solid foundation that your denture will actually SNAP tightly on to and secure itself.
A. A simple, easy, quick procedure gives incredible security to your lower denture at a cost that is affordable to everyone.
A. Usually you have an initial consultation, which is at no charge. We explore the treatment options for your specific condition and set the appointment for the mini-implant procedure. The whole procedure itself takes one appointment. It's made easy for you with non-lingering sedation.
A. Unless you have had radiation to your jaw, you are probably a good candidate. Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes are poor risks. We have successfully placed implants in people that have lost nearly all of their lower jaw bone. The ideal candidate is in good general and oral health. The best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease since the mini-implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
A. The mini-implant can be used immediately. The great thing is that the day the mini-implants are placed, you can often attach the denture the same day. A patient's old, loose existing plate can often be used.
A. First, you have an initial consultation, which is at no charge. We explore the treatment options for your specific condition. Then, we set the appointment for the mini-implant procedure. We may be able to place the implants and connect your denture that day. There are occasions when waiting six weeks is advisable.
A. Mini-implants are highly affordable. Four mini-implants can be placed for $2,000. There may be a reline fee if the denture can not be connected to the implants when they are placed.
A. Implants are over 90% successful. That means that 10% will have to be removed. If you choose to attach the denture the day the implants are placed there is a $500 charge to replace any implants that are lost.
A. Mini-implant placement is a simple one-step procedure. Your gums will not be cut open and no sutures are needed. The process is made easy for you with non-lingering sedation and oral conscious sedation. You will walk out of the office and probably have no pain at all.
A. When you go home you can resume all of your normal activities. It is infrequent that people need to take even ibuprofen.
A. We use a unique technique that does not leave your whole jaw numb for hours. This non-lingering Novocain is very pleasing to patients. Also, our staff is highly skilled in helping you feel safe and comfortable. In addition, we offer oral conscious sedation that makes the experience totally comfortable - and you will not remember anything or feel anything that was done in placing the implants.
A. A mini-implant is like putting a screw into a piece of wood. The mini-implants are placed into the jawbone and in a few weeks attach themselves solidly to the bone. Although some people have difficulty removing the lower denture, I haven't had anyone complain that it is too tight.
A. These are mini-implants, they are about 1/3 the size of conventional implants and they can break when they are placed. If one breaks, we simply put another next to the one that broke. Some of the implants get loose and have to be removed. There are times when we will replace lost implants.
A. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your mini-implants, the fit of your dentures and the health of your gums. The o-rings will get loose and will need to be replaced because they do wear out. The more often that you remove and replace your dentures the more frequently you will need to come in to the office and have the o-rings replaced.
A. Yes, a patient's old, loose existing plates can often be used at the same time that mini-implants are placed. If the existing denture is extremely worn, is over 5 years old or has a poor bite, it may be necessary to make new dentures.
A. Usually the upper denture is more secure than the lower denture. Retention for the upper can often be remedied by being properly fit. The mini-implants are far more successful in the dense lower jaw than in the hollow bone of the upper jaw.
A. Lower dentures seem to have more problems and are often called 'floaters' because they literally seem to float in the mouth. The less the ridge a person has, the greater the problem. The lower can cause such embarrassment that some people don't even wear them. People become reclusive and restrict their diets. Loose lower dentures make it so difficult and painful to eat that some people actually become malnourished. Mini-implants really solve the problem of lower dentures.
A. The bone on the upper is just not as dense as the bone in the lower jaw. There isn't as much of a problem with the upper floating as the lower plate.
A. Yes, but this is a rare occasion.
A. Yes, it is conceivable but it is not the purpose that the mini implants were designed for.
If you have any further questions, please call Dr. Davis: |
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