Anyone had dental implants?

[wherezdabearz 0]

At the age of 41 I still have 3 baby teeth and I've just been told by my dentist that I really ought to have them extracted as they would fall out on their own in a couple of years anyway. Feel totally traumatized by this as they are pretty close to the front - they're where canines would have grown in if I hadn't had them removed at the age of sixteen because they were impacted. This is the news I've been dreading for the past 25 years.

So...my dentist thinks that implants would be the best solution but I've been reading up on them on the web and it looks as though it takes MONTHS before you can have the crowns put on top of the implants. What I'm not clear about is what happens in the meantime. I've been reading about dummy teeth which you wear (for months??) until the implants 'take', but I think I'd be worrying the whole time about them falling out. And is there a period when you have to walk around with gaps and metal posts sticking out of your gum? Maybe I'll just go and live in a cabin in the woods for a few months!

Or would bridges be better? Although I'd have to get three of them. Or dentures?

Totally appalled by all of my options here so would be grateful if anyone had any positive feedback or reassurance.

Thank you soooooo much

Alison

[sereia 0]

BOTH my parents have them (doesn't seem hopefully for my future!) and my mom has gone through loads of surgeries, pain, and annoyance with them. not to mention they are very, very expensive! she just had to get them redone in fact because the first set didn't fit properly and she could hardly chew anything. it seems like an awful nightmare to me. its been a long process for her and i've felt so bad seeing her suffer.

although it doesn't sound like you need that many done. my mom had almost her entire mouth done. whats wrong with getting the bridge work done instead?

[Sheriff Uling 3]

It appears that dental implants are not as popular as breast implants... Go figure... Hehehehe!!!

[Fandango 1,439]

I had a friend who had them and from what I know (albeit limited)...you have to wear 'temporary teeth' while the posts heal. then you get the perm implants several mos later. If the dentist is good enough, the temp teeth won't look so bad.

I suppose the benefit to them vs a removable plate would be that they are perm secured in your mouth.....

Good luck...I'm sorry you're faced with this!

[broma25 2]

Of course your dentist thinks its a good idea.....perhaps he needs a new car!!!

I would do nothing unless you are having problems. Its strange how for 41 years they have been ok and now all of a sudden the dentist thinks you should do something!!

[sereia 0]

i'd also get a second opinion...

[wherezdabearz 0]

I think you're right. I need a second opinion.

Thanks for the feedback!

Alison

[jundp 191]

I agree on the second opinion. I have a dental implant b/c I broke a tooth and had a root canal, and it was a front tooth. After the root canal, I needed an implant (rod in the jaw, temp cap, then the crown). I wouldn't have done it if it hadn't been necessary though. You do get a temporary cap though before the permanent one is put into place, so dont worry about going around with a huge gap in your teeth

But, if you've not had any problems or pain with it, then why fix what ain't broke? If the teeth were hurting you or were in danger of falling out, that would be one thing. Otherwise...nah, get a second opinion.

Good luck!

[Fuzzness 2]

I have two permanent bridges where my eye teeth should have been. They are cemented to the back of the adjacent teeth. They are pretty expensive, $1000 each (insurance paid them) and if they come out they are guaranteed for life. It is very easy and very painless.