Ouch!

[Becky]

An implant is a titanium root-shaped peg that is placed in the bone of either jaw, and left to heal. Titanium has a strong affinity for bone, which means that the bone will grow onto the implant surface such that it becomes integrated into the bone itself. The bond is incredibly strong, and the implant cannot be removed. Well, it can if it is in the wrong place or something, but only with special equipment. The healing process is between 3 and 6 months, depending on bone quality.Some implants can be placed and immediately loaded.
But, the important thing is that they work, and once placed, the tops are just screwed into a threaded hole with a hexagonal top 3 mm or so. So, once placed, they cannot hurt you when being prepared for the replacement teeth or bridgework, or even denture support. The cost depends on what you intend to finish them with. A fully edentulous mouth (no teeth at all) with say 8 implants lower, and 10 upper, with full tooth replacement would cost up to the same as a small Bav/Jen/Ben. But very roughly a one-tooth gap would cost about the same as a bridge for the same space.

 

[Becky]

If there isn't enough bone, then I graft some in. You (I) can buy granules that turn into bone quite quickly, and then I can place implants in the grafted site. There is now a technique that can get some form of implant-supported restoration into almost anyone.
We are quite clever now!

 

[tome]

Thanks Becky. Very interesting stuff.

You have come a long way from the dentist I had as a child who had a drill driven by belts, a big pair of pliers and a nasty temperament.

 

[jimi]

So does mean I should get the troublesome one whacked out, then a titanium one screwed in .. or is that too simplistic?

 

[Becky]

It can be done if the infection is all cleared up. But not too many dentists do this work. I have on many occassions removed an offending root and replaced it with a nice healthy implant, and on occassions put the temporary crown straight on.
But, it is much cheaper to save the existing tooth, which is what I would consider the first line of treatment.

 

[jimi]

Aye .. but in the longer term it might be cheaper .. I've already had the offender filled, refilled, pegged and crowned ..

 

[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[Becky]

Sounds like it might be one of the better choices, I agree with you.

 

[jimi]

Cheeky bugger, I' no sending ye a Valentine's card noo!

 

[john_morris_uk]

My dentist told me that there was no such thing as pain - only minor discomfort!

 

[peterb]

[ QUOTE ]
When I hear a dentist say fairly painless it fills me with dread. It's the qualitative use of 'fairly' which troubles me deeply.


[/ QUOTE ]


I wonder whether "Now this won't hurt" would qualify for the 'Famous last words' thread?