Imtec Mini Implants

For Loose Dentures or Partials

Imtec mini implants are a newer advancement in dentistry designed to provide denture stability for people who have no (or very few) teeth remaining. IMTEC Corporation was awarded approval for this product by the FDA as they have been proven effective in clinical settings. Mini implants are different from traditional implants in two ways. They are much smaller, about half the diameter, and they are also single piece implants; they do not have a screw hole into which other components can be attached. A portion of the implant sticks out of the gums and is ball-shaped. This piece securely snaps into a retaining socket on the inside of a denture, resulting in a very stable denture which does not move around, pop out, or require any type of adhesive to keep it in place. The denture still rests on the gum tissue, but the mini implants keep it from slipping or clicking.

How Many Mini Implants are needed to Support a Denture?

The IMTEC protocol requires a minimum of four standard implants to secure a mandibular (lower) denture and a minimum of six implants to secure a maxillary (upper) denture. We prefer to place as many as possible depending how much bone we have to work with, but in most cases ten mini implants are the maximum we can place in the top or bottom jaw bone. If you suffer from the instability of dentures then mini implants are probably a good option for you. If you dislike dentures and want something that more closely resembles your natural teeth, then traditional implants may be a better choice. Dr. Sutton can help you decide what your options are and help you on your way to a brighter, healthier smile.

Mini Implants for Partial Dentures

Partial dentures can also benefit from mini dental implants. For this type of procedure, the mini implants are placed only in the areas where the teeth are missing and snap into the bottom of the partial. A better option would be to replace the missing teeth with traditional implants and avoid having a partial denture altogether, but the mini implant stabilization method is a quick and cost effective way of stabilizing partial dentures.

Mini Implants Procedure

The process of getting mini implants placed is much easier and less traumatic to a person than having a tooth removed. Mini implants can be placed in under an hour, and the procedure is done here in the comfort of the Sonoma Smiles office under local anesthetic. Sedation is not needed for this procedure, although we do have nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and/or oral sedatives for more anxious patients.

Mini implants are placed into bone which does not have any sensory nerve endings in it, so the surgery has very little post-operative discomfort. Patients are placed on antibiotics for a few days before and after the surgery to ensure that the mini implants do not get infected before the bone has a chance to heal around them.

The only complaint we get from patients who receive mini dental implants is that they wished that they had done it sooner. Take a look at the picture of the patient with four mini implants in the lower jaw. Notice how healthy the gums appear around the implants and how the gums treat the implants as if they were actual teeth. This particular procedure was done in about 30 minutes, and the patient experienced nothing more than mild discomfort. If you suffer from loose dentures you will be amazed with the stability the mini implant provides to your dentures. Sonoma Smiles offers a free panoramic x-ray and exam for anyone interested in mini implants. Contact us today for more information on how we can improve your smile! Contact Sonoma Smiles Today! 1-800-817-7078