Dental Implants - Anyone had them?
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free skin care · Tue Aug 25, 2009 10:42 pm

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and I'm so glad I found it.

Just wondering if anyone has gone through the process of dental implants. I'm going through the process myself right now and the swelling is terrible! I'm in so much pain and didn't expect it to be quite this bad. I'm also considering switching cosmetic dentists. Has anyone ever been to (or know anyone who has been to) The Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry? I live in Nashville, but am willing to travel.

free skin care · Wed Aug 26, 2009 8:02 am

I have had four implants. When I got my first implant I was in a lot of pain and called the dentist and he put me on antibiotics. After the other three implants I requested antibiotics because I didn't want to feel that pain again. Definitely call you dentist it shouldn't be that painful. After taking the antibiotics I was fine and you will love the implant.

free skin care · Wed Aug 26, 2009 9:16 am

Welcome to the forum! My sister has one tooth implant and experienced a lot of pain and swelling until she was given antibiotics, just like cookie. The pain did subside and she is very pleased with her new tooth. I say contact your dentist and tell them how much pain you are in and see what your options are.

Good luck! Smile

free skin care · Wed Aug 26, 2009 10:17 am

I had two implants done at once without any problems, little pain, and a quick recovery. Antibiotics won't help unless there is an infection -- although it's not uncommon to get infected, given that they are digging around in your mouth.

I would avoid anyone who calls her/himself a "cosmetic" dentist. I would ask my dentist for referrals and do additional research talking to people who have had a similar procedure. The surgeon I saw is specially trained to do extractions and implants and has a stellar reputation (5 stars on yelp from patients.)

free skin care · Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:20 am

I have been a maxiofacial surgical assistant for over 20 years and place inumerable implants. The technology and techinques used today- in the hands of a skilled surgeon- allow for near painless placement.
I can say with confidence and gratitude that I work for one of the best clinitian's in New Jersey. I seldom see a patient the next day who complains of pain, swelling, or infection.
Smokeing is the #1 no-no for good healing

free skin care · Fri Aug 28, 2009 6:47 am

I've had two implants. Initially, I had crowns but developed an abscess underneath them.

I went to a dentist that specialises in implants and had no trouble whatsoever. It was a bit of a long drawn out process though.

The most excruciating part of the procedure was paying the bill!

free skin care · Fri Aug 28, 2009 3:58 pm

Kelin, do they know what caused the abcess? I'm sorry you had to go through that. When I was little I had an abcess tooth that had to be pulled. I don't remmeber it well, but I know how serious that is.

Yes, it is very expensive! I'm getting 3 and it's coming to about 14k.

free skin care · Fri Aug 28, 2009 5:21 pm

I have an implant as a result of a crowned root that was being re-absorbed by my body after 20 years of wearing the crown. They couldn't explain it; they just said it happens sometimes. The extraction of the remaining root was done by an oral surgeon, who also placed the implant screw. The manufactured tooth was installed by my regular dentist. I had a fair amount of soreness after the surgery, but I wouldn't say it was really painful.

To the person who was wary of "cosmetic dentists," I believe it is a certification in the profession, which requires specialized education.

free skin care · Fri Aug 28, 2009 5:53 pm

BellaKai wrote:

Kelin, do they know what caused the abcess?

It was caused by the tooth (or what was left of it) underneath the crown decaying. The dentist was worried that it could find its way into my brain. Shock

So it had to be dealt with immediately.

A word of warning here: just because you have implants doesn't mean that you're home free. Extra care must be taken in cleaning around the implants and keeping them clean. I've had trouble with my teeth my entire life - I've had just about everything done to them that is humanly possible. When I win the lottery I'm going to have ALL my teeth replaced - I fantasize on having a Julia Roberts smile. Very Happy

free skin care · Fri Aug 28, 2009 7:25 pm

Keliu, you and me both. I always tell me dentist that one of these days I am going to have all my teeth yanked out. I only eat soft foods now because I am so afraid that another tooth is going to crack when I am eating cereal.

free skin care · Fri Aug 28, 2009 9:59 pm

I also have wretched teeth - think of them as my 30 naughty little offspring who are always getting into trouble.

The root canals and crowns cost a fortune (I also had to have crown lengthening on two of the teeth, and what an ordeal that was) but at least thought I'd be finished once I got the crowns. Nope, now I know that "we really don't expect crowns to last more than 5 years, maybe 10" and "we're moving away from doing crowns at all -- the future is going to be implants."

Anyway, one thing that has really helped my teeth is GC MI Paste Plus. My dentist foisted it on me -- $25/tube and I thought it was a scam, but I did the research and also found it in bulk on amazon for half that amount (I have four kids and two have my bad teeth, so now everyone uses it).

I went to the dentist a couple of weeks ago and both hygienist and dentist were amazed at how good my mouth looked and attributed the improvements in my gums (recession since I was a teen) and bone to the paste. It's the first time in a life full of dental disaster that my teeth have taken a step in the right direction (forgive the metaphor mixing).

free skin care · Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:24 pm

Due to genetic problems with my teeth I have a mouth full of them. They're wonderful and if you take care of them, will last far longer than even the orthodontist/surgeon who placed them thinks they will.

free skin care · Mon Aug 31, 2009 7:04 pm

Hi. I had one implant and it is pretty good. right in the front on the bottom. I just baby it a bit when biting into hard things or bit on the side. I agree you have to find a good dentist who specializes in implants. I needed an implant as my first dentist messed up a crown and then wouldn't deal with it. When I had mine it was quite painful for several days after and I took a lot of antibiotics for several days before and after and then steroid for several days after and just some regular strength Advil. I agree it gives one the most real mouth with working teeth. But if I had to do a lot of them I would consider just getting a denture, less invasive. The whole process made me realize how much surgeries are invasive and potentially could lead to more problems and I decided to only do what had to be done both in terms of teeth and any other body issue. Does anyone know how to stop pushing my tongue against my tooth? I do it when I am tense or upset and it creates quite a bit of pain; this contributed to the pain I had after the surgery.

free skin care · Tue Sep 15, 2009 3:47 pm

I have 2 implants. I had a bridge and crown in both bottom back of my mouth. After 20 years, I replaced the bridge with the implants. It is easier now to clean but I wonder if I should had waited some more. The worst part was when the dentist drilling into the bone.

My friend had implant done and her dentist damaged her nerve so one side of her lower jaw is numbed and that side droops down. It's awful. After the dentist drilled into the bone and she found that the numbness did not go away. That's when she figured that something is wrong. She had to ask the dentist to remove the screw after all that. She is still missing a tooth and she won't go through another implant.

Wed Apr 22, 2015 12:33 am

I cracked a tooth in October, went to my dentist. He recommended me Dental Implantation.Dental Implantation removed the tooth and put in a pin to hold the new tooth, cost was $3500. I was fine with that. Yesterday, I went to my dentist to have impressions for the new porcelain tooth. Next month he will screw in the new tooth. My dentist is charging me $1250 for these two visits. Is this price unreasonable? I had no idea he would charge this much. I have looked on the web, but can only find the oral surgeons price.

free skin care · Wed Apr 22, 2015 4:43 am

denver smith wrote:

I cracked a tooth in October, went to my dentist. He recommended me Dental Implantation.Dental Implantation removed the tooth and put in a pin to hold the new tooth, cost was $3500. I was fine with that. Yesterday, I went to my dentist to have impressions for the new porcelain tooth. Next month he will screw in the new tooth. My dentist is charging me $1250 for these two visits. Is this price unreasonable? I had no idea he would charge this much. I have looked on the web, but can only find the oral surgeons price.

Hi, I'm so glad you found this thread! I didn't realize it was on EDS. I'm having a bone in my upper jaw replaced before my implants can be done. I'm told I will have to wail almost a year for this graft to heel properly before I can get 2 implants. So are you saying that 3500 is your total cost for the screw? Or was it 1250 for the implanted screw and another 1250 for the actual tooth?
I find the entire process so bizarre . My insurance will pay to put me to sleep for the surgery , but will not pay to remove the diseased bone or pay for the bone graft. The max/facial surgeon is only charging 1850$ then the screws will be another 2000$ not bad for 2 screws total, but only because my ins. Won't pay. Then the actual teeth that go on the screws will be done by my dentist and will cost me 100$ for both of them because my insurance covers them. Go figure.
So my thinking is yes your dentist is probably reasonable depending on your area, insurance status, and his dental thought process! Rolling Eyes

I read somewhere dentists have a high suicide rate. I wonder if that's true...or if their patients just find it cheaper to hire a good hit man?

free skin care · Thu Apr 23, 2015 8:27 pm

rmc7 wrote:

..... will be done by my dentist and will cost me 100$ for both of them because my insurance covers them.....

rmc7, you’re fortunate...many dental plans DON’T cover ANY of the expense of a crown placed over an implant. And you’ll be getting two crowns (per @ implant) for $100. Sweet.

May I ask...what dental insurer are you with? Is it a *network-only* plan?

free skin care · Fri Apr 24, 2015 7:59 am

Kath91 wrote:

rmc7 wrote:

..... will be done by my dentist and will cost me 100$ for both of them because my insurance covers them.....

rmc7, you’re fortunate...many dental plans DON’T cover ANY of the expense of a crown placed over an implant. And you’ll be getting two crowns (per @ implant) for $100. Sweet.

May I ask...what dental insurer are you with? Is it a *network-only* plan?

Yes Kath, it's a network plan. And, yes, I'll take what I can get, and be thankful for it! It is a private plan through my husbands work group.

free skin care · Tue Apr 28, 2015 1:18 am

We live in India for the major part of the year, and my husband paid $600 for each of his two implants, (including the crowns).

He experienced no pain, but he did take homeopathic arnica 1M after the procedure.(no other pain meds)

The dentist he went to studied under a world renowned Indian dentist, trained in France, who also practices in the same city in India. Both lecture throughout many parts of the world. I have many friends who have used both dentists with extremely positive results.

It's amazing the difference in costs.

free skin care · Tue Apr 28, 2015 5:51 am

jasminerosey wrote:

We live in India for the major part of the year, and my husband paid $600 for each of his two implants, (including the crowns).

He experienced no pain, but he did take homeopathic arnica 1M after the procedure.(no other pain meds)

The dentist he went to studied under a world renowned Indian dentist, trained in France, who also practices in the same city in India. Both lecture throughout many parts of the world. I have many friends who have used both dentists with extremely positive results.

It's amazing the difference in costs.

I have relatives on the border of Mexico, they go to Mexico for their dental because of the cost differential. The Dentists are U.S. Educated. Go figure!? Brick wall

free skin care · Tue Apr 28, 2015 6:23 am

Yes, my molar implant was going to be another 3200.00 after my intitial 800-1200.0- to pull it and do the bone graft.
Still on the fence as to whether I am going to do it or just a bridge. After all my dental visits this last 2 years I am over it, haha.

free skin care · Tue Apr 28, 2015 7:17 am

AnnieR wrote:

Yes, my molar implant was going to be another 3200.00 after my intitial 800-1200.0- to pull it and do the bone graft.
Still on the fence as to whether I am going to do it or just a bridge. After all my dental visits this last 2 years I am over it, haha.

It's a a 6 of one and a half dozen of another situation. I had the bridge done originally , 6 yrs ago. Unfortunately one on the "good" teeth wore thin and snapped below the gum line. I didn't feel any pain so I didn't know it happened. But, it formed an internal abscess that started to drain out of my gum. I was fortunate that happened, I actually thought it was my sinuses. Had the abscess no drained I would have been a big mess! As it is the bone is infected and it's not yet responding to the antibiotics. So I'm not sure what's going to happen on May 7th, my scheduled surgery date!

free skin care · Wed Apr 29, 2015 6:28 am

Gosh, that is scary! Yes, that was one of the drawbacks that the dentist mentioned, having something happen to the supporting teeth.
I guess I will sit on that fence a bit longer. I am really not in a hurry since it is a molar, but I know I have to do something within the next year or so to prevent shifting and more bone loss.
I appreciate all the feedback on this topic. Def things to consider!

free skin care · Mon May 11, 2015 9:39 pm

Had an incisor replaced. Don't recall any pain. Worst part was wearing the fake tooth that I had to pop in and out when eating. I cringe when I hear commercials claiming you a get a new smile in a day. That is a recipe for disaster! It takes about nine months to do properly.

free skin care · Mon May 11, 2015 9:41 pm

Kath91 wrote:

rmc7, you’re fortunate...many dental plans DON’T cover ANY of the expense of a crown placed over an implant.

I think my insurance covered the tooth being pulled but that was it.

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