Dental Implants
I recently had dental implants....about a month ago. These are the "temporary appliances" as the dentist called them. The procedure is called "all on four"...I had my remaining teeth pulled (about 18 of them), implants placed and arches attached to the implants, all in one day. My teeth were very bad and failing and couldn't be saved. This has been a blessing.
Comments (38)
glenda_al
11 years ago
suzieque
11 years agoRelated Discussions
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Comments (0)Has anyone had this surgery? It's needed so that my dentist can implant artificial bone and in 6 months, dental implants....See MoreAnyone have dental implants?
Comments (23)Thanks for the input all. Believe me, I have not come to these conclusions all by myself. This has been an ongoing situation. I have consulted with both my dentist and the oral surgeon/implant, periodontist. At this time last year, they were considering extracting 4 teeth and doing implants. (easy for them to suggest!!!) I decided to put it on hold (maybe hoping I would just let one fall out at a time - lol) Now, this month, it is found that a 5th tooth is 'in line' and possibly a 6th! That's one heck of a lot of extractions at one time, to say nothing of the bone grafts (and healing). I might be flippant and think of it as my own personal weight-loss plan, but when I add up the $$$$ (especially at my 'Sr. Saver' age, I have to wonder if it's all worth it, when a partial for both top and bottom would amount to that of ONE implant. DH says I'm worth it; I tend to be more frugal and would not look forward to the discomfort and constant re-appointments waiting to finally be done. Not to mention that with all that being done....it just may not 'take'. During all of this, my only 'comfort' would be smoking and drinking (Pepsi) and then to completely change not only my mouth, but my lifestyle!!!! Partials - or complete dentures - might be the eventual answer....See MoreDental Implants?
Comments (18)Thanks for all the replies and glad none of them were negative and discouraging! Expensive seems to be the key word! Terllyn, your son getting his tooth knocked out reminded me of my nephew. He was about 12 I think when he and a playmate had a bb gun duel over a little girl. My nephew got one of front teeth knocked out. I don't remember how it was fixed. Doubt if they had implants back then. That would have been about 60 or so years ago. Wanda, since you live in NVA, do you know about the Affordable Dentists in Winchester? Their prices are listed as about half what my estimate here is. They have offices all over. Patti, I don't have dental insurance, but it probably wouldn't cover it anyway. Monica pa, Gold implants? You have actually "put your money where your mouth is" haven't you? That is incredible. Oj, I'm guessing you didn't take him up on his offer? Veta, your experience sounds pretty much like what I have read and heard about. BTW, welcome to the table. It is more interesting here than in Lurkdom Sue, fortunately I have good bones, according to the one Oral Surgeon I have seen so far. Yes, the implants will be for the lower plate, not individual teeth. The one OS, who was recommended by my Dentist, is a (DDS, MS) Diplomat of the Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Impressive, huh? His estimate for 4 implants is $3,312..00 plus I would go back to my dentist to have the clips put on. I have called several Dentist's and talked to someone just for information. Some don't do implants; those who do run from $2800-$4500 depending on the number needed. They all use the Mini implants. I think I'm convinced that I should do this, but it is hard to decide who to choose to do the work. I don't personally know anyone who has gotten implants. I appreciate all your comments. They have been helpful and if you have any other thoughts, advise or suggestions, I would like to hear them. Sue Here is a link that might be useful: Affordable Dentures...See MoreHave you had a dental implant?
Comments (9)I also had one. I was fortunate that I have really good bone in my jaw so I did not need a bone graft. My regular dentist referred my to a specialist for the post. I'd lost the tooth (a molar in the back) awhile ago and had had it extracted. I finally got tired of the hole back there and really did not want a bridge. The post was inserted and covered with a temporary crown. It took a few months for the bone to grow around the post and become solid. My regular dentist made the permanent crown and placed it on the post. The only hitch was that the first permanent crown began to wiggle. He had to remove it, which was not easy, and replace it with a new crown. So, I had to pay for two crowns, although he only charged me what it cost him to have the second crown made. I am very happy with my decision to do it. It cost about $4000. I had a Health Savings Account at that time and I put money (pre-tax) in there ahead of time, so I saved a little that way. I don't think my dental insurance covered much of anything. Having the bone graft drives up the cost as well as the healing time. The grafted bone must become solid before the post can be implanted. If your friend can possibly afford it, I say go for it. It is a much better option than anything else out there....See MorePieonear
11 years agoPieonear
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11 years agoPatti, when I went for a check up after three weeks, Dr. Brueggen was talking to his hygienist and he said he really liked the way the teeth look. They had told me to bring a picture or give them any input I wanted and they would make my permanent teeth to look however I want. I more or less trust his judgement on it. If they looked like the ones I have now, I'd be pleased. But look at what they can do. This lady is on his website and I have never seen any teeth look any more natural than hers.
As to how they feel....there was a little bit of getting used to, but not bad. Now they just feel natural. I had no pain...little swelling and one small bruise at the corner of my mouth. I was awake but sedated while he did it. I don't know....I think some of it may be motivation. When I got contact lenses when I was 19, the doctor told me how I would adjust would depend a lot on how motivated I was. I was motivated, and I had no problems.
When I went back for my three week check up, he gave me two water piks. One Ultra Flosser and one that is the same but portable. He said it is very important to keep them clean, so I am very conscientious about that.
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marilyn_cOriginal Author