Minimally invasive dental implants (MDIs), also known as small diameter implants (SDIs), have come a long way. Once seen as a workaround, they’re now a proven, purposeful choice, backed by decades of clinical success and trusted by practices around the world.
At IMTEC, we’ve been at the forefront of SDI development for more than 20 years. Our MDI system is designed to keep things simple without sacrificing strength, flexibility, or confidence. With over one million implants placed globally, it continues to meet the real-world demands of busy clinicians who need solutions that deliver, consistently and efficiently.
Expanding What’s Possible in Case Selection
We all know that success in implant dentistry starts with proper case selection. But with MDIs in your toolkit, your definition of what’s possible starts to shift.
These implants open the door to treating patients who might not be candidates for conventional implants, whether due to limited bone, medical challenges, time constraints, or cost concerns. Some of the most common (and rewarding) cases for MDIs include:
Narrow ridges or reduced bone volume
Older or medically compromised patients
Patients who need a quicker turnaround
Transitional or permanent denture stabilization
These aren’t edge cases, they’re everyday scenarios. And MDIs offer a minimally invasive, cost-effective way to handle them with confidence.
Simple by Design, Proven by Practice
The IMTEC MDI system was built with everyday practice in mind. The protocol is straightforward. The instrumentation is intuitive. And the results speak for themselves.
One-step, often flapless surgery
Manual precision with torque control
Strong initial stability
Flexible prosthetic options for fixed or removable cases
Whether you’re placing a single implant for a narrow ridge or stabilizing a lower denture, you get a streamlined workflow that helps you treat more patients in less time, with less complexity.
A History of Innovation
IMTEC was the first to bring a small diameter implant system through FDA clearance, and we’ve never stopped building on that legacy. Over the years, our system has evolved through clinician input and field-tested refinement. Today, it’s one of the most trusted names in the category, and a reliable partner for practices that prioritize clinical clarity and efficiency.
Industry Snapshot
The global dental implant market hit $6 billion in 2025, with strong growth projected for the next decade. Over 3 million Americans have dental implants today, and the number continues to climb by roughly 500,000 procedures a year.
As demand grows, so does the need for versatile, efficient systems that fit seamlessly into modern workflows.
(Sources: NIH, Precedence Research, Grand View Research)
What’s Next
MDIs aren’t just a viable option, they’re an essential part of the modern implant practice. They help you treat more patients, adapt to a wider range of cases, and maintain clinical efficiency without cutting corners.
In Part 2, we’ll take a closer look at the surgical protocol behind the IMTEC MDI system, and how proper instrumentation and placement technique can make all the difference.
