Teeth

[TTony]

In a break from forum tradition of posting some vague symptoms and asking for a medical diagnosis, this isn't a request for advice on self-dentistry.

Has anyone had any implants done?

This isn't cosmetic-type dentistry, but the sort where the existing tooth (or remains thereof) is extracted, a fitting gets drilled/hammered into the jawbone, a titanium post inserted, and a new "tooth" then built up around the post.

I've been putting it off for a while (years) in the hope that the technology would improve, thereby making the whole procedure less painful and far less expensive (£2k per tooth. I need "some" doing). But it's getting to stage where, if I put it off much longer, I'm going to be limited to eating soup.

According to the dentist, it's either implants or dentures. Crowns/bridges are no longer an option. Actually, I've had about 3 different opinions, all suggesting the same thing.

So, anyone had it done, any experiences to share? How do you find a "good" dentist to do the work?

[longtallronnie]

My dad had his top row done, his teeth were fine but his gums and jaw were knackered, cost about £9K!

He had to go back a few times to have them tweaked/adjusted etc as they caused some discomfort at first and it took a few months before he was eating normally again but all seems fine now. Not an overnight fix by any means but probably worth it in the long run.

[Myranda_Rose]

Woman at one of my classes had a molar implanted -for free the lucky cow!- and hers was done by a newly trained dentist, she said she'd have had the lot pulled and replaced if it weren't so expensive she'd had such a good experience...

Made me wish I had monies for such things... a lot

[rdmf48]

Hi Tony. I had an implant done about 3 years ago (original premolar had disintegrated). It takes a bit of time overall, because the peg has to have time to bond to the bone before the proper implant is put on to the peg, so it means a number of visits to the dentist. I'm happy with mine. As you've found out already the cost is £2k or possibly a little more per tooth. My own dentist seems to be a good one - my implant was put in partly by another dentist, who trains dentists in implant surgery, though my own dentist did a bit of the work, under the trainer's supervision, as he was being trained at the time.

[holnrew]

Teeth are rubbish.

Is there some sort of dental plan offered by your surgery where you pay a monthly fee in return for services like cleaning and check ups, and get a percentage off of more major undertakings?

I'm hoping they'll find a way to regrow teeth in the next 20 years before i have any major rottage.

[musophilr]

Is there some sort of dental plan offered by your surgery where you pay a monthly fee in return for services like cleaning and check ups, and get a percentage off of more major undertakings?

Dentists used to sell these plans a few years ago, I dont know if they still do. My opinion of them at the time was that they were an expensive way of achieving not much if your teeth were healthy and well cared for, and if they weren't, the dentist would be rather reluctant to sell you the plan.

[TTony]

Hi Dave
One of the reasons that I've put it off is not knowing where I'll be from one contract to the next, and I wanted to know that I'd be working close enough to the dentist for long enough period of time (6mths+) to be able to "pop in" should the need arise ... Looks like that's going to be happening now, so all my excuses are gone!

Made me wish I had monies for such things... a lot

I'd strongly recommend spending a decent amount (£100+) on a good electric toothbrush and - no joke - learn how to use it properly. If I'd done that a few years ago, I might not be looking at such a large bill now. 5 teeth at £2k-ish is bad enough ... But it's not exactly a pleasant experience either.

I'm hoping they'll find a way to regrow teeth in the next 20 years before i have any major rottage.

There are all sorts of care plans, but they're generally priced based on the state of your teeth at the time. And I've been hoping more a miracle cure for longer than the last 20years ... You might get lucky in the next 20!

[Myranda_Rose]

Hi Dave
One of the reasons that I've put it off is not knowing where I'll be from one contract to the next, and I wanted to know that I'd be working close enough to the dentist for long enough period of time (6mths+) to be able to "pop in" should the need arise ... Looks like that's going to be happening now, so all my excuses are gone!


I'd strongly recommend spending a decent amount (£100+) on a good electric toothbrush and - no joke - learn how to use it properly. If I'd done that a few years ago, I might not be looking at such a large bill now. 5 teeth at £2k-ish is bad enough ... But it's not exactly a pleasant experience either.


There are all sorts of care plans, but they're generally priced based on the state of your teeth at the time. And I've been hoping more a miracle cure for longer than the last 20years ... You might get lucky in the next 20!

My teeth have some wierd thing where they all have ludicrously thin enamal so I'm always having problems with my teeth no matter how amazing I am with dental hygene - I'd love for them to all be replaced by some sort of bolt-in bionic teeth... I could say I had robot teeth...

[TTony]

I'd love for them to all be replaced by some sort of bolt-in bionic teeth

Thats pretty much what the implants are ... Titanium too!

Probably not the best remedy for thin enamel though. Would veneers work for you?

[Myranda_Rose]

Thats pretty much what the implants are ... Titanium too!

Probably not the best remedy for thin enamel though. Would veneers work for you?

Almost definitely, but not got the monies for that yet either...