topic Re: Dental implants in Wellness

Dental implants

hyacinth003 — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:05:32 GMT

I am going to have a dental implant in a left lower molar.

I am wondering about the process, as I had a horrible time with the extraction and recovery - lots of pain and swelling.

Oral surgeon said I didn't need a bone graft as bone is adequate. I am wondering generally how long the process takes - one visit, more than one?

I know things vary widely. I forgot to ask how much it costs!

Would appreciate any information. Thanks.

Hyacinth

Re: Dental implants

Mindy D — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:08:36 GMT

@hyacinth003 wrote:
I am going to have a dental implant in a left lower molar.

I am wondering about the process, as I had a horrible time with the extraction and recovery - lots of pain and swelling.

Oral surgeon said I didn't need a bone graft as bone is adequate. I am wondering generally how long the process takes - one visit, more than one?

I know things vary widely. I forgot to ask how much it costs!

Would appreciate any information. Thanks.

Hyacinth

@hyacinth003 @There are a couple of recent threads on this. You might want to look at them until someone responds to your post. Wish I could be more helpful, but I have not had implants.

Re: Dental implants

chessylady — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:12:21 GMT

You will be paying a lot and most insurance companies do not pay for it. The process took me almost a year but mine was a back molar and a bone graft was needed. It was a grueling process for me. At least I got a permanent tooth rather than a bridge.

Re: Dental implants

hyacinth003 — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:16:35 GMT

@chessylady wrote:
You will be paying a lot and most insurance companies do not pay for it. The process took me almost a year but mine was a back molar and a bone graft was needed. It was a grueling process for me. At least I got a permanent tooth rather than a bridge.

@chessylady

I know I will have to pay all of it.

Hyacinth

Re: Dental implants

CathyNY — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:53:06 GMT

I have two dental implants, one an upper left eye tooth, the other a lower right molar. I only required one extraction, the upper left eye tooth , the lower right had been extracted years previously and I decided to get the implant for that tooth due to teeth shifting.

I had no problems with the extraction nor did I require bone grafts. The reason it takes 6-9 months from start to finish is for healing time. Several months from the extraction then the implant is done and another several months until the tooth is installed. I experienced no problems with either implant other than some minor discomfort the first day. I used only 800 mg ibuprofen for pain on day 1. I had some swelling but nothing major.

I suggest you get a price quote as implants can be rather pricey. I believe the implants were $2500 per implant then add the cost of the teeth. I have dental insurance and though insurance did not cover the implants they did pay 50% of the cost of the tooth implant. Additionally, my dentist gave me a pretty good discount perhaps because I got 2 additional crowns at the same time.

I experienced no problems and am extremely pleased with my implants. I might mention I have a fairly high level of tolerance to pain. This was my experience only.

Re: Dental implants

patbz — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 05:15:11 GMT

Cost of implants varies widely but its always expensive. DH had a mouthful of implants that ultimately failed ( he has dentures now). The important point is that many dentists offer Care Credit where anything over $1000(maybe less, I don't remember) can be paid over an extended term, interest free ( you do need to make minimum payments monthly). Care Credit certainly made it easier to pay our dental bill of $40,000.

Re: Dental implants

decaf — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 06:19:04 GMT

I'm surprised and sad for you your oral surgeon didn't OFFER you information about the entire process and, of course, the cost. You shouldn't have to ask for any of this.

It's expensive, even more so if you're in a large city. You'll have to pay for the implant and the abutment. Your regular dentist will finish up the crown (tooth).

Every case is different. If it were me, I'd make another (free) appointment so they can explain these things properly. If they balk at this, to be honest, I'd find another doctor.

ETA- I've had two implants, from two different doctors. Both gave me a written copy of the cost in advance. Also, you should find out what the crown will cost from your regular DDS.

Re: Dental implants

decaf — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 06:41:28 GMT

I forgot to mention that sometimes an oral surgeon will want to sedate a patient with general (light) anethesia. Of course this costs extra, or at least that was my experience. And don't have this done on a Friday or any day of the week where they'll be closed the next day or two after your procedure. Just in case you need them.

Re: Dental implants

panda1234 — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 10:31:59 GMT

@decaf Good advice about not having it done on a Friday. I feel the same way about Mondays just in case they had a rough weekend.

Re: Dental implants

BriggsiePeawiggle — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 11:01:44 GMT

I had an implant with bone graft. Without the bone graft, you would have the post implanted and wait about 2 or 3 months for it to have bone growth around it, and then the crown would be placed. That's the way mine was done -- except I had to wait 3 or 4 months after the bone graft before I could have the post placed.

Briggsie

Re: Dental implants

Carolina925 — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 11:05:12 GMT

I had one that started last year in the first stges of COVID so it took almost a full year to finish. I have a horribly painful tooth that I'd already had root canals done on that had become infected, so that had to be taken care of first. The dentist gave me three choices of the possible procedures, the implant was the most expensive but the one I thought would be best for me. If I could offer any advice at all, it would be to use a reputable dentist. We have many dental groups that have opened up in town who offer cheaper work but I didn't want to go cheaper with something like an implant. Mine was a lower molar and I needed bone graft, porcelain abutment; total cost was a bit over $4,000, which included lots of visits during the procedure and lots of x-rays. After the "screw", I had to wait 6 months for the bone to graft onto the screw. Since I'd had so many problems in the beginning with the root canals, I was really worried; now that it's done, I can't even tell there's an implant. Really pleased with mine. Ask your dentist questions; I didn't ask mine much, he offered me all the choices and kept in touch with me for the entire time, even calling to check on me! Good luck.

Re: Dental implants

Winkk — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 12:09:35 GMT

I had an eye tooth implant and needed a bone graft which took some time to heal. Then had the implant inserted. I don't remember the total time it took. But, I didn't have any pain or problems. A lot of your questions should be directed to your dentist.

Good luck.

Re: Dental implants

SilleeMee — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 14:30:22 GMT

I'm getting several implants put in this week...eight scheduled but maybe only seven depending on whether or not a graft will be needed.

The first step they did was a 360' x-ray of my jaw to check for bone loss. Then they did a full set of regular x-rays followed buy a 3-D scan if the inside of my mouth.

Then the pandemic hit and their offices were closed for a year.

Next visit was to have a fitting for the clear plastic template which goes over my existing teeth/gums so they know where to drill the holes for the implants.

I already have 4 missing teeth, from years ago, and there will be 4 more extracted b/c those teeth are already loose and will fall out eventually. I have tooth loss from scleroderma so there's a chance that I could lose more teeth in the future....real bummer.

The extractions are done at the time the implants will be put in. The doctor told me that is the best time when the bone is at it's best condition to accept the implants. There is still a chance I might need a graft but that won't be determined until the tooth is removed and the graft will take another visit in the future.

After implants go in then I get stitched up and wait four or more months for the implants to integrate into my jaw bone. After which the abutments and crowns will be put on.

Total cost is somewhere around $2,000 each (includes implant + abutment + crown). I had to pay some of that already for the 3-D scan, x-rays and template.

ETA - I have no idea how much it costs for a bone graft. All I know is that it will take an additional few months for a graft to heal before an implant can get put in.

Re: Dental implants

Meowingkitty — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 12:39:11 GMT

I had one done last year and it took about 9 months but part of that was because of the dentist being shut down because of Covid. I had a tooth under a bridge that cracked causing it to be pulled. It never did really hurt and I had no swelling. I think I had 6-7 visits. A lot of the time is spent healing.

1. tooth pulled (regular dentist)

2. met with specialist to discuss

3. first part of implant

4. 3 months later 2nd part

5. Get imaging done for new tooth

6. 2 weeks later install tooth

7. 3-4 months later general checkup

8. once a year check up.

Re: Dental implants

CelticCrafter — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 13:46:31 GMT

You need to call back and find out how much it's going cost you and how long it's going to take from start to finish before you make your final decision.

They are expensive and it takes months.

Re: Dental implants

Latonya — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 15:00:46 GMT

I have 3 implants. The first was installed about 20 years ago. The entire process took about a year. I don't recall major issues or pain with the first 2.

My 3rd implant was recent so I remember the process. An oral surgeon extracted the tooth and installed the implant once the extraction healed. I had to go to 2 different doctors for the prior 2 implants. The surgeon did both. I'm thinking the entire process was less than 6 months. Pain was intense the day after the implant was installed the following day. Normally, Vicodin would have been prescribed but I refused the script. I took Aleve and did fine. If I need another implant, I will pay more and go back to the oral surgeon. It was worth it.

Make sure you go to someone who knows what they are doing, that makes all of the difference.

Re: Dental implants

vsm — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 17:06:59 GMT

@hyacinth003 wrote:
@chessylady wrote:
You will be paying a lot and most insurance companies do not pay for it. The process took me almost a year but mine was a back molar and a bone graft was needed. It was a grueling process for me. At least I got a permanent tooth rather than a bridge.
@chessylady

I know I will have to pay all of it.

Hyacinth

But if you need it, @hyacinth003 it will be worth every penny for your well-being. There's a lot of excellent advice on this thread -- esp. about making sure you have an informative doctor. Sounds like you've already been through an ordeal. Wishing you good luck (and patience!) from here on out.

Re: Dental implants

hyacinth003 — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 20:57:27 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
I'm getting several implants put in this week...eight scheduled but maybe only seven depending on whether or not a graft will be needed.

The first step they did was a 360' x-ray of my jaw to check for bone loss. Then they did a full set of regular x-rays followed buy a 3-D scan if the inside of my mouth.

Then the pandemic hit and their offices were closed for a year.

Next visit was to have a fitting for the clear plastic template which goes over my existing teeth/gums so they know where to drill the holes for the implants.

I already have 4 missing teeth, from years ago, and there will be 4 more extracted b/c those teeth are already loose and will fall out eventually. I have tooth loss from scleroderma so there's a chance that I could lose more teeth in the future....real bummer.

The extractions are done at the time the implants will be put in. The doctor told me that is the best time when the bone is at it's best condition to accept the implants. There is still a chance I might need a graft but that won't be determined until the tooth is removed and the graft will take another visit in the future.

After implants go in then I get stitched up and wait four or more months for the implants to integrate into my jaw bone. After which the abutments and crowns will be put on.

Total cost is somewhere around $2,000 each (includes implant + abutment + crown). I had to pay some of that already for the 3-D scan, x-rays and template.

ETA - I have no idea how much it costs for a bone graft. All I know is that it will take an additional few months for a graft to heal before an implant can get put in.

@SilleeMee

Thanks for the information. Wishing you well with all this work!

Hyacinth

Re: Dental implants

hyacinth003 — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 21:05:39 GMT

@vsm wrote:
@hyacinth003 wrote:
@chessylady wrote:
You will be paying a lot and most insurance companies do not pay for it. The process took me almost a year but mine was a back molar and a bone graft was needed. It was a grueling process for me. At least I got a permanent tooth rather than a bridge.
@chessylady

I know I will have to pay all of it.

Hyacinth
But if you need it, @hyacinth003 it will be worth every penny for your well-being. There's a lot of excellent advice on this thread -- esp. about making sure you have an informative doctor. Sounds like you've already been through an ordeal. Wishing you good luck (and patience!) from here on out.

@vsm

I have been through a lot with this one. I didn't include what happened BEFORE having the molar extracted. I had a root canal years ago in the tooth. It started bothering me. Then an infection. I went and spent $1800 on a retreatment of the root canal. The conventional wisdom is to save the tooth. It became re-infected, and failed the retreatment. So then the only option is extraction. My perception was that it was awful, and I didn't expect it. Difficult extraction because they had a hard time getting it numbed. After, way longer than I thought of pain and swelling. I had this done by an oral surgeon who is highly recommended and respected. So I will go to him for the implant. The area is healed and he told me I didn't need a bone graft at the time of the extraction. With COVID, I didn't follow up as soon as I probably could have.

I have another missing tooth that turned out that I never had a permanent one there. I walked around with the baby tooth well into adulthood. I am CONSIDERING having an implant there, but not sure. I am told no one can tell these are missing, but I know they are! The molar interferes with chewing also.

So now I have this on my list of things to do hopefully post-COVID.

Hyacinth

Re: Dental implants

Carolm — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 22:26:58 GMT

I have three implants, all gotten at different times, the oldest in 2011. I needed a bone graft for the first one but not the last two. It takes several months, and if an extraction is involved the time frame gets closer to one year. The cost was $1900 per implant (after a discount for having no dental insurance), plus the cost of each tooth. And involved several appointments, xrays, etc. I am so pleased with mine and would do it again in a heartbeat. The periodontist who did mine was excellent, and I really think the dentist who does the work is paramount in its success. DO NOT go to a place that advertises it will do it all in one day. It takes time for the proper healing to take place, etc. All of mine are on the lower jaw. Good luck to you.

Added - Very little pain for any of them -- I may have used advil a couple of times.