Mini Dental Implants

Mini Dental Implants

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Dental Implants

Why Are They Called "Mini" Dental Implants?

“Mini Dental Implants” are actually a popular nickname for “Small Diameter Dental Implants”. There are also “Conventional Dental Implants” sometimes called “Root Form Implants”.

What is primary difference between “Mini Dental Implants” and “Conventional Dental Implants”?

The difference is the diameter of the implant. Conventional Implants have a diameter range 3.25 millimeters to 7 millimeters. Mini Dental Implants have a diameter range 2.0 millimeters to 3.0 millimeters; hence the nickname “Mini Dental Implant”!

What is contributing to the growing popularity and acceptance of mini dental implants by general practice dentists?

Conventional implants require a surgical procedure with sutures, performed typically by a specialist most likely an oral surgeon, to first place the implant(s). From when the conventional·implant surgical procedure is started, the typical wait time for the patient to have the process·completed is about six months. ·The patient will have a number of appointments with the oral·surgeon and the referring general dentists during the time period. ·The oral surgeon fee can be·sizable for placing the implants.

Mini dental implants can be placed by the general dentist without the need for a surgical·procedure, there is a minimum or no discomfort, the patient has their restored teeth immediately from only one or two patient visits with a substantial reduction in treatment cost making minidental implants more affordable. ·Mini dental implant techniques are easy for a general dentist·to learn, the patient receives treatment in their general dentist’s office which they are familiar with and minis provide the opportunity for the general dentist to provide a well accepted, new treatment procedure that will significantly grow the practice.

I noticed there is a difference in the length of the mini implants along with the difference in diameter. Why is this?

The diameter and length of the mini implant to be used is determined by quality of the bone and the amount of bone in the mouth that the implants will be placed into. ·This diagnosis is determined by the general dentist before the placement procedure.

Tell me more about the relationship between the diameter of mini implant and the quality of the bone.

There are four ratings for bone density:
  • Type One Very Dense Bone requires 2.0mm diameter MDL mini implant
  • Type Two Moderately Dense Bone requires 2.0 mm or 2.5 mm MDL diameter bone
  • Type Three Low Density Bone 2.5 mm MDL or 3.0 mm MILO mini implant
  • Type Four Very Low Density Bone….poor candidate for mini implants…might consider·3.0 mm MILO mini implant.

Now tell me about the relationship between the length of the mini implant and the quantity of the bone.

The dentists should use the longest mini implant possible for maximum retention and stability of the implant. ·In the mandibular bone, the implant should be 75% of the total bone height available. ·In the maxillary, the implant should be 90% to 100% of the total bone height available.

To me the mini dental implant looks like a “screw”. How accurate am I in thinking this?

The dentists should use the longest mini implant possible for maximum retention and stability of the implant. ·In the mandibular bone, the implant should be 75% of the total bone height available. ·In the maxillary, the implant should be 90% to 100% of the total bone height available.

The MILO mini implant has three drills. What creates this difference?

For starters the MILO implant, being 3 mm in diameter, needs it own set of drills as the smaller MDLSPD or MDLSPDL are too narrow to create a wide enough pilot hole for the MILO mini implant. ·And since the MILO has a larger diameter, the D15 drill and then the D20 drills are used in this sequence to create a pilot hole sufficient in diameter to screw in the MILO mini·implant into the bone. ·The D25 drill is a specialized drill used when the bone is very dense.

What happens after the pilot hole is drilled?

The next step is the actual insertion of the selected implant by using the manual insertion instruments or the motorized insertion instruments.

When drilling the pilot hole there was a requirement for torque, revolutions per minute of the drill and water. Is the same true for inserting the mini implant with a motor?

For inserting the mini implant, water is not needed. ·When starting to insert the implant with the MDLCAD Contra Angle Driver, the motor should be set initially at 35 revolutions per minute (RPM) and 30 Newton Centimeters (nCm) of torque. ·For final placement of the implant the torque can be increased to a maximum of 60 Newton Centimeters (nCm) with the revolutions·per minute (RPM) remaining at 35.

I am interested in seeing mini dental implant procedures being performed and I am assuming these procedures can be seen on the Internet?

Yes you can see the procedures by going to YouTube and searching for “mini dental implants Dr. Todd Shatkin”. ·Here you will find a number of videos of Dr. Shatkin performing various mini dental implant procedures.

What country are the Intra-Lock Mini Dental Implants and Accessories made in?

Intra-Lock makes their products in the United States in Florida and California. Their international headquarters is here in Boca Raton, Florida.

What is the cost of Mini Dental Implants?

Traditional dental implant systems can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 for the patient, depending on the system that is used. The Intra-Lock Mini Dental Implant system costs much less for the dentist and the patient.

How can Mini Dental Implants help Denture Wearers?

Denture wearers often lack confidence that their denture will firmly stay in place in their mouth without becoming loose or floating. For patients who are having this difficulty, denture stabilization using mini dental implants will help the patient eat and speak more confidently. This is especially helpful for the lower denture. After the mini implants are placed the denture no longer slides on the gums, mini dental implants help retain the jaw bone.

Now that the implant is placed, what happens next?

Depending upon what the final restoration will be for the mini implant, the dentist selects the Intra-Lock Prosthetic Components or the Universal Components.

What speed and torque setting should be used for drilling the pilot hole for the implant, what should I say?

2000 revolutions per minute (RPM) with the torque setting at 55 Newton Centimeters (nCm). Also a stream of “sterile water” flowing on the drill site is required. ·Do not use “saline solution” as corrosion of the handpiece and instruments will occur.

Why are there two different length MDL Drills?

The MDLSPDL is the longer of the two drills. ·This drill is used when the doctor is using a surgical stent to place the pilot hole. ·Additionally the MDLSPD and the MDLSPDL drills are for single patient use and are disposable.
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