Dental implants - information appreciated (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Community Discussions] >> Health and Safety



Message

wandersalone -> Dental implants - information appreciated (12/20/2008 7:29:53 AM)

It looks like I will need dental implants for at least 4 teeth .....I have talked to one dentist so far and am reading all I can find on the net but would love to hear from anyone who has gone through this themselves or knows someone that has.  I know it is horrendously expensive but would appreciate knowing more about time frames, pain and discomfort, whether you feel it was worth it etc etc.



Termyn8or -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/23/2008 7:04:51 AM)

I don't deal with dentists, but I've been told a few things by a CDT, who is one who makes the implants and dentures.

If you even have only two good teeth to which to anchor, you will be happier with a partial (implant) than full dentures and

Never ever get a root canal unless you are on death's door because of the problem.

Others have also told me about the root canal.

You would do well to try to keep the rest of your teeth, changes in diet etc., which means more than just cutting out sugar. Brushing means nothing, the poor diet destroys teeth from the inside, not the outside. If you don't believe me think of this, then why would chemo patients lose their teeth ?

So no, I haven't been through it, and this might not be all that helpful, but the silence was deafening.

T



lusciouslips19 -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/23/2008 8:37:09 AM)

A bridge works great.



peppermint -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/23/2008 9:48:16 AM)

I have 3 dental implants.  First i had to have special full mouth x rays taken to make sure i had enough bone to get the implants.  Luckily as my teeth went bad, i kept the roots as they didn't hurt.  This kept the bone in my jaw from deteriorating over the years.  I only had the roots removed when i knew when and where i could have the implants.  The procedure is to have the implants put in....wait 6-8 months for the bone to grow into the holes in the implants...then have the crowns attached.  I had no pain at all...or any discomfort of any kind...during the procedure or afterward.  Have to admit that when they drill the hole into the bone if feels completely different than having a tooth drilled.  Your whole skull vibrates with the drilling.  However, it takes only a few minutes.  I had all 3 of my implants done in less than 1 1/2 hours.  They are virtually just like my own teeth.  I know too many people with bridges who don't wear their bridge because they are uncomfortable. I also know people who have lost one of the anchor teeth for the bridge and it now flops around.   An implant is different.  It is as if your own tooth is still there. 

I'm not sure what the implants cost in the states since i never go to American dentists and have no dental insurance to help cover costs.  We're snowbirds and winter in Arizona on the Mexican border.  I have a great dentist in Mexico who all my friends go to as he's so very good.  He arranged for a friend of his to come to his office and do my implants for $500 each.  The crowns were an additional $185 each.  So...i got 3 wonderful teeth for less than $2,100.  I had my implants put in nearly 2 years ago.  I have never regretted it at all.  In fact, i can finally chew food again.  I had a time before the implants when i didn't chew well enough and had to have that Heimlich squeeze used on me or i could have died .....all from not having the teeth to chew my food properly. 

If you have any questions for me, feel free to ask here or cmail me. 



lusciouslips19 -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/23/2008 10:03:39 AM)

My bridge in not removable.



peppermint -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/23/2008 10:15:34 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: lusciouslips19

My bridge in not removable.


Neat!!!  The bridges my friends have ARE removable and most don't wear them.  Their kind of bridge seems to be a waste of money for many. 



xxblushesxx -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/23/2008 6:57:31 PM)

Hey Hun,

I will ask HM to address this when He can. If you have specific questions, please send them to me or to Him on the other side. (He is LeatherMasterKY).



xxblushesxx -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/23/2008 7:59:47 PM)

Implants are currently the best way to replace a missing tooth if you can afford them.

That being said, the most important thing you can do is to find someone who is HIGHLY qualified in placing it AND restoring it. (usually these are not the same people, but they need to work closely together to have the best outcome.)

In the US, typicaly oral surgeons, followed by periodontists, are generally the most qualified in placing the implant. A prostodontist is can be very qualified in the restoration of the implant.

However, HM knows some general dentists who are also highly skilled in restoring implants and would trust them with His own teeth.

In summary, do lots of research in choosing who will do your implants.

(all of the above was told to me by HM)

P.S. He says it's probably best if you get the work done in the U.S.

eta: HM (who is getting on my nerves) wanted me to tell you He is a Professor of Dentistry...)[:-][8|]



moonvine -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/23/2008 8:33:12 PM)

I have one. Felt I was too young to get a bridge.

The implant itself was not covered by my insurance.   They used twilight anesthesia on me and honestly I don't remember much.  No pain.  If a dentist is not willing to give me pain meds I don't use that dentist.

The crown on the implant was covered by  my insurance, as much as it covers.  My regular dentist felt she couldn't do the crown as apparently I have an unnaturally small mouth with is a PITA to work in.

I'm quite scared of dentists and still did fine.

There was a 6 month waiting time between the implant and the crown.



peppermint -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/23/2008 10:37:50 PM)

I would love to have had dental work done in the US over the years.  Unfortunately I just didn't have the money to pay for it which is why the implants were needed.  Lack of dental care for years meant my teeth were in sad shape.  I wasn't too sure about going to Mexico, but a friend took me to the dentist he's been using for 17 years.  I had some minor dental work done. He is the most gentle and painless dentist I have ever been to.   I talked with some others who used this particular dentist.  The dentist earned my trust. 

Seems that when dental was added to medical insurance plans, dental prices started to go up very quickly.  As a teenager, I was able to afford dental work with my part time job which paid $1.50 an hour.  Last time I had some dental insurance I only had to pay 20% which was great since getting a cavity filled could cost close to a week's wages for me. 





GreedyTop -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/23/2008 11:16:09 PM)

I wish I could afford to even go to Mexico for implants *sigh*



peppermint -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/24/2008 2:00:13 AM)

You just hang in there like I did, Greedy.  Some day you might afford it.  I knew 15 years ago when my teeth started breaking off that I wanted implants.  I had no idea that some day the implants would be affordable for me...but there was always hope.  



peppermint -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/24/2008 2:02:03 AM)

quote:

They used twilight anesthesia on me and honestly I don't remember much.


For anesthesia I had the regular stuff they use when your mouth gets numb...just more of it and in different places than I'd ever been poked before. 



wandersalone -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/24/2008 7:49:33 AM)

ahhhh Termy...I owe you one for starting the responses :)

Thanks for the information everyone.  I have been quoted between 10 and 15 thousand (I am in Australia) for this procedure (4 or 5 teeth to be replaced, he thinks it would be three actual posts)...... I am thinking about selling my soul on ebay.  I am planning to go and see a few different dental surgeons to get their opinion. 

It isn't covered by health insurance here as it is considered cosmetic surgery but there would be a small tax rebate available which would be something.

Moonvine in between having the implant and getting the crown/s do you have teeth there or a gap?

Blah



moonvine -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/24/2008 3:52:39 PM)

quote:


Moonvine in between having the implant and getting the crown/s do you have teeth there or a gap?

Blah



You have a gap with an implant in it.  It is like a metal piece sticking up.  Wouldn't be terribly attractive in the front.

You can also get one tooth done at at time so no need to come up with all the cash at once. 



MsLady -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/24/2008 5:52:20 PM)

Hello,

I would like to know the name of your dentist in Mexico.   Thanks



wandersalone -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/25/2008 5:14:26 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: moonvine

quote:


Moonvine in between having the implant and getting the crown/s do you have teeth there or a gap?

Blah



You have a gap with an implant in it.  It is like a metal piece sticking up.  Wouldn't be terribly attractive in the front.

You can also get one tooth done at at time so no need to come up with all the cash at once. 



Oh jeeze really....a gap? Damn



moonvine -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/25/2008 4:25:55 PM)

Here's a pic (not of me)

http://www.northernqualitydental.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/mini_implants.35243037.JPG



wandersalone -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/26/2008 2:29:13 AM)

oh man [&:]





moonvine -> RE: Dental implants - information appreciated (12/28/2008 12:44:08 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: wandersalone

oh man [&:]





Yes, but when it is done you will have the most permanent restoration possible and no limits on what you can eat due to dental work.  To me this was worth it.



Page: [1]

Valid CSS!




Collarchat.com © 2025
Terms of Service Privacy Policy Spam Policy
0.03125