Dental Implants

[JaniceSW]

Well, what a procedure!  Of course, I am having more than 1 or 2 implants and also some bone grafting.  Has anyone on here had experience directly or indirectly with the result?
I am having some because, for me, dentures were a nightmare.  I think you don't realize how essential your teeth are until you lose them or have significant problems.  Communication, self-image, eating.  All things we have to do everyday.  Dental insurance is a joke.  It's like the importance of oral health and how essential it is to our function is not recognized.  I battled periodontal disease for 20+ years until told by a dentist it was an uphill battle because I was someone who makes the bacteria at a faster rate than normal for periodontal disease.  A builder!
I never realized until I have gone through it how many people have one problem or another with dentures.  Yes, I know a few who claim they are just fine.  Those are the lucky ones.
Please...take care of your teeth as best you can!  Don't take them for granted.  We don't think about them but they are SO essential.

[BlackSheepNY]

I've been interested in looking in to dental implants.  How bad is the procedure?  Are you in any bad pain afterwards?  How soon could you use your implants after the procedure?  Thanks for the reply!

[JaniceSW]

There are many variables involved.  I did a great deal of research prior to starting and found a very experienced, educated dentist.  I did all this because I am not just getting a few implants. I'm getting an entire upper denture which will have at least 7-8 implants and will only be taken out by the dentist to perform maintenance on the implants.  I will not have to take it out; in fact, I won't be able to.  Also, I am having a "snap-on" denture for the bottom.  I will take it out once a day to maintain these implants.  I just had 5 "locators" for the implants put in my lower jaw about 3 1/2 months ago.  They are almost ready for the actual posts.  Because of the extensive work and bone loss I had, I had sinus lift surgery in the upper jaw and bone grafted into the eye teeth area from my lower jaw when it was leveled.  Altogether, I've had about 6 1/2 hours of what my dentist states is closer to orthopedic surgery than what is called dental surgery.

Obviously, you may not want or need all this.  It depends on whether you need 1 or 2 implants or a whole jaw or a partial jaw.  It depends on the location and whether there is bone loss.  If you are getting a whole upper, you can have the roof plate of the upper denture removed so there is nothing on the roof of your mouth.  There usually has to be a minimum of about 7-8 implants for this.

There are also mini-implants vs. regular and you will hear about immediate load.  There is some disagreement over the use of the minis and immediate load.  From my research and experience, if you are going to have many implants, no minis!  They are less expensive but possibly not as permanent.  Of course, the dentists that use them will argue otherwise.  Immediate load is only if you have good bone and you are going to follow directions explicitly post implant.

If you have any other concerns or questions, I would be glad to answer.  Oh, I had a "dream" anesthetic during both surgeries where I was only partially aware of what was going on.  The sinus lift was not as bad as I had expected, but honestly, the second surgery was no picnic.  However, I was back to normal within a week.  When you have regular implants, these locators have to fuse with the bone and so it takes time to get the implants.  Add bone grafting and waiting for the bone to form, and it is even longer.  The upper takes longer than the lower jaw because it is a different type of bone.  Who knew??  In the upper jaw, I am at the point where I'm going to be fit for a denture so that bite and angulation and all the variables that make for a good bite and appearance in the upper jaw can be worked on.  I will be having my second CAT scan for this. If you are having many implants, don't let them start without doing a 3D scan because of all the structures, including nerves, in your face/jaws.

[mcornwell]

My 2 front teeth are implants.I have had them since 2010 and I am very happy with them.They look and work better than the original teeth did.I would get a few more implants if they were less expensive.My insurance didn't cover any of the cost of the implants any I had to pay for it all myself.

[king4cash]

It's not an easy ride. It'll hurt at times. Other times, not. But, it is so worth it. I can't emphasize this enough.

[oldbuddy]

I thought about it, until I found out they could cost over $20,000 for what I would need. At 76 I figure I probably have less than 10 years left of active quality life, so I would rather spend the $2,000 a year on a nice trip. I did start usihng a WaterPic and that has helped.

[ro901]

What an interesting post! I know I have bone loss and  I've been very reluctant to spend anymore money on my teeth. 

[bigedshult]

no I think it cost a lot to have it done.don't how long they will last before u have to do it over.

[BATISTAGIRL663]

i thought about doing implants but the cost stopped me i am going to get a metal partial i have finally found a dentist that will let me make payments

[pmagalei]

I wish implants doesn't cost much but it sure does cost a lot of money. I wish we are like Sharks they grow a new tooth every time they lose one. But you are right about one thing taking care of your teeth is very important it affects everything you do daily especially having that nice healthy smile. I like for covering my mouth with my hand just to hide my missing fruit tooth. Eh don't be laughing it's all part of circle of life. hahaha!

[bhiett]

My front teeth are getting chipped pretty badly and I have been considering lumineers.  Does anyone have any experience with having this procedure done?  I would prefer this to caps as I understand the dental work involves cutting away some of the natural teeth enamel for fitting caps.  Any advice or reports would be appreciated.

[linderlizzie]

One of my front teeth just fell out one morning while I was at my breakfast table. I went to my dentist who cemented it back in and it lasted for about two days.

He was mad at me when I came back to him but he did refer me to the local dental school for an implant. My insurance paid for about half of it but it was still pretty costly. 

At the dental school, they used several different dental practitioners on me as they are teaching the students during the entire procedure. They take multiple, multiple pictures of your mouth as they work which is tedious.

They also don't put you to sleep while they're doing the surgery which lasts about four hours.  Sounds horrible, I know. But they do give you local anesthetic which did the trick. You only feel the pressure.

Anyway, it's totally worth doing. You don't want that missing tooth causing problems with the alignment of the rest of your teeth. And cosmetically, there's no question at all that you'll look better. Go for it and good luck.

[JaniceSW]

Thanks, everyone, who has replied so far.  It is a long haul when you are getting bone grafting and multiple implants in the upper and lower jaws.  I DO keep getting assured it will be worth it.  I could hardly wear my denture, particularly the lower one.  Impossible to eat, for me.  I never knew when the lower was going to loosen and shoot forward, almost out of mouth several times.  Embarrassing!  Adhesive just dissolved in my mouth and the taste was horrible.  The palate on the upper denture began gagging me at times toward the end.  The dentist I had then was completely unsupportive!

A good point was made regarding approaching a dental teaching school, if there is one near you.  Much less expensive, but I've also heard very time-consuming and often different students working on you.  Only local anesthetic!

As far as longevity of implants, good maintenance and good health is key.  From my research and my implant dentist, 20 years is not at all out of the question. )I think in 20 years I might not care any more being in my 60's now.) Some of having your implants last is having a trained, knowledgeable implant specialist work with you. Don't waste your money if you are a smoker.  Also, diabetic or with autoimmune disorders..

Honestly, it is a lot of money.  My retirement took a direct hit, but it was a quality of life decision for me with the way I functioned...felt about myself, looked, could eat and communicate with ease.

Please wish me luck.  My last major surgery is at the end of September, and in about 5 months after it, I will have beautiful teeth top and bottom which should be as close to natural as you can get.  The top won't even come out, except by a dentist.  I am getting more and more excited!!!!!!!

[linderlizzie]

Very excited and happy for you. 

You seem to have a great attitude and that's a big part of the battle. 

[JaniceSW]

Thank-you, Lizzie.  Appreciate the support.  It has been an uphill battle for awhile but seeing the light...