Dental Implants

[SillyMe]

Anyone here ever have one done? Pros and cons? Would you do it again? Do you like it? Was it painful? How long did it take for the whole process?

 

[MzDiz]

My mother is in the process of getting one done. It's taking her months and months though. Tooth removed, let that heal for a few months, bone graft, let that heal for a few months, etc. The only notable pain has been from the bone graft. For a week she looked like someone punched her in the face.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Here is my 2 cents...

My dd's have 2 teeth genetically missing. My oldest has a repaired heart defect and her cardiologist vetoed dental implants for her.
There is a risk of infection. The ortho was able to pull the teeth forward. We are going to do this with our younger dd too.

I would imagine it is great if all goes well! So I suppose research the pro's and con's.

 

[LindaR]

Well, about a year ago I took my boss to the dentist for her implant. Due to the medication given (for her to relax) she was not allowed to drive herself. Plus we live 100 miles from the dentist. It was several visits just as another poster stated. My boss had no problems, basically no pain (only took Tylenol for discomfort) and has been very happy.

I am looking at numerous implants for DD18 (more than 50% of her teeth) due to long-term neglectful treatment from her orthodontist which destroyed the roots so it will be interesting to read everyone's experiences with implants.

 

[Cantw8]

I'm guessing this is much different than a cap?

 

[okeydokey]

When I looked into having it done, it was about $3500 per tooth. Th eother alternative was a bridge. I haven't decided yet what to do.

 

[carone0318]

My MIl has had implants and her body had rejected them. It has something to do with either chemo or radiation from when she had breast cancer.

So, if you have had either chemo or radiation there is a good chance that the implant will reject.

My MIL is trying on her second round for the implants - hope it works this time! It is very costly for implants....

 

[robinb]

I have had a dental implant for about 10 years and I love it! I also have genetically missing teeth and I had the implant for a missing tooth. The bone graft hurt a bit, but it is so worth it to have something like a real tooth instead of a bridge.

 

[kami2199]

Hey Silly!!! Don't know much about them other than they are expensive and most insurances won't cover it. I have heard though that if the two teeth on either side are virgin teeth (no work has been done to them) then you can fight the denial based on that.

Hope all is well with you! I haven't been on the boards much due to a very busy couple of weeks! How's that database coming along? LOL!

 

[SillyMe]

My mother is in the process of getting one done. It's taking her months and months though. Tooth removed, let that heal for a few months, bone graft, let that heal for a few months, etc. The only notable pain has been from the bone graft. For a week she looked like someone punched her in the face.

My dd had bone grafting done when they removed one of her impacted teeth. They found a hole in her jaw and grafted it immediately. OMG, I thought her face was literally gonna start cracking, it was soooo swollen. I felt so bad for her. She couldn't even drink anything. She was so swollen she couldn't move her tongue or anything to even swallow.

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[Mysteria]

You also have to have gums that are strong and in good shape too.

 

[Philagoofy]

I had one done several years ago because my Maryland Bridge would no longer stay in. It did take a long time, I think about a year. I really don't remember any pain except in the pocketbook. As another poster said, most insurances probably won't cover it.

It cost me about $2,000.00. I went to the University of Penn medical school but the doctor who did it was NOT a student, he was not only a doctor but a teacher too so I felt confident with him and it was a little less expensive.

Would I do it again, definitely. I've never had a problem. Well there was the one time when I had the implant in but only temporarly for about a week to see if the fit was good. Was very carefully brushing my teeth one day when out it comes & down the drain it goes.

All I could see was my $2,000 going down the drain which of course it wasn't, the tooth wasn't the whole price. Anyway, my dh took apart the drain & found it in the trap.

It's been about 15-17 years now & I have had no problems, I forget it's there.
Good luck if you decide to get it done. Make sure you find a reputable dentist.

 

[Philagoofy]

One more very important thing I'd like to add in case no one else mentioned it. Be a part in choosing the color of the tooth. Don't get a nice white gleaming tooth if the rest of your's aren't.

A good dentist (or whatever type of doctor they are called) will very patiently take the time to ensure that the tooth color will go with your other teeth. Look in the mirror at the color chart up next to your teeth in good, not glaring light.

Remember, you have to live with this for the rest of your life. Of course it it's in the back & can't be seen when you smile or talk it's not quite as important.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My MIl has had implants and her body had rejected them. It has something to do with either chemo or radiation from when she had breast cancer.

So, if you have had either chemo or radiation there is a good chance that the implant will reject.

I had an implant placed after chemo/radiation without any problem at all. Nobody ever mentioned it was a concern and they definitely knew of my history. I'd be interested in seeing a link if you know of one.

Agree, it's costly. I believe I had to pay OOP for the implant itself which ran about $3500. Half of the cost of the crown was covered by dental insurance. It was definitely worth it.

DH just had one done last week. He had a lot of pain, even on meds - understandable since the implant is screwed right into your jaw. After about 5 days, the throbbing stopped. I don't recall having all that discomfort, but everyone's experience is different.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

One more very important thing I'd like to add in case no one else mentioned it. Be a part in choosing the color of the tooth. Don't get a nice white gleaming tooth if the rest of your's aren't.

So true!! I actually went for "custom" color since we couldn't seem to get it right in the office. Went to the dental lab in person where the techs took the crown and painted it right there, then baked on the color until it matched perfectly. I don't know how common it is to do this, and it was slightly

 

[Pea-n-Me]

FYI - dentists that place implants are generally specialists.

Choosing a Dentist

Where Do I Start?

Different types of dentists perform different types of services. Determining which is right for you depends on your dental needs. Do you need a routine cleaning? Do you require dentures? Could your child need braces?

Dentists are grouped into two categories: general dentists and specialists. Both general and specialty dentists are well-qualified. They have received a four-year doctorate degree in dentistry, which is referred to as either a D.D.S. (doctor of dental surgery) or D.M.D. (doctor of dental medicine), depending upon which college awards it. They also pass state and national board examinations. Specialists, however, differ from general dentists because they have undergone extra training in a particular area of dentistry and limit their practice to that area.

General Dentistry
General dentists, also known as family dentists, are trained to provide most dental procedures for patients. A general dentist’s services may include:

routine checkups
X-rays
teeth cleanings
fillings
gum disease screening and treatment
extractions
crowns and bridges
cosmetic dentistry
root canal therapy
sealants
pediatric dentistry
tobacco cessation
home-care instructions
dentures and partial dentures
mouthguards
After your dentist has determined your oral health status and your likely risk of future disease, you should visit your dentist as often as he or she recommends. Regular visits enable your dentist to become familiar with your dental and medical history and to coordinate your dental care. This practice can help prevent dental disease before it requires involved care, such as a root canal or periodontal (gum) surgery.

If your general dentist determines you have a problem requiring special skills, knowledge or equipment, he or she will refer you to a specialist. Your general dentist will explain to you why the referral is recommended, and an appointment may be scheduled before you leave. He or she should share your dental records, X-rays and any relevant dental and general health information with the specialty dentist.

Specialty Dentistry

A specialty dentist typically has completed an extra two to six years of education in a specific area of dentistry. After a dentist has successfully completed additional programs and training, he or she may elect to take a specialty examination.

Some specialists you may be referred to during the course of your dental treatment include:

Endodontist
Endodontists care for the inner portion of the teeth. They perform root canals and treat diseases of the pulp and nerves inside the tooth.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat injuries and defects of the mouth and jaw; they also often perform complex tooth extractions.

Oral Pathologist
Oral pathologists examine, identify, diagnose and treat diseases of the mouth.

Orthodontist
Orthodontists design and apply corrective and supportive appliances (braces) to realign crooked teeth.

Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric dentists care for infants, children, adolescents and special patients having psychological, physical or emotional problems. These practitioners are skilled at handling the first visits to the dentist.

Periodontist
Periodontists treat diseases of the soft tissues (gums) and bone that surround and support the teeth.

Prosthodontist
Prosthodontists design, construct and fit replacement teeth, such as implants, bridgework and dentures.

 

[JarettK]

Ill have to get 2 implants put in to replace 2 broken molars. Im not really scared of that... im more scared since I have to get my 4 wisdom teeth pulled first. So the next few months are not going to be happy, since ill be spending so much time at the oral surgeon.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I am researching implants myself. I have a congenitally missing front tooth (right next to the two front teeth) and while it's still in well, I'm almost 27 and my dentist told me chances were it would be out by the time I'm 25. I've taken excellent care of my teeth and I'm hoping it will last until I'm 30 - or at least more financially stable. The options of spending so much money or walking around with a gap in the front are not at all appealing.

 

[nbodyhome]

I had bone grafting done in October and had the area set to put teeth in - what I didn't know at the time was that the $4300 didn't include the teeth, and it was about half the price of everyything! I would have neeever spent $9000 for 3 teeth! I don't have plans yet to finish it, the area of my mouth isn't easily visible. I'd have just gotten a bridge, or had the teeth pulled and then saved for the entire procedure (that way I could have tax deducted some of it too).

The procedure wasn't terrible. He couldn't numb me completely even with lots of novacaine, but it was okay. The worst part was that I got head rushes for a couple of weeks after the procedure (when I was trying to fall asleep at night).

 

[Deb & Bill]

I had my implant put in last Dec. It healed great. I had a total knee replacement done in late Jan. I was supposed to get the tooth put on last week, but there was a slight problem with the tooth, so my dentist had to send it back and I'll have in installed this week sometime. Other than that, no problems, no pain. No swelling, nothing.

Because of the total knee replacement, I now have to take penicillin prior to any dental work. My dentist prescribes it and I take four capsules about an hour before I go to the dentist.