Dental implants?

[Dennis The B]

I had an implant done about twelve years ago. The tooth was an upper incisor, and it was originally damaged when I was twelve. It had a number of crowns over the years, and finally things started to break down preventing another crown being put on top of the "stub".

I opted for an implant, using a titanium post. The procedure was painless, and the new crown was made, matching the angle of the other tooth. Everything is symmetric, and I haven't had the first minute's problem with it.

We did discuss the possibility of a bridge, but I opted not to do this, since the surrounding natural teeth had to be modified for attachment. That seemed like it would cause more problems than it solved.

The insurance covered the crown, and extraction, but not the titanium post procedure, since it was fairly new at the time. I was out of pocket about $2K. I'm surprised today, that the post procedure isn't covered. It's not like it's still experimental.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[Mr Pokeyman]

I have an implant in my lower jaw and love it because I don't even know its there. I won't get one in the upper jaw because if the drill goes too far it will hit the nasal passage and then you really have problems. I know a couple of guys that happened to and they regret it. I have a three tooth bridge in the upper side and it drives my dentist nuts, he wants to do implants and I refuse to let him. I think he wants a new car. I don't know why there are 3 fake teeth in it since it only replaces 2 teeth. That bridge must be 20 yrs old and it still works.

 

[cowart]

I don't think you need to floss in between the bridge because ifs technically one piece.

Not true - flossing *under* a one piece bridge is essential. Its done using a thingie called a "floss threader". Not difficult at all, once you get the hang of it.

 

[islamoradamark]

when it come to my teeth i want the best i will do what the other forum member said save up and do it right the first time so u dont have to do it twice

 

[reddogge]

I've had a permanent bridge for 15 years or more and two implants. Neither gives any trouble and I do floss under the bridge. If I had a choice I'd choose the implants.

 

[Chipmunk6]

You know dentists have one of the highest suicide rates!

Wouldn't surprise me, everytime I see one he's looking all 'down in the mouth'.
Chipmunk6

 

[Freeway]

Had implants for a complete lower set about 2 years ago after an accident. The first couple weeks was a little rough, but the implants hold things in far better than not having them. Don't know about just one or two though I'm very glad to have mine. There is so much less worry about things coming loose, especially at the most embarrassing times!

Mine cost just over $9000 out of pocket. My insurance covered very little, but to me it was worth it.

 

[blujax01]

I had an implant and it collapsed - twice. Within a week of having the first implant, I bit down on food and the bone surrounding the threads crushed. He replaced the first implant with what they call a "pig", basically a 7mm ajax threaded socket. It happened again. The oral surgeon is at a loss to explain any of it, except to say that it may have been because I am an ex-smoker. I was off the cigs for 3 years before the surgery.

I spent the better part of two years messing around with it, all for nothing. The oral surgeon did say that he would foot the cost of a bridge since I had paid for the failed implant but since it is the next to last molar, I never bothered.

 

[Road Rat]

My dentist does the payment plan so you might check with that. See what kind of a deal you might be able to come up with.

Good Luck..

 

[CoMF]

Trust your hunch. It is extravagant. If the adjacent teeth are sound, and your own dentist even admitted this, a bridge or even another crown would be better (and less expensive) options.

I'd find a new dentist, if I were you.

 

[PlaytheAces]

Implants are great if you have solid bone structure.

My wife had a couple of bone grafts prior to implants. The implants worked well for a couple of years, but then she suffered more bone loss and the implants ended up having to come out. She's religious about dental hygiene but her bone structure is just weak. She also has mild diabetes, which can be a factor. She's going the bridge route now.

Just be aware that while implants have a very high success rate, it isn't 100%.

 

[long colt frazier]

I've had 5 done to replace bridges that continued to fail. Best money spent on dental.
Mark

 

[arjay]

A bridge is a less expensive option,but they destroy two adjacent teeth to accomplish that.Ive had no problems with mine or my implants.

 

[SmokeStack Lightning]

At 62 I'm fortunate to still have my original teeth except for 7 root canals w/gold crowns.

My older bro decided he wanted implants and paid for them hisownself @ $40,000 to have his whole mouth done.

He breaks teeth left and right and doesn't go 6 months without having a broken tooth repaired.

An implant between healthy teeth sounds good because failure of one implant is improbable, but he had all his teeth jerked out (never took care of his teeth, not even when a kid) and 8 or 10 studs installed on each jaw and they've been nothing but problems for him.

 

[G-Mac]

I went in for a consultation with the dentist today about the implant. They did some fancy 3D imaging of my whole mouth and then we went into a little room with a computer where he showed me the high-tech 3D digital imaging on the screen.

It felt kind of like when you buy a new truck and then they take you into a little office to meet some guy whose job it is to sell you the "extras"...rust proofing, extended warranty, etc. He did explain the whole process, answered my questions, and showed a sample of the little titanium stud they use.

Oh yeah...he mentioned that I'd probably be needing a bone graft before the implant is placed. Fun, fun, fun.....

 

[bettis1]

Good luck to you G-Mac. It's a long trail but I hope that it is a successful one.

Bob

 

[G-Mac]

Good luck to you G-Mac. It's a long trail but I hope that it is a successful one.

Bob

Thanks Bob....I just hope I can go a while before I need another one. It's probably going to be at least $1500 out of pocket. My insurance will pay a little over $1400 and my wife's insurance might pick up a little bit too.

Gordon

 

[george minze]

Welcome to "cost to much for conman man stuff" When I recovered from injuries due to a 1986 plane crash as a lesser problem at the time. A minor injury was a couple of teeth knocked out and a couple cracked...The original cost were sheared by the insurance and me..I had perm. bridges and caps.....That was in 1988....They held up until last year when a couple in the rear of gum failed...I was ready to complain until I realized how long ago that was. SHOCK!!! How much that work would be now...Talk about big bucks.....Have you noticed that today it seems no dentist does all the work that a good dentist did 30 years ago...Unbelievable....Even extractions have become a specialty item....Makes you wonder??? Now there is a dental group that advertises on TV that they do the whole thing "implants at one time" I don't know one real dentist that even can explain how that can be done....My old dentist that did the original work has retired....He did it all....They seem to all want to be specialist now days.....Those Mercedes cost a lot I wouldn't want my dentist to have to drive a Ford...Good Luck...Implants that work take time and are inconvenient while in process.....I guess it comes down to what is important...Looks or costs...Either way get out the wallet...O yea most have a finance program for caps and implants. I think at my age just get the two back roots pulled ......As Americans we do love movie star teeth...Look at the average Brit...Usually not pretty teeth....Compared to us I might add......Good luck.....BTW..Ever notice how many teens now have braces on what in the past have been considered good and decent teeth...Not perfect but good and functional....You are right I am ranting!!!!

 

[JcMack]

Around here all the men and half the women have beards, and at least one front tooth missing. Everybody's stylin in their camo cargo shorts and flip flops now. Awesome look.