Introduction by Dr. Victor Sendax

Just as vital to the success of the Mini Dental Implant (MDI) System—and comparable with the seminal role of the MDI Insertion Protocol—is the MDI Reconstructive Protocol, both of which are given equal attention in the original Sendax Patent granted by the United States Patent Office. The foremost firing line experience to be encountered in applying MDIs to clinical implant prosthodontics is the dental laboratory connection. This text has reserved an individual place of respect for the laboratory technicians who partner with doctors in establishing the specialized standards that apply to MDI restorations or reconstructions, whether for single tooth replacements, removable overdentures, or hybridized fixed bridges. The learning curve in restoring minis is subtle to much the same degree as mastering the essentially simple and typically straightforward intraoral MDI insertion steps, as long as attention is also paid to the often less obvious fine points. The imaginative and skilled certified dental technician (CDT) is often in the catbird seat (and occasionally the hot seat!) when it comes to refining those unique, hard-to-define MDI elements and taking them to full fruition. Our colleagues presenting herein are prime exemplars of this critical attribute.

The Laboratory Technician’s Key Role in MDI Implant Prosthodontics:

Andrew Jaksen

The author and dentist-lecturer Dr. Benjamin Oppenheimer has been devoted to the process of consolidating advances in MDI laboratory coordination and work simplification via updated step-reduction techniques for fixed (and removable) applications and has pioneered in advancing MDI education with specialized seminars specifically oriented to the dental laboratory community. Rapidly evolving ceramic abutments for MDI fixed crown and bridge cases, along with CAD/CAM generated models, have also come to offer unique contemporary imaging and stent guidance approaches to esthetic restorative simplicity and affordability. Dr. Oppenheimer has been especially productive in presenting MDI educational seminars throughout the United States, emphasizing the close coordination needed between the laboratory staff and the implantologist to refine the essential MDI technology, with special emphasis on fixed crown/bridge applications.

The series of lab images (Figures 10-1 to 10-4) illustrates a typical multiunit Ponabut structure with ridge laps, embrasures, and flange elements designed to produce a secure and esthetically satisfying result. When inserted with self-cure resin cement, this fixed, splinted full-arch system can be made hygienically cleansable with a water irrigator lavage, preferably teamed up with a dedicated curved-bristle implant brush (e.g., ACCESS Implant Brush), for a well-emphasized labiolingual approach after meals and, of course without exception, before retiring at bedtime.

FIGURE 10-1 Ponabut prosthesis, lingual view.

FIGURE 10-2 Full arch Ponabut palateless prosthesis, lingual view.

FIGURE 10-3 Ponabuts in the esthetic zone.

FIGURE 10-4 Final full arch Ponabut prosthesis, anterior view.

MDI fixed bridge-splint laboratory technology embodies MDI Ponabuts, which for multiple-unit fixed embodiments require a passive fit of the prosthesis overlaying the abutments and an easy draw without binding interferences, irrespective of any off-angle or nonparallel considerations. This requires the laboratory to block out sufficient relief room around the abutment heads on the working model (made chairside from a polyvinyl siloxane or polyether impression), with MDI analogs inserted, and poured in model stone or epoxy so that either individual castings can be fabricated, tried in and connected intraorally, or a one-piece cast substructure can be manufactured and passively fitted intraorally. Bite registrations and records with any opposing jaw impressions are also produced to further the lab processing. Porcelain or composite resin is then layered and processed over the substructure. Various other techniques with or without an infrastructure are currently undergoing extensive development for both MDIs, conventional implant systems, and hybrid combinations and await additional studies and clinical case reporting to confirm their outcomes.

The updated Celara denture wax-up and duplicate modeling technology offers improved accuracy and directness in building the MDI-related removable prostheses and insertion guidance control for stent devices. Technician Andrew Jakson and dentist/associate Dr. Benjamin Oppenheimer, aided by Keith Henry of 3M-ESPE and a cross-section of MDI dentists and laboratories, have been instrumental in illuminating this user-friendly lab processing aid for conventional denture prostheses and removable MDI overdentures.

The Laboratory Technician’s Key Role in MDI Prosthodontics

John Kirdahy, Murray Scheiner

John Kirdahy, CDT, with pioneering forays into simplified MDI laboratory technologies and representative suggestions and tips, helped launch affordable MDI prosthodontic solutions.

John Kirdahy’s Innovation Laboratory has consistently offered evolving lab techniques that have helped standardize the coordination of MDI chairside procedures with the implant-oriented dental laboratory and advanced the progressive design and processing of both fixed and removable MDI cases, two of which are represented in Figures 10-5 to 10-14.

FIGURE 10-5 Maxillary and mandibular preoperative removable MDI Case No.1.

FIGURE 10-6 Maxillary and mandibular MDIs.

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