In all of the discussions on mini dental implants, there have been several references to the FDA requirement of a dental implant diameter of at least 3mm (formerly 3.25mm) and length of 7mm to qualify for the description of a dental implant.

I have had two patients ‘break’ the abutment about half way down the dental implant.

Dr. Flynn asks:
A local general dentist is advertising palateless maxillary dentures supported by mushroom-shaped mucosal dental implants.

Apparently the denture must be worn for two months while the soft
tissue heals around the dental implants (which do not appear to extend into
the bone).  I can not find any information concerning this procedure.
Has anyone heard of this […]

Dr. Mena asks:
I recently did a few immediate loading cases with root-formed
dental implants and composite resin temporization on titanium or zirconia
abutments.

All of the cases had some kind of chronic infection prior to
the extraction, which was the reason for the extractions. All cases
were treated with antibiotics after the extractions and dental  implant
placement. The dental implant fixtures […]

The most important lesson to be learned from the
literature, as well as from my own personal experience, is that when a
tooth is extracted, a bone augmentation or preservation procedure must
be instituted at the time of extraction.

I am a dental implant patient and I recently experienced an implant failure in a rather unexpected way. I had the dental implant (lower jaw in the back) for about 4 years without any complications whatsoever.

Dr. Fabrizio asks:
I have a case where the mandibular nerve exited the mental foramen, but seems to continue mesially and connects with the
controlateral nerve in the incisor region.

The patient will be
edentulous and I am planning to place dental implants in the interforamina
area. I am wondering what are the consequences of invading the anterior
portion of the […]

What is the current thinking about using Locator attachments for mandibular overdentures?

Sam, a dentist, asks:
I have placed 4 dental implants in the 28 ,29, 30 and 31 areas. The patient
called me the day after surgery to complain that his lip and chin are
still numb.

I had the patient come in and I unscrewed the dental implants in
31 and 30 areas by a thread or two. The patient […]

Is this the start of a big trend? Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana (Delta
Dental) will begin covering dental implants as part of its standard
benefits beginning January 1, 2007. That means enrollees will have the
option of choosing an implant to replace a missing tooth instead of a
conventional fixed bridge.

"Although implants have been available for
many […]

Discuss the SimPlant Platform and its many applications in implant dentistry.

Some of my colleagues think that a crestal sinus lift should be preformed first. Some of my other colleagues (including myself) prefer the stabilisation of a dental implant in the sinus floor in spite of possible laceration of Schneiderian membrane.

My surgeon recommends a full arch bar overdenture, however, the attachment manufacturer says that all I need is 4 free-standing dental implants…

Any thoughts on Medtronic’s Infuse product which an FDA panel recently recommended for approval to help regrow bone in adults to provide an anchor for dental implants?

Dr. Robbins asks:
I am having some problems getting a mandibular overdenture to fit the bar.  The patient has 4 dental implants supporting a bar in his mandibular anterior region.  I cannot get the Hader clips to seat on the bar.

I have picked up the transfer copings off the bar in an impression in
the overdenture […]