any ideas about dental implants?

[gchappel]

I am told I need 2 dental implants- teeth 8 and9.
These teeth were injured 30 years ago, underwent root canals and have been fine for 30 years. the roots are now resorbing- so the need for the implants or a bridge.
Basically I am told the classic implant takes 9-12 months, with dental bone implant and several surgeries. There seems to be a newer method, that places the implant in one sesssion- takes about an hour. Sure sounds easier if it accomplistes the same outcome. Any experience out there? Thanks
Gary

[Brando]

I've heard horror stories about the 1-day implants thing. It takes time for your mouth to recover from the kind of trauma of surgery, cutting, grinding, grafting, etc. I was quoted about $10k a tooth for the same type of thing... My opinion, if you're gonna do it, go the normal route. Much less chance of the procedure turning out bad.

[dan88911]

No personal experience with it. However, just last week while channel surfing I came across one of them "how do they do that shows". And wow! modern technology digital computer dental assisted stuff. All done in a couple hours. I was impress.

[tevake]

I had one done in the older slow method. It did take 9mos+. The bone graft took most of the time. Perhaps if you don't have the bone loss issue, the new process may be worth looking into. My implant went well not much pain or problems.
Good luck

[Rick V]

And a post and cap is not an option here?

[GH85Carrera]

I just had one done last year. It is stupid expensive. I did the slow but stable system. One surgery to remove the old tooth. Months later another surgery to put in the implant. Months later the in goes the post. A week later I went for the crown.

They basically put a helicoil in my jaw, and a new titanium bolt that the crown attaches to. The surgeon used a neat little bitty torque wrench to tighten up the post. The crown is built around a fixture that snaps into place with a little JB weld. (OK it was a dental glue but some sort of 2 part glue)

I think the torque setting was 1.2 inch pounds.

[Scott Watkins]

No experience but saw Ditka on TV peddling this solution.

Read the Press about ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers

Good luck!

[rcooled]

I have a molar implant that took nearly a year to fully complete...can't imagine how it could be done in a single day. I spent a good deal of time in the chair with my mouth open...it was uncomfortable but completely painless. Yes, it's expensive...over $4K for mine but insurance covered a good chunk of it. Initially, I was annoyed with the slow progress but now that it's completed, I have no complaints. It looks, feels and functions just like a natural tooth.

[aigel]

I wouldn't do it if a bridge will fix it. Risk of infection and complications is much lower on the bridge along with the price. Then if you lose more teeth down the road and need an anchor you can still do it. The technology will only get better and less expensive.

G

[89911]

I generally restore an implant or two a week. I do not place them and use primarily my old roomate who is a Periodontist trained in placing these. He has done one on myself and my brother. A couple of points. Any Dentist can place an implant. I could go out and buy the tools and do it tomorrow if I felt like it. Or take a weekend course at a seminar if I wanted to learn a little. I don't though because I feel better about sending my patients to a specialist who is trained at the specialty (Periodontist, Prosthodontis, and Oral surgeons). I do restore them and this is where I see what is properly done. If considerations are taken into account, the final placement of the crown can look seemless compared to the other teeth. I replaced my brothers this way when his tooth fractured at the gumline. If things are not done correctly, you will have a functional tooth, but it may never look correct and always look like it is not natural. I have inhereted some of these cases and it is a battle to make them look correct.
Implants are a much better restoration then bridges. I can't emphasis that more. If you are looking at having your two front teeth replaced, you will need a bridge that goes from canine to canine. The lateral teeth next to the centrals are generally not sufficient to place a bridge on. You cant floss between a fixed bridge. You will get food under it usually after every meal. Most patients complain that is never feels completely natural. I still do bridges, but recommend implants as a better option. Implants here generally cost $1500-2000 for the placement and $1000-$1500 for the crown placement per tooth in the Pittsburgh area, much lower than some major cities.
All the cases I have used where the variety of tooth extraction, 3-6 month healing, implant placement, 6-12 month healing, and then crown. I do believe the biggest problem, beyond cost, is the time and visits it takes for a restoration. It doesn't surprise me that they trying to push this sooner, but the traditional method has been proven reliable. Beyond the possible mechanical failure of the implant which is rare, the lifetime of an implant has no real timeline. Bridges generally last 10 years give or take, with insurance covering replacement in 5 years.

[WolfeMacleod]

[gchappel]

Thanks for the input!
I see the doc tomorrow - let me see what he recommends
The one hour fix all sounded too good to be true
Gary