Dental Implants.......$$$$$$$$$$$$

[DISNEYLOVER70]

I have Sjogren's Syndrome, which causes extremely dry mouth,etc. which caused my enamel to break down and cavities that my dentist just couldn't keep up with, which resulted in a lower partial denture. (now that i have been diagnosed and on meds for several years, my top teeth are perfect and I haven't had a single cavity since)

I have a post cemented in to the root of a tooth(that had a root canal) that the denture snaps on to to keep it in place. Well, the post broke off. My dentist recemented it in, it lasted 3 weeks, broke off again. He recemented it but said that it is temporary and that I need a dental implant so that a new post can be fastened to it.

He referred me to an oral surgeon. I went. The consultation costs me $200 out of pocket. (100 for consult, 100 for panoramic xray). The total for one implant with a bone graft $3075.00 which my dental insurance does not cover.

My only other alternative is to get the tooth pulled, which will result in my denture not fitting in my mouth and then I have to buy a new one of those. So I really have no choice. I want to go get another opinion, but I don't want to dish out a bunch of cash for those either..........

Here is breakdown of treatment plan:

First intraoral periapical 20.00
Panoramic x-ray 100.00
Bone replacement graft-1st site in quad 500.00
Guided tissue regen-resorb/site/tooth 250.00
Surgical Placement of Endosteal Implant #22 1650.00
Extraction #22 245.00
General Anesthesia 310.00
Grand Total: 3075.00

I told him I was pretty tough, that I could probably do it without anesthesia but he said he wouldnt want to do it without it, 2 hour procedure and he doesn't think the tooth root is going to come out easy based on the xray, and then the bone graft.......

Anyone have an implant with bone graft and if so, how much was yours and how much pain was involved? It sounds like a horrible procedure.

 

[Nik's Mom]

I'm going through it right now. I had a baseball accident as a kid and had a crown put in, but the dentist did a bad job. Now 30 years later, I found out that the tooth needed to be pulled. I had my bone graft done back in October and I go in for the implant next month. I was told that pulling the tooth is the most painful process. I had anesthesia, but had no pain after the surgery. I didn't even need to take pain medication. The surgeon told me that since I didn't have any pain when the tooth was pulled, I should probably be ok with the implant procedure.

Now, keep in mind that I delivered a 9 lb baby, so my definition of pain may be different. Honestly, the worst part of the procedure was that drugged feeling from the anesthesia. I was so sleepy that day. I don't even remember the ride home or how I got into bed. DH said I tried to tell him something, but stopped in mid sentence and fell asleep.

The implant price that you were quoted is a close match to what I am paying. But I had to pay $400 for a temporary tooth, since the tooth in question is in the front of my mouth. Plus, the surgeons price did not include the actual crown that will go over the implant post. That is another $1000, but I think my insurance pays 40% of that. You may want to find out if there is a separate charge for the crown.

I asked an implant question on the community board when I was thinking about this procedure and all I heard were positive results. People seem to be very happy that they did it. I'm sure you will be fine!

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

I'm going through it right now. I had a baseball accident as a kid and had a crown put in, but the dentist did a bad job. Now 30 years later, I found out that the tooth needed to be pulled. I had my bone graft done back in October and I go in for the implant next month. I was told that pulling the tooth is the most painful process. I had anesthesia, but had no pain after the surgery. I didn't even need to take pain medication. The surgeon told me that since I didn't have any pain when the tooth was pulled, I should probably be ok with the implant procedure.

Now, keep in mind that I delivered a 9 lb baby, so my definition of pain may be different. Honestly, the worst part of the procedure was that drugged feeling from the anesthesia. I was so sleepy that day. I don't even remember the ride home or how I got into bed. DH said I tried to tell him something, but stopped in mid sentence and fell asleep.

The implant price that you were quoted is a close match to what I am paying. But I had to pay $400 for a temporary tooth, since the tooth in question is in the front of my mouth. Plus, the surgeons price did not include the actual crown that will go over the implant post. That is another $1000, but I think my insurance pays 40% of that. You may want to find out if there is a separate charge for the crown.

I asked an implant question on the community board when I was thinking about this procedure and all I heard were positive results. People seem to be very happy that they did it. I'm sure you will be fine!

I probably should have posted this on the community board, but thought budget first because it is going to seriously HURT mine!

I have a pretty high pain tolerance as well. I have had several surgeries and I agree, the anesthesia fog afterwards is probably the worst. I am not getting a crown put on but rather an attachment that my partial will snap on to (the tooth that will cover it is on my denture).

He didn't mention doing the graft at a different time as an option. But he did say I would have to go back about 3-4 months after the extraction/bone graft/implant placement to have a "top" put on the implant (no extra charge). He wouldn't want to attach anything on the implant until the graft had healed and made the implant placement more secure. Guess I don't have much bone material to work with. I turn 40 this year and wow is everything going to heck...Went to the eye doctor last night for yearly check up and it looks like i will be needing bifocals soon.... Looks like this is going to be a rough year...

Thanks for the positive thoughts and encouragement, I feel better talking to someone who actually had it done. I will look for that thread on the community board

 

[mnrose]

Be aware that you will no doubt need a crown on top the implant. I don't see that in the fee. That took me by surprise when my husband had his implant done. The price you were quoted is in the ball park of what we paid for the implant itself, and then on top of that, there was about a grand for the crown. Add to that the 4 (!) failed root canals done on that tooth that caused the need for an implant, and it is one expensive tooth.

 

[LovableGluttons]

I got a dental implant in 2007. Although my dental insurance covers a portion of it, I think the total charged for patients without insurance for the extraction (with local anesthetic), implant placement, healing cap, then post for the crown, was only $1,000 total. I see billboards here advertising essentially the same price.

I did not need to have a bone graft. Initially my oral surgeon thought I would, but I didn't end up needing it.

My tooth had been broken during intubation for a non related surgical procedure. After a root canal and crown, then the crown falling out repeatedly, it was discovered that the remaining tooth structure under the crown had broken in half. Sheesh!

If I had it to do all over again, I would have had the implant from the get go!

I needed no pain meds after and even went to work the night after both the extraction and placement of the implant! That required two different procedures, but it allowed my body to fill in the necessary bone to support the implant which is why I didn't need a bone graft.

The panoramic xray will help the oral surgeon determine if you have enough bone density to support an implant, if you'd need a grsaft, and even what size implant to use.

My implant is a molar and I actually forget that it is an implant when I'm eating, brushing, flossing. One of the things I love about it is that there is no metal edge showing between the tooth and gumline.

Are they planning on using your existing appliance or fabricate a new one to apply to the implant?

I have a new dentist since we moved to Tampa. I told him no more root canals if the situation arises, implants only. He agreed!

 

[Nik's Mom]

I probably should have posted this on the community board, but thought budget first because it is going to seriously HURT mine!

I have a pretty high pain tolerance as well. I have had several surgeries and I agree, the anesthesia fog afterwards is probably the worst. I am not getting a crown put on but rather an attachment that my partial will snap on to (the tooth that will cover it is on my denture).

He didn't mention doing the graft at a different time as an option. But he did say I would have to go back about 3-4 months after the extraction/bone graft/implant placement to have a "top" put on the implant (no extra charge). He wouldn't want to attach anything on the implant until the graft had healed and made the implant placement more secure. Guess I don't have much bone material to work with. I turn 40 this year and wow is everything going to heck...Went to the eye doctor last night for yearly check up and it looks like i will be needing bifocals soon.... Looks like this is going to be a rough year...

Thanks for the positive thoughts and encouragement, I feel better talking to someone who actually had it done. I will look for that thread on the community board

I turn 40 in a few months, so I know how that is. I didn't have much bone material either, so I had to have the graft. They use cadavar bones now. He put that in at the time he pulled the tooth. Then I had to wait a few months before the implant placement. That will take place in less than a month, not that I'm counting.

Hang in there. There was a thread on the budget board too. If you do a search, it will come up. Like I said, everyone seems to be very pleased with their decision.

 

[pickleo]

My implant was $3,000 when it was all said and done. I had to have a bone graft after having the tooth pulled. I'm hoping I don't need another.

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

Be aware that you will no doubt need a crown on top the implant. I don't see that in the fee. That took me by surprise when my husband had his implant done. The price you were quoted is in the ball park of what we paid for the implant itself, and then on top of that, there was about a grand for the crown. Add to that the 4 (!) failed root canals done on that tooth that caused the need for an implant, and it is one expensive tooth.

Nope, no crown. After the implant has fully healed, my regular dentist is going to attach the post that will fit/snap on to my current partial. He told me he would only bill me for parts and pieces on that.........whatever that ends up being

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

My implant was $3,000 when it was all said and done. I had to have a bone graft after having the tooth pulled. I'm hoping I don't need another.

Ouch....... Yeah, my partial attaches to two posts. The other post, the oral surgeon said will eventually go so I should plan on having that one done in the not too far future as well........

The bone graft will be from a cadaver...... the thought gives me the creeps. I know I should be grateful it is available, and I am. Just weird.

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

I turn 40 in a few months, so I know how that is. I didn't have much bone material either, so I had to have the graft. They use cadavar bones now. He put that in at the time he pulled the tooth. Then I had to wait a few months before the implant placement. That will take place in less than a month, not that I'm counting.

Hang in there. There was a thread on the budget board too. If you do a search, it will come up. Like I said, everyone seems to be very pleased with their decision.

I turned 40 in a few months too... Any chance yours is in April too? We are going to Universal for a distraction that day! I always said it wouldnt bother me, it is just a number. But I must admit, it is on my mind.

 

[disneylvrnMS]

Have you cheked with your dentist about doing the entire procedure? I have 3 dental implants and have not had to go to an oral surgeon for any of them. My dentist has done all of them in his office. I have never had to have anesthesia and have had no pain afterwards.

He places the device in the bone and monitors its healing process for about 6 months. After it is completely healed he then attaches the crown to it. They have cost me about $3000 each.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

for you. DD was born missing 7 adult teeth, two of which are her front bottom teeth. During her first xray and the realization of this, the dentist told me to be prepared to take out a second mortgage for the house.

Fast forward to now DD17 now only has 4 missing teeth. The front two and two on the bottom sides. The dentist explained all her options and costs and she decided to have the front two pulled and they put in a retainer with 2 teeth. So far they haven't charged me for this option. The dentist won't even consider the implants til her late 20's. I am praying the cost will be lower by then. I am going to have her read here though as our dentist made it out to be extremely painful and she is frightened of the procedure.

Another option for you is if you have a teaching college in your area, they pick candidate to have the procedure done in a small class setting. The students do NOT do the work, just watch. You get a huge discount for doing this. It may be worth checking out.

Once again for you .

 

[Blue.Fairy2]

I would get a second and a third opinion. Get your xrays and take them to another dentist.

Has anyone mentioned a core build up? I would try that before I resolved to get an implant.

I would hate to see you spend the money and go through the procedures to have it end in failure or spend that amount of money if other options are available.

Prognosis of implants from this article seems to be good.

http://www.osseonews.com/implants-in-patients-with-sjogrens-syndrome/

I had a patient with Sjogren's Syndrome, so I do feel for you and your dental health.

TinkernFun suggestion is a good one. Pick a dental school with a good reputation.

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

for you. DD was born missing 7 adult teeth, two of which are her front bottom teeth. During her first xray and the realization of this, the dentist told me to be prepared to take out a second mortgage for the house.

Fast forward to now DD17 now only has 4 missing teeth. The front two and two on the bottom sides. The dentist explained all her options and costs and she decided to have the front two pulled and they put in a retainer with 2 teeth. So far they haven't charged me for this option. The dentist won't even consider the implants til her late 20's. I am praying the cost will be lower by then. I am going to have her read here though as our dentist made it out to be extremely painful and she is frightened of the procedure.

Another option for you is if you have a teaching college in your area, they pick candidate to have the procedure done in a small class setting. The students do NOT do the work, just watch. You get a huge discount for doing this. It may be worth checking out.

Once again for you .

Awe, to your daughter and you... It is very difficult financially but also mentally to have your teeth pulled/dentures at a young age. I had my two eye teeth root canaled and posts cemented in and the rest pulled on the bottom at 29. At the time I was not diagnosed with Sjogrens and even tho I always went to the dentist 2x year for cleanings, we couldn't keep up with the cavities. The bottom teeth were breaking due to more filling than enamel. I felt like it was my fault that I wasnt taking care of my teeth properly even tho I flossed/brushed faithfully etc. Now that I am on meds, knock on wood, my top teeth have been stable with no new problems. I do have 7 root canals with crowns up there tho that will eventually need to have implants as well, but hoping that is a long way down the road.

I don't have any local dentistry schools in my area unfortunately and my regular dentist does not do implants.

I would definately have your daughter read these threads as it appears that the bark is worse than the bite. I know I feel better about the actual procedure and the pain that follows knowing so many people say it isn't bad at all.

As a side note: I truly feel that if you need implants due to a medical condition/birth or genetic defect/car accident that medical insurance should cover most if not all of the procedure. JMHO

 

[Blue.Fairy2]

As a side note: I truly feel that if you need implants due to a medical condition/birth or genetic defect/car accident that medical insurance should cover most if not all of the procedure. JMHO

Sadly they should, but most will not, being it is a pre existing condition and/or they will say it is cosmetic.

Is this Dental School not near you?


http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/

 

[princessmom29]

My mom has had 3 implants to date, and will need 3 more before she is done. $3000 per implant is pretty standard around here, and we are in a low cost of living area. We shopped around quite a bit, and that was the "going rate" for that kind of work. I would be highly suspicious of the quality of work you would get from anyone doing it for $1000. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Recovery was not bad for her, but she handles procedures really well. She has had numerous root canals, crowns, fillings ect over the years and had some tissure grafting done for her gums. She has a hereditary defect in the enamel on her teeth that makes them weak and brittle. She was breaking teeth and having root canals by 13-14. I didn't inherit it, but unfortunately my sister did and it is pretty much the same with her.

 

[mom2brina]

Shocking, isn't it?!?! How much they cost!

My first dental implant was done 3 years ago, and my insurance did not pay for anything except the extraction of the original tooth (root at that point). My cost was about the same - $3000, but I only had the numbing shots, not a general. The first thing they do is pull the old tooth out. Then, if needed, they will do a bone graft and put in the bottom part of the implant. Sometimes they can not put the implant in the same day though. Then that stays in for 4-6 months. Depending on where the missing tooth is, you might want a 'flipper', or temporary tooth, but my Peridontist does not like for there to be ANY pressure on that area. Then after the 4-6 months, you go in and they make sure that it has grafted or implanted successfully. Then you are cleared to get a crown.

I am in the waiting period for the second implant I have had, only this time my insurance is paying 50%!!! DH changed jobs and even though the dental ins. is through the same carrier, this time it is covered. I don't know if that is a change in their general policy, or what. I do think that the ins. comanies will realize that to pay for an implant is more expensive, but the other alternative is a bridge and the 'life' of a bridge is much less than the implant which is permanent.

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

Sadly they should, but most will not, being it is a pre existing condition and/or they will say it is cosmetic.

Is this Dental School not near you?


http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/

Actually yes it is! About 45 minutes from me, I thought it was only a medical school, didn't realize dental school as well! I will definately look that up!

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

Shocking, isn't it?!?! How much they cost!

My first dental implant was done 3 years ago, and my insurance did not pay for anything except the extraction of the original tooth (root at that point). My cost was about the same - $3000, but I only had the numbing shots, not a general. The first thing they do is pull the old tooth out. Then, if needed, they will do a bone graft and put in the bottom part of the implant. Sometimes they can not put the implant in the same day though. Then that stays in for 4-6 months. Depending on where the missing tooth is, you might want a 'flipper', or temporary tooth, but my Peridontist does not like for there to be ANY pressure on that area. Then after the 4-6 months, you go in and they make sure that it has grafted or implanted successfully. Then you are cleared to get a crown.

I am in the waiting period for the second implant I have had, only this time my insurance is paying 50%!!! DH changed jobs and even though the dental ins. is through the same carrier, this time it is covered. I don't know if that is a change in their general policy, or what. I do think that the ins. comanies will realize that to pay for an implant is more expensive, but the other alternative is a bridge and the 'life' of a bridge is much less than the implant which is permanent.

Good luck with your 2nd implant! I was just speaking with my boss at work and he went over the dental policy we currently have and the others that are available to us and he said he was going to try to switch plans for February 1 to a plan that would cover 50% of implants up to $1000.00....I am not going to get to excited until it actually happens but that would be wonderful. $2000 out of my pocket is better than $3000.... I have a wonderful employer. Oh and the new dental plan would only be $4.00/month more than the current plan...go figure.

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

I would get a second and a third opinion. Get your xrays and take them to another dentist.

Has anyone mentioned a core build up? I would try that before I resolved to get an implant.

I would hate to see you spend the money and go through the procedures to have it end in failure or spend that amount of money if other options are available.

Prognosis of implants from this article seems to be good.

http://www.osseonews.com/implants-in-patients-with-sjogrens-syndrome/

I had a patient with Sjogren's Syndrome, so I do feel for you and your dental health.

TinkernFun suggestion is a good one. Pick a dental school with a good reputation.

Thank you so much for that link to the article on Sjogrens Syndrome dental implantation. I printed that off and was a great article. I was not aware that Sjogrens patients can have difficulty wearing traditional dentures. Which means I definately want to keep the type of denture I currently have which are removable but anchored with attachments. I appreciate you taking the time to look this up... Some of the nicest people I have encountered on the disboards