Do you have Dental Implants? Please tell me your story.

V

Vicky

Member
Location
Pennsylvania, USA
As we age, most of us end up with some sort of dentures. The last dentist appt reminded me my upper tooth needs to be extracted. Because of my Tori on my roof of mouth; the only dentures that will serve me are dental implants. Because I have no dental ins, I will have to pay the $10,000 myself.

I have done a lot of reading on these dental implants, but of course they are sites that promote the procedure. They do not tell the whole story. From my understanding:
  • I will still have to have cleanings, which is the only time the dentures are removed from the implants. The fees for this are extremely more than regular cleaning. They now tell me my dentures will be inserted after my teeth are pulled and implants installed. A yr ago, a different dentist said there is a healing period of 6 months.

If you have these dental implants, can you answer some of my questions:
When I ask the dentist, he is vague with his answers. I personally do not know of anyone with implants to ask of their experiences, thus I ask this community.

1) Do food crumbs still get caught between denture and gums? Can you remove the implanted denture yourself?
I currently have partials, which are easily removed for cleaning, such as toast crumbs or poppy seeds get jammed between the gum and dentures. Currently, I am able to remove my partials to remove the food particles. I like this clean feeling as well, after my morning and night brushings. I am wondering will this be the same with dental implants.

2) After teeth are removed from the mouth, the bone shrinks over the years. Did you have to get new implants or new dentures periodically, even though you have implants?

3) If I am able to remove the denture; will the screw in the bone become lose over time?
My thoughts: Prying a denture on and off seems like the metal peg would loosen over time.

4) Are you able to bite into an apple with these implants?
When my front teeth were secure, I was able to bite into hard foods such as apple, carrot, etc. Now that my front tooth is so loose, I cannot do this anymore. Thus another reason I need to take action with my teeth.

5) After your teeth were pulled, how long did you wait until you got your dentures?

5) Why did you choose dental implants? Are you happy with your choice?


Telling me your experience (good or bad) will help me decide when to get the implant. This is a scary and costly and procedure for me.



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I don't have any sort of plate anchored by implants, but I do have a fair bit of experience with single-tooth implants. If you've never had an implant I can offer a few tips from my experience that you might find useful.

1. The process for each of my implants involved:
a) removing the affected tooth and filling the hole with either cadaver bone or a synthetic material. I then had to wait 4-6 months for the "new bone" to grow in before proceeding.
b) then drilling a carefully aligned hole in the new bone and installing the metal "implant" with it's screw-on protective cover. I then had to wait another 4-6 months before going forward.
c) finally, having impressions made of my mouth, waiting for the "tooth" to be made and delivered, then having it installed.
Once complete, the (lower) implants have been great. As mentioned, they ARE expensive (around $6000 each) but they look and feel just like natural teeth. They're very strong and can never decay.

2. Until about a year ago, all of my implants had been in my lower jaw. My oral surgeon told me that frequently (as in my case) the bone of the maxilla (upper jaw) is not sufficiently thick to properly support an implant. When I eventually lost an upper (back) tooth, I chose to simply leave the space and it didn't cause any significant difficulty. When I lost a second upper tooth, the surgeon offered to try a procedure called a "sinus lift".

Simply stated, following extraction of the offending tooth the sinus lift procedure involves drilling a fine cylindrical hole through the maxilla; then pushing the core of that cylinder partially (but not completely) up into the sinus cavity. This is supposed to provide more bone thickness to support the implant. The entire location is then packed with either cadaver bone or a synthetic material and left to heal for six months followed by the normal implant procedure.

Since having this procedure I can feel an irregularity in my upper gum at the site and have developed a very slight lisp. I don't know if this is common, but I wouldn't choose to have it done again.

HTH
 
Tommy said:
I don't have any sort of plate anchored by implants, but I do have a fair bit of experience with single-tooth implants. If you've never had an implant I can offer a few tips from my experience that you might find useful.

1. The process for each of my implants involved:
a) removing the affected tooth and filling the hole with either cadaver bone or a synthetic material. I then had to wait 4-6 months for the "new bone" to grow in before proceeding.
b) then drilling a carefully aligned hole in the new bone and installing the metal "implant" with it's screw-on protective cover. I then had to wait another 4-6 months before going forward.
c) finally, having impressions made of my mouth, waiting for the "tooth" to be made and delivered, then having it installed.
Once complete, the (lower) implants have been great. As mentioned, they ARE expensive (around $6000 each) but they look and feel just like natural teeth. They're very strong and can never decay.

2. Until about a year ago, all of my implants had been in my lower jaw. My oral surgeon told me that frequently (as in my case) the bone of the maxilla (upper jaw) is not sufficiently thick to properly support an implant. When I eventually lost an upper (back) tooth, I chose to simply leave the space and it didn't cause any significant difficulty. When I lost a second upper tooth, the surgeon offered to try a procedure called a "sinus lift".

Simply stated, following extraction of the offending tooth the sinus lift procedure involves drilling a fine cylindrical hole through the maxilla; then pushing the core of that cylinder partially (but not completely) up into the sinus cavity. This is supposed to provide more bone thickness to support the implant. The entire location is then packed with either cadaver bone or a synthetic material and left to heal for six months followed by the normal implant procedure.

Since having this procedure I can feel an irregularity in my upper gum at the site and have developed a very slight lisp. I don't know if this is common, but I wouldn't choose to have it done again.

HTH
Click to expand...
Thank you so much!!! Hearing you tell me your experience is a help.
 
I haven't had any dental implants and don't intend to, but my daughter is Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) at a dental/facial unit at a major public hospital in Sydney.

She has seen enough serious problems stemming from dental implants to tell me that I should not entertain the idea.

From Medical News Today - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dental-implants-problems#surgery-complications

Potential complications from surgery​

There are several potential complications that can occur following DIS. The sections below will outline some of these. Below are some of the more common problems that may develop following DIS.

Infection​

An infection at the implant site is the most common complicationTrusted Source of DIS.
Treatment for an infection depends on the severity and location of the infection. For example, a bacterial infection in the gum may require antibiotics or a soft tissue graft. A bacterial infection in the bone may require removal of the infected bone tissue and possibly the implant, followed by a bone and soft tissue graft.

Gum recession​

In some cases, a person may find that the gum tissue around the implant begins to recede. This can lead to inflammation and pain. Getting a prompt assessment from a dentist is essential to prevent the removal of the implant.

Loose implant​

In the first few weeks following DIS, the dental implant will grow and fuse with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration, and it is crucial to the long-term success of the implant. This process can take many months. If the implant fails to fuse with the bone, the dental surgeon may remove it. A person may be able to reattempt the implant procedure once the area has healed.

Nerve or tissue damage​

Sometimes, a dental surgeon may inadvertently place a dental implant too close to a nerve. This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain. Short-term symptoms are most common in dental implant surgery, but a person may experience long-term symptoms. A nerve or tissue problem requires immediate attention. Injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in the lower jaw can be potentially serious. Some possible symptoms of an IAN injury include:
  • persistent numbness on the side of the implant, including the lower lip and chin
  • persistent pain or discomfort
  • tingling, tickling, or burning sensations in the gums and skin

Sinus issues​

Upper jaw dental implants can protrude into the sinus cavities, causing inflammation of the sinuses. This is known as sinusitis.
Some potential symptoms of sinusitis include:

Damage from excessive force​

As with any tooth, excessive force or impact can cause a dental implant to crack or become loose.
Some people may apply excessive force to dental implants without even realizing it. For example, some people grind, or brux, their teeth while sleeping. People who are prone to this behavior may need to wear a mouthguard to prevent damage to the implant as well as their natural teeth.

Long-term issues​

Peri-implantitis is a type of gum disease that causes loss of the bone supporting the implant. It develops due to chronic inflammation at the site of the implant. According to one 2017 review, peri-implantitis can take about 5 years to progress and cause symptoms. These symptoms typically include bleeding or swelling around the site of the dental implant.

There is also a rare possibility of the body rejecting a dental implant. Based on a 2019 review, researchers are investigating the risks of using dental implants made from titanium or other metals. Some people have a rare metal sensitivity that causes their body to reject metal implants. The researchers recommend that people undergo metal sensitivity testing before receiving such implants.

Success rate​

Sometimes, a dental implant may fail. Healthcare professionals categorize implant failure into one of two categories: early failure (which occurs shortly after the insertion of the implant) or late failure (which occurs after the implant has been in place for a period of time).
Dental implants have a success rate of around 90-95%Trusted Source. However, they may have a reduced success rate among people who:

Taking care of implants​

The best way to ensure the success of a dental implant is to follow the aftercare advice the surgeon provides. After undergoing DIS, a person should avoid hot food and drinks while numb and stick to a soft food diet for at least a few days.

As with a person’s natural teeth, an implant and the tissues surrounding it require regular cleaning. A person should floss the area at least once per day after the gums have healed and use interdental brushes to access areas that are more difficult to reach. People should also schedule regular dental check-ups and appointments for cleaning areas below the gum line.

People who smoke may wish to consider quitting, as this will reduce the risk of complications from DIS.
 
I guess I was confused as I thought these were called so called permanent dentures instead of removable dentures that were taken out, cleaned everyday and put back in via a glueing product.

I thought an implant implied one tooth that was removed and over a period of time of healing was inserted and screwed into the bone. I have a lot to learn. I have one permanent bridge upper and in the process of another on the lower, other side. Are you in the position that all your teeth must be removed? If it was me, I would choose the normal dentures. Even those must be adjusted from time to time, this new screw in type seem like more dental issues to me.
 
Although I still have most my teeth was I considering it for cosmetic reasons. After over half a century of smoking, my teeth are stained pretty bad and I've tried everything. Plus I one bad tooth in the back that just won't come out. Several dentists have tried and nothing. ......the pain was so bad I once just jumped out of the chair and left....lol.
 
Oldeagle66 said:
Although I still have most my teeth was I considering it for cosmetic reasons. After over half a century of smoking, my teeth are stained pretty bad and I've tried everything. Plus I one bad tooth in the back that just won't come out. Several dentists have tried and nothing. ......the pain was so bad I once just jumped out of the chair and left....lol.
Click to expand...
Have you quit smoking yet: I did about 3 1/2 years ago. Mine were stained but not bad. There are cosmetics that can be done, just a vaneer coating on the front. You would only need it on the teeth that show when you smile. I understand about the bad tooth. I just had two pulled from the back right jaw. For one of them they must have used some sort of saw to cut into sections to get it out.

Maybe you have just not found a dentist with enough skill. I had no pain, just seemed like a long time holding my mouth open. He always numbs me up more than usual, I am whin baby. Of course the option of seeing an oral surgeon, he will knock you out just like they do when they have get wisdom teeth out. If you have several dentist have tried, \ that might be the thing to do. A bad tooth can really mess up the health of the rest of your body.
 
I have one implant and am getting more soon. They are very expensive, but are better than bridges or root canals. Bridges are difficult to keep clean underneath and lead to many other problems - I had to have mine removed and it ultimately resulted in other teeth needing to be removed. Root canals can fracture and then you will have pain like you never knew until they are removed. So my root canals and bridge ended up being a waste of money as well as causing other problems.

Cleaning around implants is easy - just use interdental brushes that are quicker and easier to use than floss.
 
I use floss and a waterpick, doing okay with the bridge. It will have to work, I can't afford those one for one implants. I think the OP is referring to the implant of permanent dentures not individual teeth,
 
Warrigal said:
I haven't had any dental implants and don't intend to, but my daughter is Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) at a dental/facial unit at a major public hospital in Sydney.

Readers need to keep in mind where her daughter works. A dental/facial unit sees all the horror stories. Good info to keep in mind, though. Weighing both pros and cons of the story before going into any surgery is intelligent. Many oral surgeries are serious, including implants; as well as expensive.

Mexico is where many seniors in AZ go to get implants; MUCH less expensive. They do a good job in Mexico, just need to know which dental offices to use, or trustworthy.
Click to expand...
 
i was forced to get an implant because a tooth under a crown somehow fractured and the pain was intense. i am not sure how a tooth gets fractured under a crown, but how would i know if that was true or not. they removed the crown and the tooth after 3 novocain injections. i didn't feel anything but pressure. i wore headphones with very loud music so i couldn't hear the roots ripping from the bottom of my soul. after that procedure, i only had pain from the novocain injection sites. they filled the hole with some sort of cadaver something and i think some sort of screw hole. i didn't want to know.

i then had to wait 4 or 5 months for that to heal. i was then sent to a dentist who took a 3D image of the area to create a new tooth. that came in after many months and they screwed the new tooth in with i think some glue. it feels just like my original tooth. the whole process cost $5K.

They tell me i need another one but i am waiting til i have intense pain and feel like i have no other choice. the only pain i felt was in my wallet. my question is why are they skipping to an expensive implant when before they did a root canal and a crown.
 
@AnneTeak - My personal experience (YMMV) has been that the root canal->crown approach almost invariably leads to an implant down the road. The cost of the first two procedures almost equals that of the implant. After this happened a few times, I decided to skip the root canal/crown business and go straight to the implant. Implants are more or less forever. ;)
 
Warrigal said:
I haven't had any dental implants and don't intend to, but my daughter is Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) at a dental/facial unit at a major public hospital in Sydney.

She has seen enough serious problems stemming from dental implants to tell me that I should not entertain the idea.

From Medical News Today - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dental-implants-problems#surgery-complications

Potential complications from surgery​

There are several potential complications that can occur following DIS. The sections below will outline some of these. Below are some of the more common problems that may develop following DIS.

Infection​

An infection at the implant site is the most common complicationTrusted Source of DIS.
Treatment for an infection depends on the severity and location of the infection. For example, a bacterial infection in the gum may require antibiotics or a soft tissue graft. A bacterial infection in the bone may require removal of the infected bone tissue and possibly the implant, followed by a bone and soft tissue graft.

Gum recession​

In some cases, a person may find that the gum tissue around the implant begins to recede. This can lead to inflammation and pain. Getting a prompt assessment from a dentist is essential to prevent the removal of the implant.

Loose implant​

In the first few weeks following DIS, the dental implant will grow and fuse with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration, and it is crucial to the long-term success of the implant. This process can take many months. If the implant fails to fuse with the bone, the dental surgeon may remove it. A person may be able to reattempt the implant procedure once the area has healed.

Nerve or tissue damage​

Sometimes, a dental surgeon may inadvertently place a dental implant too close to a nerve. This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain. Short-term symptoms are most common in dental implant surgery, but a person may experience long-term symptoms. A nerve or tissue problem requires immediate attention. Injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in the lower jaw can be potentially serious. Some possible symptoms of an IAN injury include:
  • persistent numbness on the side of the implant, including the lower lip and chin
  • persistent pain or discomfort
  • tingling, tickling, or burning sensations in the gums and skin

Sinus issues​

Upper jaw dental implants can protrude into the sinus cavities, causing inflammation of the sinuses. This is known as sinusitis.
Some potential symptoms of sinusitis include:

Damage from excessive force​

As with any tooth, excessive force or impact can cause a dental implant to crack or become loose.
Some people may apply excessive force to dental implants without even realizing it. For example, some people grind, or brux, their teeth while sleeping. People who are prone to this behavior may need to wear a mouthguard to prevent damage to the implant as well as their natural teeth.

Long-term issues​

Peri-implantitis is a type of gum disease that causes loss of the bone supporting the implant. It develops due to chronic inflammation at the site of the implant. According to one 2017 review, peri-implantitis can take about 5 years to progress and cause symptoms. These symptoms typically include bleeding or swelling around the site of the dental implant.

There is also a rare possibility of the body rejecting a dental implant. Based on a 2019 review, researchers are investigating the risks of using dental implants made from titanium or other metals. Some people have a rare metal sensitivity that causes their body to reject metal implants. The researchers recommend that people undergo metal sensitivity testing before receiving such implants.

Success rate​

Sometimes, a dental implant may fail. Healthcare professionals categorize implant failure into one of two categories: early failure (which occurs shortly after the insertion of the implant) or late failure (which occurs after the implant has been in place for a period of time).
Dental implants have a success rate of around 90-95%Trusted Source. However, they may have a reduced success rate among people who:

Taking care of implants​

The best way to ensure the success of a dental implant is to follow the aftercare advice the surgeon provides. After undergoing DIS, a person should avoid hot food and drinks while numb and stick to a soft food diet for at least a few days.

As with a person’s natural teeth, an implant and the tissues surrounding it require regular cleaning. A person should floss the area at least once per day after the gums have healed and use interdental brushes to access areas that are more difficult to reach. People should also schedule regular dental check-ups and appointments for cleaning areas below the gum line.

People who smoke may wish to consider quitting, as this will reduce the risk of complications from DIS.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your info.
 
Blessed said:
I guess I was confused as I thought these were called so called permanent dentures instead of removable dentures that were taken out, cleaned everyday and put back in via a glueing product.

I thought an implant implied one tooth that was removed and over a period of time of healing was inserted and screwed into the bone. I have a lot to learn. I have one permanent bridge upper and in the process of another on the lower, other side. Are you in the position that all your teeth must be removed? If it was me, I would choose the normal dentures. Even those must be adjusted from time to time, this new screw in type seem like more dental issues to me.
Click to expand...
My tori on the roof of my mouth prevents me from getting normal dentures. This is the reason I am trying to get as much info of implants. The dentists all recommend it, yet I am leery. Some of these experiences are informing me what the implants could do. Dentist all sell the positive side. Talking to those who actually went through the procedure can tell the whole story.
 
AnneTeak said:
i was forced to get an implant because a tooth under a crown somehow fractured and the pain was intense. i am not sure how a tooth gets fractured under a crown, but how would i know if that was true or not. they removed the crown and the tooth after 3 novocain injections. i didn't feel anything but pressure. i wore headphones with very loud music so i couldn't hear the roots ripping from the bottom of my soul. after that procedure, i only had pain from the novocain injection sites. they filled the hole with some sort of cadaver something and i think some sort of screw hole. i didn't want to know.

i then had to wait 4 or 5 months for that to heal. i was then sent to a dentist who took a 3D image of the area to create a new tooth. that came in after many months and they screwed the new tooth in with i think some glue. it feels just like my original tooth. the whole process cost $5K.

They tell me i need another one but i am waiting til i have intense pain and feel like i have no other choice. the only pain i felt was in my wallet. my question is why are they skipping to an expensive implant when before they did a root canal and a crown.
Click to expand...
Without doubt, implants are costly. You are fortunate that your were single teeth. The type of implant was suggested to me are 2 or 4 screws to hold a full top denture. My dentist claims that my top dentures will not hold without the screws. Since this is such a permanent procedure, I must be sure that I am full prepared and aware of the aftermath. That I am making the right choice. Thanks for telling me your experience.
 
I have full dental implants, not dentures, permanent. No, you cannot bite into apples
Or anything very hard or corn on the cob. You need a prosthodontist, a specialist, not any
Oral surgeon. Check their reputation out, It is a very long process from start to finish, longer than they tell you, more than a
Year because of the healing of gums and bone. Very costly. $6000 or more per tooth. Prepare for a lot of pain and discomfort
and anaesthesia. Do NOT do it without sedation as I did! Terrible ordeal
Hopefully your tooth will look newish, and your smile is nicer.
I am glad it is done but I still have one more to do now. Not covered by insurance,usually
Brushing your teeth 2x a day is necessary and flossing
 
Victor said:
I have full dental implants, not dentures, permanent. No, you cannot bite into apples
Or anything very hard or corn on the cob. You need a prosthodontist, a specialist, not any
Oral surgeon. Check their reputation out, It is a very long process from start to finish, longer than they tell you, more than a
Year because of the healing of gums and bone. Very costly. $6000 or more per tooth. Prepare for a lot of pain and discomfort
and anaesthesia. Do NOT do it without sedation as I did! Terrible ordeal
Hopefully your tooth will look newish, and your smile is nicer.
I am glad it is done but I still have one more to do now. Not covered by insurance,usually
Brushing your teeth 2x a day is necessary and flossing
Click to expand...
Thank you Victor. It seems like all comments and opinions are similar. Painful, long wait periods, and costly. My dentist does not tell me any of this. He promotes it and dances around my questions.
This is the reason I reached out for the truth, from this community who actually had it done. I sincerely thank you for the input. It helps.
 
Vicky, I lost all my teeth because my cpap machine rotted them from the inside out. A top denture will stay in place because of suction.

The bottom denture will not no matter how much polident you use. It hops up and down when you eat and talk. I had an implant supported denture on the bottom. 4 implants hold the denture. It’s removed yearly to clean underneath.

The process took 6 months. Fake teeth do not have the biting force of real teeth. It cost 30k 8 years ago. To get the same thing on the top was an additional 40k so I have a denture on top. It was definitely worth the pain and expense.
 
My mother had complete dental implants, top and bottom, when she was in her early 70s and her teeth were beautiful when she passed away at 89.

My own teeth were badly stained, chipped and crooked several years ago. I had veneers installed on the top and bottom, at least the teeth that are visible. It was a harrowing experience because the dentist sanded my real teeth down to pointy nubs. I winced after I looked at them after the procedure. Then the porcelain veneers were installed and I was thrilled. My teeth are now stain-resistant and straight. And veneers are available in various shades so my teeth look natural.
 
Also, You will need to eat very soft foods and soups for months,probably. I cut my food into small bits, so not to damage
My broken teeth. Unfortunately it loses most flavor. No chips or hard snacks either
 
Teacher Terry said:
Vicky, I lost all my teeth because my cpap machine rotted them from the inside out. A top denture will stay in place because of suction.

The bottom denture will not no matter how much polident you use. It hops up and down when you eat and talk. I had an implant supported denture on the bottom. 4 implants hold the denture. It’s removed yearly to clean underneath.

The process took 6 months. Fake teeth do not have the biting force of real teeth. It cost 30k 8 years ago. To get the same thing on the top was an additional 40k so I have a denture on top. It was definitely worth the pain and expense.
Click to expand...
Terry, are you saying the top denture will stay in place without implants? I have a tori on the roof of my mouth, thus the reason dentist say implants. I cannot use the full denture. My upper denture needs to be U-shape.
 
seadoug said:
My mother had complete dental implants, top and bottom, when she was in her early 70s and her teeth were beautiful when she passed away at 89.

My own teeth were badly stained, chipped and crooked several years ago. I had veneers installed on the top and bottom, at least the teeth that are visible. It was a harrowing experience because the dentist sanded my real teeth down to pointy nubs. I winced after I looked at them after the procedure. Then the porcelain veneers were installed and I was thrilled. My teeth are now stain-resistant and straight. And veneers are available in various shades so my teeth look natural.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the reply, but I already have most of my top teeth pulled. Unfortunately, veneers will not work for me.
 
Victor said:
Also, You will need to eat very soft foods and soups for months,probably. I cut my food into small bits, so not to damage
My broken teeth. Unfortunately it loses most flavor. No chips or hard snacks either
Click to expand...
Wow! This is all good info to know beforehand.
 

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