Changing O-Rings Frequently and Need Constant Adjustments: Suggestions?

Question

My 86 year old mother decided to get 2 mini implants to attach her bottom denture, they were working for a year of so. She started having issues and the dentist keep changing her o-rings every 2 months, and charged her each time, so we switched dentist, same thing, o-rings not working, switched dentist, third dentist, new dentures, o rings being changed every 2 weeks, should we change dentist again, he doesn't charge her for each o-ring change. He's been charging her for adjustments.

What is going on here? Why would my mother need so many adjustments and why the need to change o-rings so often? What are my options here?

Answer 1

Mini implants overall have high rate of failure and are not as stable as conventional implants. The reasons for the problems you mentioned maybe poor fit of denture, poor adjustment of the bite, and poor fit of the O-ring in the housing of the denture. I have seen many complaints by patients with mini implants and frequent problems as such.

You might consider getting two conventional abutments and a good fitting overdenture. This type of system works really well and rarely requires adjustments.

Dr. H Ryan Kazemi
Bethesda , MD
www.facialart.com

Answer 2

Mini implants can be successful when used properly.

The standard protocol for mini implants in the mandible is four (not two) in the front of the
mandible (lower jaw).

The most common cause of problems with o-rings deteriorating too soon is the implants having diverging angulations (not parallel), and a denture that fits poorly or has no bone support from the ridge.

If the existing bone in your mother's jaw is very thin in that area, mini implants are indicated, but four not two and placed fairly parallel to the path of placement of the denture.

Ask about these things the next time she needs the o-rings changed to see if any of them are the reason for her problem.

Good luck!

Dr. Carlos Boudet
West Palm Beach , FL
(561) 968 6022
boudetdds.com

Answer 3

I have found that 2 mini implants are inadequate for denture function/retention (4 would be better). An excellent option is 2 conventional implants with locator attachments in a properly fitting & adjusted prosthesis.