Dental Implants versus Partial Denture

[ltt]

I'm hoping someone can give me some advice on the two.  I'm not necessarily looking for financial advice, as I know the implants are expensive.

I had a tooth pulled several years ago (it was cracked) and had a bridge placed.  I truly don't think the bridge ever fit right, but it was left in.  I had a difficult time with cleaning under the bridge which led to decay in one of the abutting teeth.  This tooth subsequently was pulled.

So, here I am missing two lower bottom rear teeth.  My dentist has suggested dental implants.  The thought of having more "teeth" permanently fixed in my mouth makes me nervous considering what happened with the bridge. 

I would like to hear from people who have had dental implants, as well as those who have a partial.  What is the process and how long is the recovery for the implants?  Thanks.  I'm in my early 50s, if that makes a difference. 

 

[Annamal]

I was ina car accident at 16 that damaged my front teeth quite badly and  I really love my implanted tooth).

About 15 years later one of the now dead teeth had a crack in it and had to be removed. I was quite lucky in that our government accident insurance organisation (ACC) decided that the original accident was responsible for the loss of my tooth and that they would fund an implant.

The entire process took six months (during which I wore a denture in public which was not comfortable), at first they put in the implant, then they waited for things to start growing around it  (thus the six months), apparently the process depends on gum health.

They took a lot of casts of my teeth and even sent me out to a woman whose entire purpose in life is painting teeth to match surrounding teeth.

The tooth felt very very odd for about a month but these days it's just there and it works (better than the surounding teeth which are fragile in comparison).

[ltt]

When they put the small metal screw in your mouth, what is the recovery time?  Were you put out for it?  Was there pain?

[bogart]

My DH had an abscessed tooth extracted (after some efforts to save it), bone graft done, and implant placed.  He was also in his 50s.  My understanding is that the implant was by far the more "recommended" alternative in terms of its long term effects on his oral/dental health -- that not having a tooth (or replacement) in place allows things to start moving around and getting weird and can lead to problems down the road. 

My recollection is that for him the by far worst part was the extraction.  He definitely had "good drugs" for at least that part of the procedures (the extraction), and maybe others.  But I don't think he found the installation of the implant (or the screw to hold it) unpleasant, beyond, you know, the fact that no one enjoys dental work.

[Beaker]

I had a lingering baby tooth pulled and replaced with an implant late last year. I'm 35, for what it's worth. The overall experience was similar to what Annamal described.

I believe I ended up making 3 trips to the dental surgeon - one to take out the old tooth & do measurements, one to implant the socket, then a followup to check on the healing/implantation process. It was all done with local anesthetics, and a bit of nitrous for the implantation. After that back to my regular dentist for a fairly length (1 hr?) process of fitting and installing the tooth. Having people poking your gums and using the "surgical ratchet set" to tighten things is not exactly fun, but I did not have any serious pain or aching. On the other hand, I seem to have a low pain sensitivity so YMMV.

My understanding is that the implanted ceramic tooth is quite tough, not susceptible to decay and also not that hard to replace should you crack it again. The implant socket is likewise fairly tough. The major risk is that if you get gum disease (eg due to poor cleaning practices) then the gums and/or bone around the post can decay, and then you're in for a nasty process of replacing the whole thing in an already damaged jawbone.

[sheepstache]

I have two. They just never grew in right so I got implants when I was a young adult and still on my parent's excellent health insurance.

I love them. They feel totally normal. I don't remember the process being bad at all, but then I had a lot of dental work before then. A palatal expander and removal of impacted wisdom teeth both rank worse. I was knocked out when the posts were put in. Couldn't eat beforehand because of  the usual concerns about throwing up under anesthetic. Needed a ride home afterwards. Had to wear a temporary flipper denture for a few months while the gum healed (and that creates some possibilities for amusement!). Then the teeth being screwed on was a pretty simple procedure. I needed a bone graft because my jaw was thin in the implant area and I remember the pain from the back of the jaw where they took the bone being bad. I had a side gig reading books onto tape for blind students and I had to cancel a couple because I couldn't talk for a straight hour.  But not everyone needs a graft.

The only thing of note going forward is a totally superficial one; I'm a coffee drinker and natural teeth pick up the stain more than the fake ones, which are still the color my teeth were when I had the procedure. It's noticeable if you look for it but I could just get a whitening procedure to take care of it if I wanted.

The ROI was more obvious since I was getting them done young. I've never had a bridge but implants, for me, feel so natural that it might be worth it just from a comfort level. You brush and floss them just like regular teeth. I would get a medical opinion about whether your age and general health would impact the healing process and timeline.

Edit: I explained the timeline badly here. AyrenLee below explains it better.

[2ndTimer]

I am in the process of getting two.  Can't report on the whole process yet because not finished but getting the damaged teeth out was no big deal.

[Cassie]

My sister had her whole mouth done 30 years ago & has not had any problems with them.

[deedeezee]

I have one and it was among my best purchases. I had an injured front tooth as a child, root canal at 13, implant in my early 20s. I have had my implant for well over a decade - it looks like a real tooth and takes far less care.

The insertion of the metal post was not pleasant - hurt like hell the day it happened.  But then it got better and better, and I can say with certainty if I had to lose another tooth, I would not hesitate for a moment to get a second.

My uncle is a dentist in another state. When I told him my dentist offered me a bridge or an implant, he said implant if at all possible.  They really are awesome.

[Capsu78]

I have one that ended (hopefully!) a near decade long issue with what was there before.  Timeline for me was about 9 months from when we decided to do it and having the final cap put on.  Had it done at 55.  It was expensive, but we were talking a front tooth and I am a public speaker in my industry.

As a side note, my children howl at the time I had my inferior "pegged" tooth in and I sneezed hard at a trade show.  Tooth went flying.  Found myself on my hands and knees feeling around on the trade show floor right by the entrance.  Found it under a trash receptacle.  Combined feelings of elation, embarrassment and ickiness all rolled into the same burrito!

[kathrynd]

I had an implant, 12 years ago when I was 42.
As others have said, best decision.
Great drugs...and my husband loves telling the stories...since I have very little memory of it.

I'd do it again, if I lost a tooth.
Looks and feels very natural.

All up, it was an 8 month process...but maybe they have changed the procedures a bit?
(healing time etc)

[gecko10x]

I had a lingering baby tooth pulled and replaced with an implant late last year. I'm 35, for what it's worth. The overall experience was similar to what Annamal described.

I believe I ended up making 3 trips to the dental surgeon - one to take out the old tooth & do measurements, one to implant the socket, then a followup to check on the healing/implantation process. It was all done with local anesthetics, and a bit of nitrous for the implantation. After that back to my regular dentist for a fairly length (1 hr?) process of fitting and installing the tooth. Having people poking your gums and using the "surgical ratchet set" to tighten things is not exactly fun, but I did not have any serious pain or aching. On the other hand, I seem to have a low pain sensitivity so YMMV.

My understanding is that the implanted ceramic tooth is quite tough, not susceptible to decay and also not that hard to replace should you crack it again. The implant socket is likewise fairly tough. The major risk is that if you get gum disease (eg due to poor cleaning practices) then the gums and/or bone around the post can decay, and then you're in for a nasty process of replacing the whole thing in an already damaged jawbone.

This is basically my experience. Mine were done (have 3) about 12 years ago I think. It was a bit disconcerting when the temporary glue finally failed and they came out while eating- also a pain since I was in a different city and had to find someone quickly. A bit fun though to pop it out and back in ;-)

I love them; my only issue is that I'm now having a bit of gum receding around them (which I'm told is common) and exposing some roots of the nearby teeth (and exposing the titanium). For now it's ok, but I'm a bit worried if it continues- I don't know what the recommended course of action would be in that case.

[Dances With Fire]

I have 1 that replaced a cracked tooth as well 7 years ago. My awesome dentist suggested that I have it done. (Same office building as well.)

The whole "proccess" took several months, however I am very happy with the results... Very little to no pain for me.

[Melf]

I didn't see it mentioned but does anyone know about how much an implant normally costs?  And how about the bone grafting if that's needed?  I know dental insurance isn't going to cover any of it.  It's usually worthless even with more standard things like crowns and root canals with maximum benefits per year so low these days.  I need a lot of teeth repaired due to unusual wear and my dentist is talking about 12 to 15K worth of work all at once that's only going to give me a mouth full of crowns.

[MayDay]

My sister had 2 front teeth done- one she was missing from birth, and it wasn't too noticeable, but then the next door tooth got elbowed out in a basketball game.  There was a lot of blood. 

Anyway, hers was uneventful and the new teeth look great.  She had hers done in high school, and her dentist did warn her that it would likely fail at some point before she dies, and have to be replaced.  If you aren't 17, you may not have this concern :)

[partgypsy]

I had one done due to a tooth cracked below the gumline, where again both dentist and oral surgeon thought it was the best course considered the teeth on either side were in good health. Upside none of entire process was that unpleasant, and the implant is fine and working (do have some receding of gum around it though).

Downside it cost me 5K. Yep, had dental insurance but other than $100 or so to pull the tooth, paid nothing.

I looked it up, and now the exact same dental insurance covers implants, up to the cost of a bridge.

[karanasios06]

Hi there!

Oh implants.  I am missing my right, front, canine tooth (the one adjacent to the 2 front teeth)as a genetic anomaly and I'm currently in the process of getting an implant.  Since your missing teeth are in the back, lower jaw, you'll probably have a slightly easier procedure than I will.

The only issue with implants that I'm aware of is implant failure (the post doesn't affix to the bone or is rejected for some reason), and this does happen in a small percentage of people, but it's more likely to be an issue if you have an implant in the front of your mouth where the bone is thinner.  Implant success in the molars are very high.
The procedure for implants is as follows: bone graft (typically only for front teeth, so you'll skip this), then a hole is drilled and a titanium post is inserted into the hole drilled into your jawbone and is then sutured and allowed to heal and allow bone regrowth around the post for 3-6 months.  After 3-6 months, a tooth crown is attached to the top of the titanium post and it looks like a normal tooth (or as my dentist says "it'll be the strongest tooth in your mouth!"  total time is 3-8 months, depending on variables such as type of tooth being replaced, the amount of teeth being replaced, and whether or not you require a bone graft.  The information I'm relaying is from a recent consultation with an oral surgeon who will be placing my implant, but I am not a dentist nor am I a dental expert.
Hope this helps!

[Turkey Leg]

Implants! I have  two right beside each other, back left lower side of my mouth.

Both were cavities whose fillings eventually failed, then root canals that failed after several years.

Pull the tooth, let heal for a couple of weeks, put in implant, let heal for a few months. Snap on the implant at the dentist. Pretty costly, but worth it!

The only problem I have is they got the two implanted teeth a little close. Had to buy special floss to fit between them, because my regular floss breaks off.

[shadowmoss]

Here is a good overview of the process as well as one person's experience of having his implants done in Mexico as well as the costs:

http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/quick-trip-algodones-mexico-dental-implants-review-dr-rubio/

This is what I plan to do for my implant, maybe this year.

[partgypsy]

You do realize that getting an implant requires multiple steps, which = multiple trips back and forth, including post op care? If you can drive this is an option, but not if you need to fly each time.


I had an issue where basically in the first year my implant unscrewed (I thought it had failed but it basically loosened from where it screws in, hard to explain). they had to wait until it really unloosened, then they had to take out, redo part of the implant, and re-screw it in. Ended up being 3 additional visits (diagnosing what was going on, and fixing it). The dentist and oral surgeon did it all free of charge.  If that happens to you, well, I guess I hope they cover it and you have frequent flyer miles.

[Unionville]

Implants are getting more sophisticated over the years.  I had one that failed which caused a major medical problem/injury and for 2 years I was in pain and could not open my mouth very wide. It had to be removed.  I had another one that went fine. I had a bridge that failed also because it cause me a lot of pain because it was too tight.  I got a partial and hated it.  When I took it off, it felt like such a relief. I never wear it. 

Try to learn about different implants and shop around to different dentists.  There are short implants that don't perforate your sinuses.  Also, if you ever get a tooth pulled, it's best to have the hole filled with bone graft for later to stop bone loss (and to stop the skin from growing back in) in case you get an implant later.  It doesn't cost that much more. Of course no one will tell you that, since it will save you money later.

I cannot emphasize enough how critical it is to shop around for a good dentist.  I actually found more success with dentists who *do everything* vs. going to an implant specialist (oral surgeon).  Dentists like to specialize these days which forces you to go to multiple dentists (usually their friends) to get one thing done. The oral surgeon does not really want to deal with problems down the road later if they arise. They also don't want to discuss anything beyond the implant. You will end up bouncing back and forth between specialist/dentist and racking up bills.  For 2 years I actually spent more money on dental bills than food.  I learned over time that two dentists will tell you the exact opposite things.  Dentistry to me, is a very questionable profession with a lot of different opinions.  I've had days where I really felt like they are thieves and other days where they are saints. 

One of my important criteria today in evaluating a dentist is to see if they listen more than they talk, and if they are willing to do what you ask of them.  Don't feel pressured to do anything.  At some level they are sales people who want to close a deal. Some are very dogmatic and don't like to be questioned, but I've learned over and over again they make errors of judgement.  I got tired of just accepting what they tell me.  You need to do your own homework and talk to people like you are here. 

Also, living with 2 missing teeth is not a big deal. You will be Ok.  Don't feel pressured to do anything they say. In fact if they are pressuring you at all with some horror story of what will happen, that's a bad sign. I am missing 5 teeth and have done fine.  I've changed eating habits and avoid things like hard breads, etc. while I ease back into getting implants.

p.s. always ask for the prepay discount!  Almost all dentists have one but no one tells you!

[Hadilly]

Partial dentures are not great for bone and gums long term. So, dental implants all the way. That said, you do need to maintain good dental hygiene and avoid periodontal disease because that can make implants fail.

[shadowmoss]

You do realize that getting an implant requires multiple steps, which = multiple trips back and forth, including post op care? If you can drive this is an option, but not if you need to fly each time.


I had an issue where basically in the first year my implant unscrewed (I thought it had failed but it basically loosened from where it screws in, hard to explain). they had to wait until it really unloosened, then they had to take out, redo part of the implant, and re-screw it in. Ended up being 3 additional visits (diagnosing what was going on, and fixing it). The dentist and oral surgeon did it all free of charge.  If that happens to you, well, I guess I hope they cover it and you have frequent flyer miles.

Personally, I live 2 hours from Algodonez, Mx, so it isn't an issue to get there and back.  I go now to get my teeth cleaned there.  It depends on the price difference and how far someone lives from the location of medical tourism if it makes sense or not.  I offered it as an option, as I knew the post has a lot of detail on the procedure as well.

[Astatine]

I haven't bothered to get anything to fill the gap where I had a molar removed about 4 years ago. My teeth haven't moved, it's all fine and dandy so far. The dentist who removed my tooth (done under general anasthetic cos I am badly phobic about all dental work) did suggest either an implant or a bridge. I read up on both options and they both kind of horrified me. The slight risk of my teeth moving seemed far more minor than the risks of either option. Blech.

I know a few other people who've had molars removed and also not done anything to fill the gap. No complaints from any of us so far.

[MandalayVA]

I had a bunch of teeth pulled sixteen years ago due to me avoiding the dentist due to phobia, including one of my canines.  This was six weeks before my wedding, and while the molars kind of covered the gap looking head-on the photographer was strictly instructed not to shoot me from the left!  I got an implant for the canine about ten years ago.  The process was as others have described and went very smoothly for me.  The implant looks totally natural too.  Go for it!

[Lindsay Walker]

I would say go for it as long as you feel confident about it. People do have second thoughts especially in case of implants because of the fear of pain. But trust me, if you end up at the right place, you won’t feel the difference at all. I consulted with an implant dentistry in Oakville( http://www.phelandental.com/services/implant-dentistry/ ) upon the advice of my neighbors as I had a broken tooth. Even though initially I was skeptical about the whole thing, I gained confidence gradually because the people there were extremely supportive and their words were reassuring. It turned out pretty well and so far I haven’t had any issues at all. I hope it will be the same for you too. All the best.

[mlejw6]

Has anyone had good experiences with a bridge? So far, no one has said anything positive.

My husband has six teeth missing and the dentist gave a quote of ~$2000/implant, so we'd be $12000 down, unless insurance covers some of it (haven't heard back from insurance, yet.......). I was thinking about doing some implants now, then the rest next year to spread costs over time. But, if a bridge would work, that would be much cheaper I think.

[brainfart]

I lost a molar on my lower jaw due to some nasty root infection. Had an implant done and I am totally satisfied with it. The whole procedure was done with local anesthetics only, nitrous is not used by dentists in this country. Of course I had some pain afterwards but I don't remember it being all that bad. It wasn't cheap but it's totally worth it, if another tooth fails catastrophically I won't hesitate one bit to have another one made. It feels absolutely natural after a short while, I can't tell there's an implant there except for some minor size differences which my tongue can feel, it's anchored solid as a rock in the jaw. I've seen xrays of it, it has perfectly healed in and according to my dentist chances are high I will last a few more decades ( I hope for the rest of my life).

If a tooth is lost the bone will slowly disappear since it's not being used anymore. So if someone needs dentures in old age the bone will be gone and the denture has nothing to attach to. If there is an implant the bone will remain in that place, and dentures can be attached to those implants. This will prevent the dentures from moving around in the mouth, as can be seen in some unfortunate older people.

[carole]

I have never done a partial implant but I have done the dental implant procedure a year ago from Pearl dental clinic in Burlington, when I lost my 4 front teeth in a car accident. Now my teeth structure looks great. Dental implants don't require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.

[TrMama]

No experience with implants, but down the road you'll probably be happy to not have an essential gizmo to keep track of. My grandmother keeps accidentally throwing out her partials. She's in a nursing home and so far we've been able to save them before her garbage can gets emptied. However, one of these days we'll be too late . . .

Get the implants. Your future self will thank you.

[10dollarsatatime]

I had to have an implant done on one of my front top teeth.  I was lucky enough to have it done at a teaching facility that only works with already licensed dentists (no college students!) from all over the country, doing seminars about various mouth things, and I had it done by the owner of the facility.  He would have done just the implant, but offered to crown all my front teeth (which weren't terrible, but weren't great), shape my gums, and a few other things at a fraction of the price it would have cost anywhere else.  Mostly because he wanted the before and after photos for a brochure.  It was worth every penny, and I had no pain whatsoever.  It was also faster than I had expected.  I was there for one day doing cavities, implant, prepping for crowns.  And was back just about a month later to swap out the temps with the permanents.

As the doctor said... now I have a movie star smile to go with my movie star eyes. :)