All on 4 dental implant

[Deleted User]

Hi,

Aged 55+

Lower jaw: only 5 front teeth left but now they are all on the edge of falling out.

Visited the dentist 2 weeks ago, was told even if he took out the 5 teeth now, the new denture unfornatuly wouldn't be available until at least Feb 2022. And the old denture sadly would not stay in place without the 5 front teeth. And he said the new denture is very likely going to become loose very soon if no teeth left in the lower jaw. He then suggested dental implant and told to look/search online, because they don't do implant. 

Asked quite a few friends already, but none have any ideas of dental implant.

Done some research online, All on 4 then came to attention. But they are very, very expensive..... Many dental practices don't list their price on the websites. When called, their receptions also refused to give a quote, but only told to book a f2f consultation. Only a few practices share their price on their websites and saying that the price starting from 15k+.... 

A few friends recently agreed to lend some money so now seriously thinking to get the implant instead of the denture. Because it's such a huge investment, any inputs on this would be greatly appreciated. 

Don't mind travelling as long as the practice is in London（although it'd be better if it's in SE). Have searched “all on 4 London” online and checked the Google reviews one by one, but still couldn't decided which practice to go for. Just wondering if anyone could please share how they normally find their implant dentist?  

According to the research done, All on 4 costs way less than the full implant. And All on 4 allows you to get the missing teeth replaced on the same day. Overall it seems like a very good option for someone who wants full jaw implant. Please do correct me if I'm wrong.

Could you still get implant if you had stroke before? Is "Noble Biocare" the best implant? How much do dental implant generally cost? And what are the risks of getting implant abroad... Any inputs would be highly appreciated!!! 

If book a f2f consultation with the dentist, what questions should I ask?
E.g:
Q: how long do the implant teeth last???
(Just wondering in general how long the teeth could last?  And if problems occur e.g within a year, do you normally have to pay to get them fixed?)

Q: What happen if implant fails? etc.......
(Do you know whether or not the dentist would normally fix the issue free of charge - e.g: extra attempt is given for free? And whether or not you entitled to refund if implant fails?) 
 
Thank you!!!

Toothsmith

Abbtt said:

Visited the dentist 2 weeks ago, was told even if he took out the 5 teeth now, the new denture unfornatuly wouldn't be available until at least Feb 2022. And the old denture sadly would not stay in place without the 5 front teeth. And he said the new denture is very likely going to become loose very soon if no teeth left in the lower jaw. He then suggested dental implant and told to look/search online, because they don't do implant. 


 
Thank you!!!

If this is the only advice you got from your dentist - then it is time to get another general dentist!

I can't really understand why they were so unhelpful. Is this a dentist you've seen for a while, or one you just rocked up at because you'd realised there was a problem? If it's the former - there really is no excuse at all. If it's the latter, I can see how a dentist in a busy NHS practice seeing patients just turning up with toothaches/problems might be getting a bit jaded & fed up, not knowing how many of the patients they're seeing are going to bother coming back once the pain has gone - plus probably not having the time to go into much detail on options for every single possible solution having a really busy list of patients to get through. But advice as brief as that really isn't acceptable.

Looking online is not a good way to find an implant dentist - getting a recommendation from your dentist is the best way.

As for the denture. It was right that a new denture shouldn't be made for a good while, but impressions can often be taken and your old one sent off to have the teeth to be extracted added to it, and then that denture normally can do for the few months it takes for the bone to heal before the new denture can be made. Obviously, I can't see you, so I can't say if this could be an option for you - but it certainly should have been considered.

If you've lost all/nearly all your teeth, I really would want the reason for that at least looked into and make sure the conditions that caused that to happen are addressed. Implants can also fail, and need better cleaning than natural teeth. So if gum disease has been a problem, then the causes and prevention of further problems should be addressed. The implant practice should address this s well though (If indeed implants really are the best option and the one you decide on.

My feeling from what you've written though, is that you really go and see another dentist who can consider, explain and generally give you a bit more to go on than this one has

[Deleted User]

Toothsmith said:

[Deleted User] said:

Visited the dentist 2 weeks ago, was told even if he took out the 5 teeth now, the new denture unfornatuly wouldn't be available until at least Feb 2022. And the old denture sadly would not stay in place without the 5 front teeth. And he said the new denture is very likely going to become loose very soon if no teeth left in the lower jaw. He then suggested dental implant and told to look/search online, because they don't do implant. 


 
Thank you!!!

If this is the only advice you got from your dentist - then it is time to get another general dentist!

I can't really understand why they were so unhelpful. Is this a dentist you've seen for a while, or one you just rocked up at because you'd realised there was a problem? If it's the former - there really is no excuse at all. If it's the latter, I can see how a dentist in a busy NHS practice seeing patients just turning up with toothaches/problems might be getting a bit jaded & fed up, not knowing how many of the patients they're seeing are going to bother coming back once the pain has gone - plus probably not having the time to go into much detail on options for every single possible solution having a really busy list of patients to get through. But advice as brief as that really isn't acceptable.

Looking online is not a good way to find an implant dentist - getting a recommendation from your dentist is the best way.

As for the denture. It was right that a new denture shouldn't be made for a good while, but impressions can often be taken and your old one sent off to have the teeth to be extracted added to it, and then that denture normally can do for the few months it takes for the bone to heal before the new denture can be made. Obviously, I can't see you, so I can't say if this could be an option for you - but it certainly should have been considered.

If you've lost all/nearly all your teeth, I really would want the reason for that at least looked into and make sure the conditions that caused that to happen are addressed. Implants can also fail, and need better cleaning than natural teeth. So if gum disease has been a problem, then the causes and prevention of further problems should be addressed. The implant practice should address this s well though (If indeed implants really are the best option and the one you decide on.

My feeling from what you've written though, is that you really go and see another dentist who can consider, explain and generally give you a bit more to go on than this one has

Thank you sooo much for your detailed response! I really very appreciate it!!

Yes that is the only advice I got from the dentist and he has been my dentist for many years. But sadly he never once explained to me why I nearly lost all my teeth @ just 55. I always brushing my teeth after every meal. I also went to my dentist every 6 months to get teeth checked. But my teeth just become loose over time. And when I visited my dentist to seek help, he simply told me that those loose teeth needed to be taken out. If I asked him why I have loose teeth, and how I could possibly protect my teeth in the future, he then just advised me to use either mouthwash or a electronic toothbrush.

When I saw him again 2 weeks ago, he simply told me that those 5 front teeth cannot be saved, and I have to get either dental implants or a new denture. But they don't do implant there, he told me to find one myself online. When I asked him if he could please recommend a good implant dentist? He said no, and again told me to search one online... I also asked him if patients could get dental implant if they had stroke before. He once again said to me to find a dental practice online and then ask the implant dentist directly. 

It's very difficult in my case to take an impression before extractions. The teeth loosens so much, I can actually push them out with only the tongue... This is why the dentist suggested having the extraction first. But thank you!!!

I'd try to call the practice to reschedule my extraction appointment today and hopefully I can book another appointment with a different dentist to get a second opinion in the coming few weeks (it's a very busy practice...). But I have been with the practice for many years (10 yrs+), and I actually know all the dentists there quite well. I honestly don't think I'd be given any more information other than to look thing up online myself. But I'd give it a try (fingers crossed ha-ha). In the meanwhile I'd also try to book an appointment with a dentist at a different practice and hopefully he/she could recommend a good implant dentist/centre. The dental implant is just soooo expensive. I really don't mind spend some money seeing different dentists/ consultants first, if this could really help me finding a relatively reliable implant dentist... [Yes I think I want to get dental implants] 

But if there is no recommendation, can I in this case trust the Google reviews???

Many thanks!! 

Toothsmith

The teeth can be taken out first, and then added at a later stage a few days/couple of weeks later if needs be. It doesn't have to be done before - that's just the 'usual' way.

I do think there has been a bit of a lack of communication between you and this dentist. 

LandM1

I have an All on 4 implant supported bridge fitted to my top jaw. I e had it about 5 years. I love it but it’s certainly not been trouble free. I’ve had to return numerous times for repairs, usually minor but one that was complicated and involved sending the teeth away and having my temporary bridge fitted again. You also need to really keep on top of cleaning, special brushes, floss, water pick, mouthwash. You’re fairly much tied to the dentist that did it as you’ll need to have check ups and cleaning done so you need to budget for a dental plan on top of the cost of the implants. Mine cost £12000. All the repairs have been cost free however. Try to find a dentist close to your home as frequent trips may be required, especially at first. I found mine by recommendation from a friend who had the same thing done. Most offer financing to pay gradually. I paid up front and got a substantial discount. Good luck! Contact me if I can help in any other way.