Mini Dental implants, also known as MDI, are ultra-small biocompatible titanium alloy implant screws which can be used with a high level of success to stabilise upper and/or  lower false teeth  for patients whose lives have been negatively affected by loose, unstable full dentures.

A Manhattan dentist by the name of Victor I. Sendax designed and started utilizing his innovative technique in the mid 1970’s. In 1998, Dr. Sendax, in association with Dr. Ronald A. Bulard, after countless hours of research and design modifications, brought to the dental profession the advanced implant concept now known as the MDI System.

The MDI consists of a miniature 1.8mm titanium/alloy implant that acts like the root of a tooth and a retaining fixture containing an o-ring that is incorporated into the base of a denture. The head of the implant is shaped like a ball and the retaining fixture acts like a socket. The o-ring snaps over the ball when the denture is seated and holds the denture at a predetermined level of force. When seated, the denture gently rests on the patient’s gum tissue. The implant fixtures allow for micro-mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces.

This minimally invasive technique is fast becoming the international system of choice for stabilizing dentures for those countless patients who have had to endure loose, unstable and uncomfortable false teeth for decades. And the good news is that it is not only the most affordable technique devised to date, costing far less than conventional wide-diameter titanium implants, but is the most rapid, comfortable and risk-free technique to recreate security for denture wearers.

Cost of Treatment

The current fee for placement of the 4 MDI implants by Dr. Joseph Shohmelian and the connection of  4 precision attachments into a suitable lower full denture is $6,800. Due to the additional requirements for a successful outcome with this treatment in the upper jaw, an additional 2 implant supports are required. Accordingly, the fee for performing the same procedure in the upper jaw using 6 MDI implants is $9,200.

Dr.  Shohmelian has over 20 years of experience in dental implantology and obtained his Fellowship of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists in 1988. Having helped countless patients over that time, patients who have often suffered with uncomfortable and loose dentures for decades, he performs this life-changing procedure with the knowledge and high level of skill that comes with maturity and experience.

Prior to the actual treatment being performed, an assessment of your suitability for this procedure must be carried out using a panoramic X-ray (orthopantomogram or OPG). This X-ray film can be taken for patients who attend the Smile Institute at Chatswood or can be perfomed by specialist radiologists for patients who are to be treated by Dr Shohmelian on a referral from their dentist or prosthetist.

Please note that the cost of the denture(s) is a separate item and should be discussed with your dentist or prosthetist.