Mini dental implants: An alternative to conventional fixtures

Mini dental implants: An alternative to conventional fixtures
August 2003
By Steven Sullivan, DDS
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Supplement 1 Зѓў Volume 61 Зѓў Number 8 Зѓў p117b to p118
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Abstract
Conventional endosseous fixtures serve a vital role in the stabilization of prostheses in the edentulous patient. There are factors associated with conventional fixtures, including a more complicated surgical procedure, a recommended period of osseointegration prior to loading and expense, which may limit availability to some patients.
The MDI system, which has been recently approved as an ongoing minidental implant, avoids some of these limitations by permitting the clinician to insert and, in many instances, immediately load with predictable results. Mini dental implants are finding their way into implant dentistry in that they offer a less expensive form of treatment that can be used as a transitional device in conjunction with conventional fixtures or as a stand- alone ongoing implant.
This presentation will describe the use of mini dental implants, patient selection, limitations, and insertion protocol for use in the edentulous mandible and maxilla. A hands-on exercise will be provided.