A2ZGrammie
Member
- Location
- North Carolina
Has anyone tried dental implants? I have them, but they really suck. I'd like to hear how others have done with them.
Anyone have dental implants?
- Thread starter A2ZGrammie
- Start date
rgp
Well-known Member
- Location
- Milford,OH
A2ZGrammie
Member
- Location
- North Carolina
I have fixed ones on top, which aren't too bad, but the smell is awful if the dentist has to take the plate out.
The one on the bottom is removable. The implants don't hold. I can eat a cheeseburger, and the dang plate pops out of my mouth. A while back I was eating tootsie rolls (which I love!) and I thought I had damaged something, my mouth was so sore. Also for the bottom, your gums shrink, so the plate doesn't fit.
I think I ended up with a lousy dentist. I'm going to see him soon to get at least the bottom fitted better. He was having some issues with his...what do you call them....the people that make the plates.....so he lost a lot of money when he made mine. I think I am suffering the consequences.
StarSong
Awkward is my Superpower
- Location
- Los Angeles Suburbs
Dental implants are removable? I thought they were permanently attached to the jaw.
Don M.
SF VIP
- Location
- central Missouri
Are you referring to "Implants", or "Partials"??? As I understand it, Implants are Permanent, and cannot be removed...they are permanently mounted into the jawbones with titanium screws. If you can remove your "teeth", they must be partials....either acrylic or cast. Also, there are "bridges" which dentists can install and anchor to adjacent teeth.....these would probably require a trip to the dentist for removal.
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Don...lost almost 5 grand in a front upper tooth implant that failed right away. Dentists don't have MRI's and therefore can't tell how much bone you may have to "seat" the implant. They kept trying with mine, but it wasn't fixed in there solid. If I had known about that I probably wouldn't even have tried. As it was it was just one front tooth...all I wanted for Christmas was a single front tooth, ha ha... so thought it would be the thing to do. Most implants are lost due to infection I believe. In my case, I'd been in an auto accident many years ago, broke my nose and obviously the bone had been impacted, too.
I'd not get them again for that obvious reason. Know others that have had them in for a few years and had trouble also. I now have a single tooth partial and am very happy with it.
I'd not get them again for that obvious reason. Know others that have had them in for a few years and had trouble also. I now have a single tooth partial and am very happy with it.
StarSong
Awkward is my Superpower
- Location
- Los Angeles Suburbs
Thank you for sharing your experience, Liberty. Crazy how the implant ads seem to all avoid mentioning implant failures.
Aunt Bea
SF VIP
- Location
- Near Mount Pilot
I looked into having four dental implants that would secure a lower overdenture and be removable to clean.
I was told that my lower jaw is not large/strong enough to support the installation of the implants so I'll eventually have to go with a traditional lower denture.
I was told that my lower jaw is not large/strong enough to support the installation of the implants so I'll eventually have to go with a traditional lower denture.
Ronni
Well-known Member
- Location
- Nashville TN
I have an implant retained lower denture. Two implants, one on each side about where the lower eye teeth would be to assist in the lateral stability of the denture. My denture snaps on and off for cleaning etc.
I'd be really concerned about this. Unless there's plaque and bacteria buildup, mouths have no particular odor. For a while I had a fixed lower denture until I switched, and my dentist taught me how to clean the space between, using a variety of implements and a water pik. After a while we decided to switch to the removable one for a variety of reasons, but keeping my mouth clean more easily was high on the list.
When you say the implants don't hold, I'm assuming you mean that the denture doesn't stay in place, not that the implants are weak. That is entirely fixable. There are tiny rings, calls O rings, which sit within the housing of the part of the denture that snaps onto the implant. The 0 rings assist in retention of the implant. But they wear out over time. They are supposed to be replaced every so often. I get mine replaced every 6 months for example. Some people go longer, some less time. It varies from patient to patient. Too, there are different O ring strengths. By that I mean that different O rings hold the denture on the implants more or less tightly. Some people prefer a looser fit so that they can pop the denture off more easily. Some (like me) want a tighter fit so that I don't ever have to worry about what I'm eating.
It sounds like maybe your dentist isn't entirely up to date on the technology of implants. There are a dizzying array of options these days, and I'm more grateful than I can say that my dentist stays very current. It's time consuming for her. She sets aside a portion of every weekend for continued study/education, and several times a year attends seminars and conferences to increase her knowledge. I'm very lucky I found her because I've had dental issues my whole life.
It's absolutely NOT your fault that your dentist had problems with the supplier or the lab that manufactures the dentures and such. You shouldn't have to bear the consequences of that. I urge you to demand better service and a more comfortable and acceptable denture. It's entirely possible, as my own personal experience shows.
I'd be really concerned about this. Unless there's plaque and bacteria buildup, mouths have no particular odor. For a while I had a fixed lower denture until I switched, and my dentist taught me how to clean the space between, using a variety of implements and a water pik. After a while we decided to switch to the removable one for a variety of reasons, but keeping my mouth clean more easily was high on the list.
When you say the implants don't hold, I'm assuming you mean that the denture doesn't stay in place, not that the implants are weak. That is entirely fixable. There are tiny rings, calls O rings, which sit within the housing of the part of the denture that snaps onto the implant. The 0 rings assist in retention of the implant. But they wear out over time. They are supposed to be replaced every so often. I get mine replaced every 6 months for example. Some people go longer, some less time. It varies from patient to patient. Too, there are different O ring strengths. By that I mean that different O rings hold the denture on the implants more or less tightly. Some people prefer a looser fit so that they can pop the denture off more easily. Some (like me) want a tighter fit so that I don't ever have to worry about what I'm eating.
It sounds like maybe your dentist isn't entirely up to date on the technology of implants. There are a dizzying array of options these days, and I'm more grateful than I can say that my dentist stays very current. It's time consuming for her. She sets aside a portion of every weekend for continued study/education, and several times a year attends seminars and conferences to increase her knowledge. I'm very lucky I found her because I've had dental issues my whole life.
It's absolutely NOT your fault that your dentist had problems with the supplier or the lab that manufactures the dentures and such. You shouldn't have to bear the consequences of that. I urge you to demand better service and a more comfortable and acceptable denture. It's entirely possible, as my own personal experience shows.
Ronni
Well-known Member
- Location
- Nashville TN
I looked into having four dental implants that would secure a lower overdenture and be removable to clean.
I was told that my lower jaw is not large/strong enough to support the installation of the implants so I'll eventually have to go with a traditional lower denture.
I'd suggest you get a second opinion. I was told this by two different dentists until I found my current one who I've had for a few years now. I no longer remember all the details, but there are an array of choices as to the depth and size and placement of the implants, plus bone grafting to strengthen the bone, all of which can make lower implants possible for almost anyone. While bone grafting can increase the costs, the type of implant doesn't vary the cost so much that it would prohibit certain choices.
Yeah, StarSong...just try asking them when they start "pushing" implants..."where is your warranty and fitness for use"...lol. Ha, if they have a 10 year "warranty repair, refund" clause then it might be worth it! Could tell you a truly funny story about my dad and his great set of dentures from 1924 sometime - its a true story!
rgp
Well-known Member
- Location
- Milford,OH
I was told at my consultation that, all teeth of course removed, then it was suggested that i do with out for approx 1 week, [let the gums heal] then the jaw bone would be drilled, five implant screws be placed [upper & lower] , and the [denture] would be fitted to that. These to be removed only by the dentist roughly each year. This for cleaning & inspection, the first year, no charge. Then a fee after that. All toll, approx $15-16,000. total for the procedure & new "teeth"
Or direct individual implants [like hollywood does] Each new "tooth" screwed directly into the bone. Approx $ 40,000 .
I tried an upper denture .... that didn't go well. I've made no decision yet as to the next step, or if there will be one ?
Or direct individual implants [like hollywood does] Each new "tooth" screwed directly into the bone. Approx $ 40,000 .
I tried an upper denture .... that didn't go well. I've made no decision yet as to the next step, or if there will be one ?
Giantsfan1954
Senior Member
I was irritated with myself after I got my 2nd set of dentures that I didn't have what they called the anchor implants for the lower set which do not sit right and I rarely wear... After reading some of these posts maybe it wasn't such a bad thing.
treeguy64
Hari Om, y'all!
- Location
- Austin, TX.
The above is misinformation, sorry. Dentists use x-rays and cone beam imaging to determine, with a good deal of accuracy, how much bone is in a given part of your jaw.
Peri-implantitis is a dirty little secret kept by the profession. It is very likely that many, if not most, implant patients will have this malady, sooner or later. Read up on it. Scary stuff.
The bottom line, for me: NEVER get dental implants!
Leann
Traveler
This is such a timely discussion for me as my dentist has suggested that I get an implant for a single tooth (back molar) that had to be removed last month. I've talked to a few people who have these implants to get their take on whether or not I should consider it. I think I'll pass on it.
Me too.
I have a single tooth they call a flipper. Mine wasn't fitted right so hubby is going to try to fix it. It hurts to take it in or out.
C'est Moi
Dishin' it out.
- Location
- Houston Y'all
My husband has two implants. They are posts screwed into his jaw with caps ("teeth") on them. There is no way they are removable. A friend of mine just had one implant; she needed to have a bone graft to insure there was enough jawbone to hold the implant.
I still have all my natural teeth, thank goodness.
I still have all my natural teeth, thank goodness.
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I agree totally. Too many horror stories about them. And the PRICE!
Tree guy...all they used on me were xrays - was told an MRI would have shown the bone status in my upper mouth, but it isn't available as state of the art for denistry. Don't know about "cone imaging" as this was a few years ago. Agree with you on your analysis though...implants aren't for me either. Learning more about them only made me more leery.
I have never had a dental implant, but for those who are considering one, or for those whose dentists are trying to sell you on implants, I have quite an adventure.
I have had dental problems since birth due to dry mouth & thin enamel - constant decay as a child, then more problems caused by dental insurance. And I learned quite a bit along the way.....one of the things I learned was that not every dentist is trustworthy or honest.
Every few months, a large filling would come out & my dentist would replace it. I thought he was being "conservative" & didn't know any better at the time. I had dental coverage through my employment.
Then, out of frustration, I walked into another dentist's office for a consultation. She spent TWO HOURS with me, (no charge) explaining why my treatment wasn't working. "A tooth that has almost no structure left should NEVER be filled because there is nothing to hold the filling. And the mercury in the fillings is constantly absorbed into your body. And every time the dentist replaces the filling, he has to drill out more tooth due to more decay. Your molars are almost all fillings - that's why they keep coming out. You need a complete reconstruction - crowns on ALL your teeth, including the front teeth, where you're also getting decay at the gum line."
I asked why my dentist would keep filling teeth that shouldn't be filled. She explained that a dentist who works for an insurance company has to choose the cheapest treatment because the insurance company is covering half of it & they'd rather cover the lower cost of fillings than the higher cost of crowns. They're concerned about dollars; not your health & the dentist has to do whatever he is told. She also explained that went she graduated from dental school & started working for an HMO dentist, she was constantly reprimanded for spending "too much" time with each patient; which made her decide to open her own practice before she could afford it. I had her do a complete reconstruction.
Now, the "Implant Adventure:"
Years later, after she retired, I found a new dentist. I had some decay under a tooth that was part of a bridge. The dentist immediately tried to sell me on an implant, ($6,000.00) instead of replacing the bridge ($3,000.00). He was quite determined to convince me to get an implant, telling me the bridge would definitely fail after a short time, then I'll need an implant, anyway. I said, "Well, this bridge has been OK for 16 years; & it didn't "fail," it only needs to be replaced to do a root canal under one of the support teeth, am I correct?"
He replied, "Well....yes....technically; but an implant would be better." I also mentioned (what he already knew), "I have diabetes; I read that diabetics should not have implants unless there are no other options, due to the higher risk of failure due to infection."
He replied, "Naw....that's pretty rare."
I said, "I'll do some more research & get back to you."
I contacted my previous (retired) dentist & asked if an implant would be a good idea for me & I also asked her why my dentist was trying so hard to convince me to get the implant.
She explained that the time & work involved with both an implant and a bridge is about the same, but the profit is double. And she also explained how drastic & invasive an implant procedure is - cutting open the gum, drilling the implant into the bone, sewing the gum flap closed, waiting 6 months for bone to grow into the implant, then re-cutting the gum flap & installing the crown. And the risk of infection is, indeed higher for diabetics - & of course, there is no guarantee with any patient.
Easy to see why "Dental Implant Centers" have sprung up everywhere.
I decided on the bridge & my dentist, at first, seemed OK with it, but after he was halfway through the drilling & grinding, he started again on his hard sell for the implant. At that point, I wanted to leave & change dentists, but I thought it wouldn't be a wise idea because the area was already exposed - grinded down to very small posts, so I figured I wouldn't see him again after the bridge was completed.
After the permanent bridge was cemented, I got home & was eating a piece of toast (still partially numb). When I swallowed, I started choking; it felt like I was swallowing pieces of broken glass. I looked in my mouth & saw that there was a gap between my top & bottom molars on that side. The bridge was obviously too short & the dentist had to have seen that because he checked the fit several times before cementing it. Apparently, he wanted to teach me a lesson about not listening to him & getting the implant. And he likely thought I would then have him do the implant.
I filed a complaint with The Dental Board, sent them photos, & saw a different dentist to re-do the bridge. He asked me: "Who did that bridge?.....it's the worst I've ever seen in my 20 years." When I gave him the dentist's name, he later spoke to him. The original dentist called me & offered me a $3,000.00 refund & sign a release, which I accepted. I had to wait a year (chewing only on the right side) for the area to heal before replacing the bridge. My new dentist re-did the bridge & it's been fine for the past 12 years.
I'm not saying no one should ever get dental implants; in some cases, it's a good idea. But (as with any MD), do some research before you automatically follow their advice. And keep in mind that a dentist's advice is frequently profit motivated.
There's a reason we see TV ads for dental implants showing older people eating apples & corn on the cob. The agency paying for the ad is not going to show you the whole picture.
I have had dental problems since birth due to dry mouth & thin enamel - constant decay as a child, then more problems caused by dental insurance. And I learned quite a bit along the way.....one of the things I learned was that not every dentist is trustworthy or honest.
Every few months, a large filling would come out & my dentist would replace it. I thought he was being "conservative" & didn't know any better at the time. I had dental coverage through my employment.
Then, out of frustration, I walked into another dentist's office for a consultation. She spent TWO HOURS with me, (no charge) explaining why my treatment wasn't working. "A tooth that has almost no structure left should NEVER be filled because there is nothing to hold the filling. And the mercury in the fillings is constantly absorbed into your body. And every time the dentist replaces the filling, he has to drill out more tooth due to more decay. Your molars are almost all fillings - that's why they keep coming out. You need a complete reconstruction - crowns on ALL your teeth, including the front teeth, where you're also getting decay at the gum line."
I asked why my dentist would keep filling teeth that shouldn't be filled. She explained that a dentist who works for an insurance company has to choose the cheapest treatment because the insurance company is covering half of it & they'd rather cover the lower cost of fillings than the higher cost of crowns. They're concerned about dollars; not your health & the dentist has to do whatever he is told. She also explained that went she graduated from dental school & started working for an HMO dentist, she was constantly reprimanded for spending "too much" time with each patient; which made her decide to open her own practice before she could afford it. I had her do a complete reconstruction.
Now, the "Implant Adventure:"
Years later, after she retired, I found a new dentist. I had some decay under a tooth that was part of a bridge. The dentist immediately tried to sell me on an implant, ($6,000.00) instead of replacing the bridge ($3,000.00). He was quite determined to convince me to get an implant, telling me the bridge would definitely fail after a short time, then I'll need an implant, anyway. I said, "Well, this bridge has been OK for 16 years; & it didn't "fail," it only needs to be replaced to do a root canal under one of the support teeth, am I correct?"
He replied, "Well....yes....technically; but an implant would be better." I also mentioned (what he already knew), "I have diabetes; I read that diabetics should not have implants unless there are no other options, due to the higher risk of failure due to infection."
He replied, "Naw....that's pretty rare."
I said, "I'll do some more research & get back to you."
I contacted my previous (retired) dentist & asked if an implant would be a good idea for me & I also asked her why my dentist was trying so hard to convince me to get the implant.
She explained that the time & work involved with both an implant and a bridge is about the same, but the profit is double. And she also explained how drastic & invasive an implant procedure is - cutting open the gum, drilling the implant into the bone, sewing the gum flap closed, waiting 6 months for bone to grow into the implant, then re-cutting the gum flap & installing the crown. And the risk of infection is, indeed higher for diabetics - & of course, there is no guarantee with any patient.
Easy to see why "Dental Implant Centers" have sprung up everywhere.
I decided on the bridge & my dentist, at first, seemed OK with it, but after he was halfway through the drilling & grinding, he started again on his hard sell for the implant. At that point, I wanted to leave & change dentists, but I thought it wouldn't be a wise idea because the area was already exposed - grinded down to very small posts, so I figured I wouldn't see him again after the bridge was completed.
After the permanent bridge was cemented, I got home & was eating a piece of toast (still partially numb). When I swallowed, I started choking; it felt like I was swallowing pieces of broken glass. I looked in my mouth & saw that there was a gap between my top & bottom molars on that side. The bridge was obviously too short & the dentist had to have seen that because he checked the fit several times before cementing it. Apparently, he wanted to teach me a lesson about not listening to him & getting the implant. And he likely thought I would then have him do the implant.
I filed a complaint with The Dental Board, sent them photos, & saw a different dentist to re-do the bridge. He asked me: "Who did that bridge?.....it's the worst I've ever seen in my 20 years." When I gave him the dentist's name, he later spoke to him. The original dentist called me & offered me a $3,000.00 refund & sign a release, which I accepted. I had to wait a year (chewing only on the right side) for the area to heal before replacing the bridge. My new dentist re-did the bridge & it's been fine for the past 12 years.
I'm not saying no one should ever get dental implants; in some cases, it's a good idea. But (as with any MD), do some research before you automatically follow their advice. And keep in mind that a dentist's advice is frequently profit motivated.
There's a reason we see TV ads for dental implants showing older people eating apples & corn on the cob. The agency paying for the ad is not going to show you the whole picture.
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Wow, Win...now that's a real story. My dentist for many years was "Prez 41's" dentist and he retired around 2000...wonder what he would think of your story. Very interesting indeed. Thanks so much for sharing!
MeAgain...suggest you find a good dentist that is an "artist" with implants. Love my single tooth one and the dentist that did it has passed away now, but trust me...he was "gifted". Suggest you get it fixed "right".
treeguy64
Hari Om, y'all!
- Location
- Austin, TX.
Wow! Considering how terrible that dentist was, you should have sued the hell out of him. You would have surely prevailed, for FAR more than three grand, and he might have lost his license, keeping him from ripping off more unsuspecting victims.