Any Glasgow or Central Scotland (affordable) recommendations for dental implants?

rm_rainman

Looking for advice on affordable dental implants and whether dentures should be ruled out.

My old crown with post in upper left 2 (one from the front) got a little loose a couple of years back and cracked the doughnut (remaining tooth bed), so I had to have it extracted. I tried a denture for a year but found it intolerable, even with denture fix. I mentioned that I'd like an implant and my dentist recommended a specialist private dentist. After a 360 X-Ray and assessment, he quoted 14-16K as he would need to fill lower left 4 and lower left right 4 as well as upper L2. That was to provide support. That was way beyond what I could afford, so gave it a miss. My dentist said they could try a bridge onto upper left 3. So I had that done and it was amazing, I could chew and not worry about a lump of intolerable acrylic. A year on, and whist eating corn flakes, I found a solid in my mouth. It was the bridge as well as my adjoining tooth which had sheared at the gum line. So I now have a two tooth gap close to the front. Dentist doesn't open until tomorrow, but I'm already super embarrassed. I'm in a quandary about what to do now. I'll need to get the remains removed but should I get a denture and suffer it or should I reconsider implants and if so, any affordable Scottish recommendations?

fatimatahir

If you're weighing the options between dental implants and dentures after the loss of a bridge, it's important to consider both your budget and long-term dental health. Dental implants are generally a more durable and natural-feeling solution but come with a higher cost. In Scotland, the price range you were quoted seems quite high, but it reflects the complexity of your case, which involves multiple implants for adequate support.

Here are some considerations:

1. Implants: While costly, implants are a permanent solution that can last a lifetime if properly cared for. They provide the best functionality and aesthetics, especially for front teeth, and prevent bone loss in the jaw. To find more affordable options, consider consulting multiple dentists for quotes or looking into dental schools where procedures might be offered at a reduced cost.

2. Dentures: While dentures are more affordable, they can be uncomfortable and might not provide the same quality of life as implants, as you've experienced. However, with advancements in materials and techniques, some newer denture options might offer a better fit and comfort than traditional ones.

3. Bridges: You’ve had success with a bridge before, though it eventually failed. Bridges are less invasive than implants and typically less expensive, but they rely on the adjacent teeth for support, which can compromise their integrity over time, as you’ve experienced.

Given your situation, it might be worth discussing a payment plan or financing options with your dentist to make implants more affordable. Additionally, researching clinics in Scotland that offer competitive prices or even considering dental tourism in neighboring countries with lower costs might be options to explore.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, comfort, and long-term dental health goals.

Toothsmith

fatimatahir said:

1. Implants: While costly, implants are a permanent solution that can last a lifetime if properly cared for. They provide the best functionality and aesthetics, especially for front teeth, and prevent bone loss in the jaw. To find more affordable options, consider consulting multiple dentists for quotes or looking into dental schools where procedures might be offered at a reduced cost.

2. Dentures: While dentures are more affordable, they can be uncomfortable and might not provide the same quality of life as implants, as you've experienced. However, with advancements in materials and techniques, some newer denture options might offer a better fit and comfort than traditional ones.

3. Bridges: You’ve had success with a bridge before, though it eventually failed. Bridges are less invasive than implants and typically less expensive, but they rely on the adjacent teeth for support, which can compromise their integrity over time, as you’ve experienced.

1. There isn't enough long term data to support implants lasting a lifetime. They have only become more mainstream in the past 10-15 years, which isn't long enough for meaningful study. Initial indications are that they are pretty good over 10-15 years, but as more are placed and out there 'in the wild' - the problems they can throw up are becoming more apparent. Particularly amongst those that have had them done with little/no advice on aftercare. The sort of treatment that tends to be provided at the establishments catering for dental tourists.
Dental schools will not place implants in the general public at reduced cost. Criteria for implant placement on the NHS are so restrictive as to be virtually impossible to get.

3. It didn't 'eventually' fail - it failed after 12 months which I would call treatment failure, especially as it then caused the loss of another tooth. This is why bridges are considered a more invasive treatment than implants not a less invasive one.