Implants

[lolly5648]

I was referred to local hospital dental dept for suspicious lump on x-ray which turned out to be OK but the guy there suggested I asked my dentist about having two implants at the back of my upper jaw on the right hand side. I only have 10 top teeth and he said I am chewing at the front not the sides. Because of bone loss and low sinus? he said I cant have them on the left side.

Could someone tell me what implants would involve and at what sort of cost? I am a very nervous patient and have sedation so how much can be done in one go as I dont want to keep paying £100 for sedation as well as the cost of the implants. Ideally I would like it all done at once.

Cant get my head round this - I know a titanium post is implanted but what goes on top of this post, is it a crown?

Thanks

[Teerah]

Hi lolly, yes it is basically a crown placed on top of the implanted posts. Costs vary but you should expect to pay at least £1500 per implant and possibly much more. Implant sysyems vary, there are some that take a few stages and other immediate loading systems, though a minimum of two stages I think. The procedure itself is basically minor surgery so sedation would probably be useful for this, though perhaps the step where the crowns are fitted you could tolerate without sedation?

Have you considered having a metal partial denture constructed? This would certainly even things out so you could chew on both sides. Although not as desirable as implants it would be a much cheaper alternative.

[lolly5648]

Thanks for your reply. I think I will try to find an inplantologist who does it in the two stages, hopefully they are developing implants that can be done in one stage.

My own dentist told me he is going on a course to do implants. I think I would rather find someone who has a lot of experience so I am having to ask around for advice rather than being a guinea pig for my dentist.

[insomniac]

I had three implants done a couple of years ago after an accident. Its pretty serious surgery, and its very important to go to see someone who knows what they are doing. My implants, plus a ceric and a couple of gum grafts and root canals ended up costing over £6000! Its not cheap but I must say the results are very good, its just like having regular teeth. It is a little painful to be sure but again a good dentist (implant specialist actually) knows how to give injections that don't hurt. You take the rest of the day off work and hold a bag of frozen peas to your face!!

I saw Dr Steve Sharma in Belsize Park (Adam Sapera's surgery) and recommend him highly. Its not a NHS clinic but I don't think the NHS pay for this anyway. Steve does a lot of training around the world and even had students in during some of my sessions there. Its actually very comforting to have an audience as you know the dentist must be doing the right thing in front of them :-) He's a lovely Scottish guy look a bit like Tom Jones!

Let me know if you have any other questions, I quite like talking about it but all my friends squirm when I go into the details!

[lolly5648]

Thanks insomniac, sounds like you had quite a lot done for your money! I know I might need a bone graft but what is a ceric?

If I decide to go ahead I will certainly contact your implant specialist (Belsize Park is about 5 miles away) as it is much better to get personal recommendations.