Dental Bridges and Implants - Page 2

I am still oxox · ‎03-09-2010

On 11/20/2014 momtodogs said:
This might be a stupid question but are dentures so horrible that people go to a huge expense for bridge work that might fails.

Both my parents had dentures, and I do not recall it being an issue. If I had to make the choice between a bridge, implants or dentures I am not sure which way I would go until someone advised me about dentures.

Just a curious question

They had to deal with what they had at the time, there were no other option, dentures or no teeth, today there are so many other options out there, for me its a quality of life issue

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive what could go right.

Southernfriedchick · ‎03-14-2010

On 11/20/2014 Ford1224 said:
I don't have any implants, but I do know they take a long time and are very expensive. How many teeth are involved under your bridge? Is he saying all of them should be replaced with implants. If so that is a huge undertaking and will cost you a fortune.

Why can't you just have the bad tooth removed and the bridge replaced? I'm not getting that. I do not trust that diagnosis.

I am myself just at the end of substantial dental work including bridges and crowns that had to be replaced after 30+ years.

Also, please be aware there are dental plans available with greatly reduced prices that you can join for $75 per year. You then go to a dentist who belongs to that plan and get 40% to 75% off their regular fees. If you are going to do something this expensive, it would be a good idea for you to review these plans first.

Google "Dental1" to see a listing of the plans in your area.

Great info and thank you.

Reba055 · ‎06-23-2014

I had a bone graft in prep for an implant and it was pretty awful. Waiting for that to heal to finish I developed some serious spinal issues that I had to deal with. After all that I had talked to too many people who's implants had failed and they were not smokers. Anyway, long story short, due to meds to treat other things my teeth are pretty awful. My implant quote was very high and I realized I was probably going to be faced with one right after another and was not physically able to go through all that and pay about $50K for teeth. I think it depends on your age and overall health and oral health. I wouldn't mind a few but a mouth full is just too much. I hate it, but I'll probably limp along until I have to do something like implanted dentures. It stinks because I always took good care of my teeth and went to the dentist.

Allegheny · ‎03-19-2010

OP, I recently had to have a 3 unit fixed bridge removed. I got a cavity under the crown of one of the teeth. When the bridge was removed, the tooth was too far gone to restore and ultimately had to be pulled. That left me with two options. A 5 unit fixed bridge or implants. I talked with a my former dentist who now works for the VA. He cautioned me against the five unit bridge, said he would never consider doing one because it probably wouldn't hold up more than seven years.

I have started the implant process. Luckily I will not have to have a sinus lift. I am working with a periodontist, who will do bone grafting and upon the healing will place 2 posts. After that heals, I will either have either a 3 unit bridge or two larger teeth placed on the posts which will be fabricated by my private dentist.

It is a long process and I estimate with some insurance coverage my out of pocket cost will be somewhere around $3000. Since I have not yet had implants, I do not know what the care requirements are. I estimate it probably be close to a year before I am finished. My last appointment was in October for a consultation and I couldn't get the next appointment for the work to start until January. After that appointment, the bone grafting will have to heal before the posts are placed, then another wait before fabrication of the teeth.

I have another 3 unit fixed bridge on the opposite side, that I have had for fifteen years and I am increasing my hygiene to keep it as long as I can.

My work is being done through a university that has a dental school, however, there are two departments, one done strictly thru the dental school by supervised dental residents. The other program (which I am using) is within the school but is staffed only by dentists who happen to teach at the university.

Reba055 · ‎06-23-2014

On 11/20/2014 Allegheny said:
OP, I recently had to have a 3 unit fixed bridge removed. I got a cavity under the crown of one of the teeth. When the bridge was removed, the tooth was to far gone to restore and ultimately had to be pulled. That left me with two options. A 5 unit fixed bridge or implants. I talked with a my former dentist who now works for the VA. He cautioned me against the five unit bridge, said he would never consider doing one because it probably wouldn't hold up more than seven years.

I have started the implant process. Luckily I will not have to have a sinus lift. I am working with a periodontist, who will do bone grafting and upon the healing will place two posts. After that heals, I will either have either a 3 unit bridge or two larger teeth placed on the posts which will be fabricated by my private dentist.

It is a long process and I estimate with some insurance coverage my out of pocket cost will be somewhere around $3000. Since I have not yet had implants, I do not know what the care requirements are. I estimate it probably be close to a year before I am finished. My last appointment was in October for a consultation and I couldn't get the next appointment for the work to start until January. After that appointment, the bone grafting will have to heal before the posts are placed, then another wait before fabrication of the teeth.

I have another 3 unit fixed bridge on the opposite side, that I have had for fifteen years and I am increasing my hygiene with it to keep it as long as I can.

My work is being done through a university that has a dental school, however, there are two departments, one done strictly thru the dental school by supervised dental residents. The other program (which I am using) is within the school but is staffed only by dentists who happen to teach at the university.

Wow that's an awesome price. My graft and implant for one tooth was going to be about $8000.00. My dental insurance isn't worth a flip on implants.

chessylady · ‎05-01-2010

I recently had an implant done in the upper left molar. It is not yet complete in that I still need to have a crown. The implant process included a bone graft. Insurance did not pay and so far I have $3500 out of pocket. Insurance may pay for the crown. I'm glad I did it because I don't want to have bridges if i can help it. It is a long process.

Allegheny · ‎03-19-2010

Wow Reba055, $8000 for one tooth! Perhaps my estimate is off. I have the pre-auth for the crowns, but come to think about it, I don't recall seeing a pre-auth for the graft and implants. I may be in for quite a surprise. When I started this process I asked my private dentist to give me a ball park figure and she said about $2000-$2500 per tooth without insurance. Both my dentists participate in my insurance plan, so that helps.

But I bet now since I haven't seen a pre-auth for the graft and post placement I'll probably end up with $6000 out of pocket. But in my opinion for myself, its well worth it.

Chessylady, I agree about fixed bridges. I still have another 3 unit on the upper right. I had considered implants then, but I was a smoker and was cautioned as to the failure rate. I have already been told that the right side will need a sinus lift for implants. So I am hoping on taking that bridge to my grave.

Roni · ‎03-14-2010

I do not have implants - opted for bridges and no issues... Several friends and my sister have implants...Every one of them has had at least one implant ''fail'' and have to be replaced. I don't know the details of why, but I do know they are very expensive and a lot of pain involved.... Good luck

Ainhisg · ‎03-09-2010

I got an implant nine years ago for a front incisor. It was $3000 back then and was a three-month process. I had no pain during any part of the procedure, and my tooth looks, feels, and performs like a normal tooth. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

groovy girl · ‎03-13-2012

I have had a tooth with two root canals done and then the cap done twice and years later( last year) was told it had to be removed. I got three opinions and ended up at specialist for removal and implant. Total cost including tooth from dentist was about 4k. Tooth was removed and screw put in jaw one day. Four months later actual tooth from dentist screwed in when bone was strong. Worst part was tooth removal and cost. Implant, if it takes, is easy to clean with regular brushing and flossing. Looks just like a regular tooth and doesn't come out. Mine is actually in with a screw. If you've ever had a root canal or teeth removed then you should understand the worst part of this. Insurance paid nothing.