Imagine This!

Visit Liberty Dental Clinic in the morning, have the implants for dentures placed in less than two hours, then go out and enjoy your favorite lunch. Eat comfortably, have a pleasant conversation, laugh and talk with confidence. Your denture feels secure and is being held firmly in place. All of this is available at an extremely affordable price.

How do implants broaden my options?

Dental implant therapy has been one of the most significant advances in dentistry in the past 25 years. Hundred of thousands of grateful denture patients have experienced the immediate improvement in their quality of life and confidence that long term denture stability brings. 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 preferences. We’ll discuss the options that will work best for you.

IMTEC, a 3M Company, revolutionized dentistry with the introduction of the minimally invasive implants for denture stabilization. These small diameter implants (around 2mm diameter) enable dentists 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 micro-mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces.

How are MDI Implants placed?

Placement of the implants is accomplished quickly and easily in a process performed at our office, with local anesthesia. Using a precise, controlled, minimally invasive surgical technique, MDI Implants are place 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 be stabilized the same day the implants are placed.

What will my first day be like?

Leave the denture in place for the first 48 hours after 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 the period of time we will recommend. Upon removing the denture, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash. IMTEC also recommends using an ACCESS™ Toothbrush. It has been specifically designed to clean your implants and gently stimulate the surrounding gum tissue.

How do I place and remove my dentures?

The implants and the o-ring 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 in to 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 the denture.

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 and maintenance?

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

The ACCESS™ Toothbrush has been specifically designed for optimum cleaning of the 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 o-rings. If the denture does not remain firmly in place, call us, we will schedule a check-up. And at that time the condition of the implant, your gums, and the O-rings will be evaluated and properly maintained.