Does anyone have any advice with teeth implants?

[m3jappa]

Here's the story, I've now lost 9 teeth (4 were wisdom teeth). I have another which the dentist says will end up causing problems as there's already some infection setting into an old root canal tooth.

I'm 35 and have enjoyed a life of sweets, coke (the fizzy kind!) and used to smoke about 25 a day. I also believe I just don't have very good teeth as I was having fillings froma young age (before the sweets etc).

I have to be sedated on Friday to have a tooth out, 3 rounds of antibiotics and havering the nerve taken out and two failed extractions have led to this.

The dentist when asked said my teeth were in a really bad way and that I really should consider implants. I'd need 5 and could have some veneers to tidy up the wonky look I have. Luckily I have a face where my mouth hides my teeth so I don't look like a red neck he said look to about 10k

So has anyone had them, what advice should I take, are the risks worth it? The only other option is dentures I also don't want to end up on botched up bodies

[anonymous-user]

interesting I am similar position, not looked after my teeth as well. Dental implant range from about 1k upwards. I think the only options is to pay, I am going to get a few done but it is a complicated process. there are also options for gum graft as well. I think it is about basically ringing around getting a good quote combined with a good track record.

[Richyboy]

Had one with a bone graft and it failed, something like 4k down the drain.

Similar history to you. Biggest improvement I had was from quitting fluoride toothpaste in 2010. Teeth are hard as rocks now and my eating habits haven't changed although the old cracks from fillings are still there. Maybe I'm an anomaly but fluoride toothpaste screwed up my teeth big time.

[m3jappa]

Umm that's what worries me, them failing. Was there any reason given for it? At 4k it sounds like you didn't go for a cheap option.

[alfa phil]

If your a smoker you have a good chance of failure, my dentist would not do mine if i was a smoker, had 9 implants with bone grafts, all working well. worth every penny to me.

[m3jappa]

I've been an electrOnic user for around 4 years now so well off the stinkies

[CoolHands]

My wife had one done it's been alright. The old tooth was difficult to get it out it broke and splintered etc but anyway. The titanium stud was put (screwed I think) into the jaw where the old tooth was a few months later, (after it has
D all settled down and infection was gone) and I seem to remember they use some kind of bone glue stuff as well, but I might be making that up. Then another couple of months to let it heal and fuse together, then the tooth is made and fitted.

It was not a pleasant experience like any tooth work! But that was a couple of years ago and it's been fine since. maybe a bit different if you need loads though. However I know our dentist had replaced more or less a full set on some older lady so it can be done.

[Driller]

I specialise in dental implants and use the Straumann system. Happy to answer any questions anyone has.

As far as smoking goes, it's not a good idea and I insist on no more than 5/day to do the surgery as it interferes with the healing process.

[Digger]

Richyboy said:

Had one with a bone graft and it failed, something like 4k down the drain.

Similar history to you. Biggest improvement I had was from quitting fluoride toothpaste in 2010. Teeth are hard as rocks now and my eating habits haven't changed although the old cracks from fillings are still there. Maybe I'm an anomaly but fluoride toothpaste screwed up my teeth big time.

Out of interest which toothpaste(s) have worked for you since quitting fluoride?

[craig1912]

I had one with a bone graft nearly 15 years ago and the best thing I have ever done. Mine was the Branemark system

[Driller]

Branemark is an excellent system, now called Nobel Biocare.

Richyboy, why do you say "down the drain"?

In most cases of rare failure, after the site has healed it can be reimplanted with success.

[Snapping]

I have to agree with Driller, all evidence of implants is that the failure rate of them is very low but it happens in rare cases.

My advice would be to talk to somebody with a lot of experience, there are many dentists that are either poorly trained or perhaps only do a handful of cases a year. Some have done implants after only a weekend course for training. They are expensive but their lifespan is fantastic if looked after properly.

Saying that, many people wear dentures and find them very acceptable. Dont feel you have to invest many thousands and if you were unsure I would consider a denture first. A denture will probably cost you around £100 and if you dont like it you dont have to wear it.

And for anybody considering non-flouridated toothpaste, I am not wasting any time arguing it but all evidence shows flouridated toothpaste works. Non-flouride toothpastes are quackery. That doesnt mean the evidence can change over time but I know what id bet on, many decades of study.

[Captain Smerc]

Had 1 inplant for a few years now , all good , cost £1400 I believe. Well worth it thus far .

[Captain Smerc]

I see your in Essex , I go to Pearls in Seven Kings , Francis is very good , I've had a lot of work done there in the past 4 years

[m3jappa]

Thanks for the help
I had the tooth out yesterday by sedation and when I awoke and was told to go home i was confused as to why they were saying go home, I hadn't realised they had taken it out and thought they were getting me ready
So if any more come out I'll be getting sedated again

I think I need to really look into it, the place I was at yesterday seemed good and I plan to book a consultation but is there any way of knowing how good/qualified they are?

Looking around the net it seems I need the implants 4 or 5 (I reckon I'd get away with 4) and then veneers on my front teeth.

I've seen prices about of around £700 for veneer, I know that's per tooth but does it get cheaper if you had all your front teeth done for example?

I came across 'the welbek clinic' and there before and afters are amazing! Really impressive stuff but when I see root canal costs of 800 when even private dentists charge 400 I guess they are extremely expensive, I certainly don't want to be skimping but while I could stomach maybe 10-12k I don't think I could do 25k iykwim.

[Captain Smerc]

Seriously , see Francis at Pearls Dental if your close enough . Ive had my front teeth straightened , 12 veneers , 1 inplant , replacement white fillings and more I probably can't remember . I still go there and I'm some distance away now . She saved me from having front teeth unnecessarily removed when being straightened unlike some other orthodontists I visited for consultations . Prices are competitive and her results are excellent .

[rolex]

The only prob with my 3 tooth bridged implant is having whitened my natural teeth the implants now look grey and you can't alter their colour

[Richyboy]

Digger said:

Out of interest which toothpaste(s) have worked for you since quitting fluoride?

I alternate between kingfisher and aloedent, currently using the kingfisher baking soda and aloedent floss. Brush with a sonicare toothbrush.

[paolow]

Richyboy said:

I alternate between kingfisher and aloedent, currently using the kingfisher baking soda and aloedent floss. Brush with a sonicare toothbrush.

I'm confused now - my dentist recommended Duraphat toothpaste which seems like normal toothpaste but with a huge boost of flouride. maybe his recommendation was tooth issue specific but the two pieces of advice seem very contrary?

[Richyboy]

paolow said:

I'm confused now - my dentist recommended Duraphat toothpaste which seems like normal toothpaste but with a huge boost of flouride. maybe his recommendation was tooth issue specific but the two pieces of advice seem very contrary?

Do not go by my experience, listen to your dentist. For me it might have been because where I grew up the water was fluoridated causing my front teeth to be discoloured as a child (or this might be just rubbish). Or it could've been excessive use of toothpaste, who knows.