Dental Implants
Join Date: Sep 2009
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Just to help clarify sinus / implant procedures.
A sinus 'lift' is a procedure where the lining of the sinus is lifted from within the prepared 'hole' prepared to take the implant. Implant placement in this area often aims to get the head of the implant just into the slightly denser bone that lines the sinus, the lift procedure is a way of getting a little more vertical height for implant placement.
There is another, much more invasive, procedure which is often incorrectly called a sinus lift but the correct term is "sinus graft". In this procedure a window is made in the bone on the outer side of the sinus, and the thin plate of bone in the middle of the window is folded in and up, hopefully together with the carefully preserved sinus lining. The void that is created is filled with suitable material to encourage healing that will result in bone formation.
In both cases there needs to be time for bony healing to occur, and suitable materials need to be selected to encourage bone healing.
A sinus 'lift' is a procedure where the lining of the sinus is lifted from within the prepared 'hole' prepared to take the implant. Implant placement in this area often aims to get the head of the implant just into the slightly denser bone that lines the sinus, the lift procedure is a way of getting a little more vertical height for implant placement.
There is another, much more invasive, procedure which is often incorrectly called a sinus lift but the correct term is "sinus graft". In this procedure a window is made in the bone on the outer side of the sinus, and the thin plate of bone in the middle of the window is folded in and up, hopefully together with the carefully preserved sinus lining. The void that is created is filled with suitable material to encourage healing that will result in bone formation.
In both cases there needs to be time for bony healing to occur, and suitable materials need to be selected to encourage bone healing.
Join Date: Jan 2001
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Gingernut
I totally agree about brushing teeth as kids and avoiding fizzy sugary drinks that comes down to parental example to those kids which sadly can be lacking.
As for frequent visits to the Dentist ? Nowadays yes but I wonder whether in days past excessive dental work did not create some of the problems?
As for choices and second or third opinions? Its either wearing dentures or implant work if you can afford it? Then IMO its a matter of researching the best oral surgeon not the cheapest deal.
I totally agree about brushing teeth as kids and avoiding fizzy sugary drinks that comes down to parental example to those kids which sadly can be lacking.
As for frequent visits to the Dentist ? Nowadays yes but I wonder whether in days past excessive dental work did not create some of the problems?
As for choices and second or third opinions? Its either wearing dentures or implant work if you can afford it? Then IMO its a matter of researching the best oral surgeon not the cheapest deal.
True Pace
But how do you find the best person
If I had a pound for every doctor or dentist who told me he was the best in the world, I would not need to work.
I recall one American plastic surgeon who had his signature printed on his dressings so patients had to walk round for two weeks with Dr Blog on. He introduced himself to me in a major London hospital with the words 'I am going to show you English what real surgery is all about'. Fifteen minutes later he had to ask for a stool to stand on to reach the patient
Well I did raise the operating table a bit....
In reality many companies and practices work hard to post supportive testimonials on websites. Some are authentic but caveat emptor. I am happy to provide some recommendations in London and I think asking for a recommendation from a doctor or dentist is the best advice we can give
But how do you find the best person
If I had a pound for every doctor or dentist who told me he was the best in the world, I would not need to work.
I recall one American plastic surgeon who had his signature printed on his dressings so patients had to walk round for two weeks with Dr Blog on. He introduced himself to me in a major London hospital with the words 'I am going to show you English what real surgery is all about'. Fifteen minutes later he had to ask for a stool to stand on to reach the patient
Well I did raise the operating table a bit....
In reality many companies and practices work hard to post supportive testimonials on websites. Some are authentic but caveat emptor. I am happy to provide some recommendations in London and I think asking for a recommendation from a doctor or dentist is the best advice we can give
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Avoid at all costs the so called "one shot" implants where the procedure is completed all at once.
Having been through this and experienced the results of a badly completed procedure with significant bone issues - the last one I had done with a much more conservative dental surgeon took over 6 months from the initial surgery until the new tooth was completed, but the results were much more successful with no adverse issues after 5 years.
Having been through this and experienced the results of a badly completed procedure with significant bone issues - the last one I had done with a much more conservative dental surgeon took over 6 months from the initial surgery until the new tooth was completed, but the results were much more successful with no adverse issues after 5 years.
Cool as a moosp
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
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To continue the story, yesterday I had the next stage of the implant procedure. I chose local anesthetic as I prefer to know what is going on, to an extent.
All appears to have gone well, and was all as described by you guys above. Modern dentistry being what it is there was no pain but I do agree with Capt Chambo that the hammering process is a weird sensation, and thank you for the heads up on that.
I now have the titanium pin installed which will be left to bed in for a couple of months, which separates me from other remains if a forensics team need to identify me. I also have a moderately sore mouth which is being well controlled by prescription non-steroidals.
It was of great use, interest and comfort to have your replies to my original query, thanks again.
All appears to have gone well, and was all as described by you guys above. Modern dentistry being what it is there was no pain but I do agree with Capt Chambo that the hammering process is a weird sensation, and thank you for the heads up on that.
I now have the titanium pin installed which will be left to bed in for a couple of months, which separates me from other remains if a forensics team need to identify me. I also have a moderately sore mouth which is being well controlled by prescription non-steroidals.
It was of great use, interest and comfort to have your replies to my original query, thanks again.
Join Date: Mar 2013
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Recently, I had a crash in London and I was rushed to London day surgery centre to get my dental implants done. It took me several sessions and before conducting this procedure, I was thoroughly checked and especially, the bone density scan was greatly emphasized but all ended well and I am as good as I was before. It is a fine procedure. One must get it done if it has to be done, without any other thoughts.
Root Canal, 3 Bridges -- now Two Implants
If modern implant technology had been there 45 years ago, I may have been able to get away with just one implant back then.
Root canal lasted 10 years before tooth packed it in.
Bridges typically break after 10 years and get more expensive each time 'round.
Last year dentist found deep cavity in tooth supporting one end of the bridge and filled it with caution that not likely to last. Last month X-ray showed tooth failing.
Dentist recommended extraction and 4-unit bridge, but actuarial likelihood of 2 more bridges; so 3 x $4,000 = $12,000.
Two implants including mandibular ridge bone graft and crowns estimated at $10-11K. One job and it should outlast me.
I was seriously considering Mexico, but there's at least 4 follow up visits and I can't really move there for 6 months. Those [still] having flight privileges might be able to make it work.
So 06:50 Monday I'm getting it done -- the principal worry is that the failing tooth does not act up before then.
Root canal lasted 10 years before tooth packed it in.
Bridges typically break after 10 years and get more expensive each time 'round.
Last year dentist found deep cavity in tooth supporting one end of the bridge and filled it with caution that not likely to last. Last month X-ray showed tooth failing.
Dentist recommended extraction and 4-unit bridge, but actuarial likelihood of 2 more bridges; so 3 x $4,000 = $12,000.
Two implants including mandibular ridge bone graft and crowns estimated at $10-11K. One job and it should outlast me.
I was seriously considering Mexico, but there's at least 4 follow up visits and I can't really move there for 6 months. Those [still] having flight privileges might be able to make it work.
So 06:50 Monday I'm getting it done -- the principal worry is that the failing tooth does not act up before then.
Sorry to burst your bubble but implants are just as temporary. The big worry of my dental implant colleagues is that implants done a decade or more ago are failing because the bone around the foreign implant has been resorbed. This is a big issue and despite some new treatments there is no cure. My colleagues consider implants as the treatment of choice for those in retirement but not younger people....
Plastic PPRuNer
Had a couple of implants a few years ago (by an expert).
Superb - feel like real teeth & X-rays show full integration so should be for life.
Now gotta have a sinus lift and bonegraft for another.
Actually one of my patients, so we have to trust each other!
Mac
Superb - feel like real teeth & X-rays show full integration so should be for life.
Now gotta have a sinus lift and bonegraft for another.
Actually one of my patients, so we have to trust each other!
Mac
Went in for two mandibular implants two weeks ago. The last two needles of freezing got my attention, but no pain after that until the freezing wore off. Tylenol 3s for two days along with Ibuprofen to keep the swelling down.
At checkup all looks good except one coverscrew shows and requires 3x daily Q-tip dipped in Perichlor until next visit in four months. Temporary denture going in tomorrow.
At checkup all looks good except one coverscrew shows and requires 3x daily Q-tip dipped in Perichlor until next visit in four months. Temporary denture going in tomorrow.
Temporary Denture
The denturist advised putting one in to maintain proper spacing until time for crowns. Also chewing on the denture exercises the bone and graft underneath which helps prevent bone recession.
Mind you, you have to ease into using the denture.
Mind you, you have to ease into using the denture.
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Sorry to burst your bubble but implants are just as temporary. The big worry of my dental implant colleagues is that implants done a decade or more ago are failing because the bone around the foreign implant has been resorbed. This is a big issue and despite some new treatments there is no cure. My colleagues consider implants as the treatment of choice for those in retirement but not younger people....
Had to have it removed later on as it was infected. It was 2 weeks without it and reimplanted later. My advice, when you decide on dental implants, make it sure that you'll have regular check ups to avoid inconveniences.
Uncle Pete
Join Date: Jul 1999
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My Mum had implants fitted in her late 70's, lots of visits to the University of London but the outcome was excellent and should last forty years. It's a bit of a shame she won't get the full use from them but at 90 isn't getting any problems from them
MP
MP
Hmmmmmm
How do you know the doctors are highly trained? and to what quality level?
Health tourism is big business and here is a flashy website, but very little substance. They liken themselves to the Mayo but have no association with it that I can see.
Thailand has cheap land, cheap building, low business rates and cheap labour. They can buy cloaned equipment from China and Korea we dont buy in the first world, so their costs are low, low, low. Of course their prices will beat the pants off the US, europe or Australasia.
But caveat emptor. They may indeed be up to european standards but you cant tell that from the website, and I am not sure how you tell when you get there.
How do you know the doctors are highly trained? and to what quality level?
Health tourism is big business and here is a flashy website, but very little substance. They liken themselves to the Mayo but have no association with it that I can see.
Thailand has cheap land, cheap building, low business rates and cheap labour. They can buy cloaned equipment from China and Korea we dont buy in the first world, so their costs are low, low, low. Of course their prices will beat the pants off the US, europe or Australasia.
But caveat emptor. They may indeed be up to european standards but you cant tell that from the website, and I am not sure how you tell when you get there.
Crowns Finally Fitted after 7.5 months
It was a strange feeling as the two joined crowns were torqued down over a period of an hour. There were several pauses to allow the gum and jaw to accommodate. A mild headache afterwards and still some jaw tightness in the morning.
But 30+ hours after it feels totally solid and comfortable -- much better than any of the three bridges that preceded it
The most painful part is the $20,000 it cost
Compared to a 4-unit bridge replaced every 10 years @ $5,000, I will have to be around another 40 years to break even, but the function feels way better.
Annual checkups are required with both the periodontist who does an xray and checks the gum -- and the denturist who can retorque if needed.
Flossing with Superfloss has been prescribed. Superfloss begins with a stiff part that can be fed just over the gum. The second part is fuzzy and the part to be used to clean the implant-gum junction. The third part is normal floss which I have been advised not to use there.
For a younger person who loses a tooth, a single implant @ $10,000 looks a better deal than 4-6 bridges @ $3,000+ -- especially as there's a chance one of the teeth supporting the bridge can fail down the road forcing you to choose between a 4-unit bridge or a double implant.
But 30+ hours after it feels totally solid and comfortable -- much better than any of the three bridges that preceded it
The most painful part is the $20,000 it cost
Compared to a 4-unit bridge replaced every 10 years @ $5,000, I will have to be around another 40 years to break even, but the function feels way better.
Annual checkups are required with both the periodontist who does an xray and checks the gum -- and the denturist who can retorque if needed.
Flossing with Superfloss has been prescribed. Superfloss begins with a stiff part that can be fed just over the gum. The second part is fuzzy and the part to be used to clean the implant-gum junction. The third part is normal floss which I have been advised not to use there.
For a younger person who loses a tooth, a single implant @ $10,000 looks a better deal than 4-6 bridges @ $3,000+ -- especially as there's a chance one of the teeth supporting the bridge can fail down the road forcing you to choose between a 4-unit bridge or a double implant.
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Just a quick question. I had a tooth removed six months ago, the first I have had removed, as it happens. A molar on my lower jaw. The dentist suggested I might like to have an implant. Well, I guess he would, wouldn't he! I have to say I don't notice it's missing now and wonder if it is necessary to have an implant. Are there any adverse consequences of just leaving well alone?
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Depends on many factors and you need advice from a maxillo-facial (sp?) surgeon. Leaving it could cause problems with jaw deformation, but a lot depends on where it is, your age, and so on. Also of course, vanity could be a factor if it's visible.