Has anyone had a dental implant?

[Coppernob]

How did it go? What about such things as swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, stress, fatigue, pain, flare afterwards etc.?

Did you have conscious sedation? Or just the regular injections?

And I gather you can't bite on the tooth in question for three months while the bone is healing - and my tooth is a front incisor, so that could be a real pain! How was dealing with that?

All thoughts/experiences gratefully received.

[olleberj]

I had a dental implant after a failed root canal. The implant process went well however they had to add a lot of donor bone to my jaw before they could place the implant as the infection caused a lot of bone loss.

The first procedure removed the infected tooth. That went well and there was very little bleeding, even though I'm on Warfarin. The second procedure was the placing of the donor bone. After the donor bone was inserted, I had to wait about six months for it to integrate into my jaw before they could install the implant. The waiting was the worst as I had a big hole in my mouth and it was difficult to eat some things.

I did have quite a bit of swelling after they placed the donor bone, but it dissipated within about twenty four hours. I had very little bleeding and no infection; minimal stress, except for all the waiting time. I think physically, once the long standing infection was removed, I actually felt better so I wouldn't attribute any APS flares to the process.

I was not sedated. I just had the normal Novocaine injection in my mouth.

After I finally received the implant (six or eight months from the time I first saw the oral surgeon), I had to make and appointment with my general dentist for the crown that goes on top. Then I had to wait another few weeks while the crown was built. When I finally got it installed, I was ecstatic.

I was able to use the new tooth (molar) right away but I am careful with it. I hear that implants can get infected and fail and I love my new tooth and don't want to lose it.

For me, from the time of my first root canal to the time I got the implant, and then the crown, was about two years. It was a very long time and quite an expensive process. I think that tooth ended up costing, all in, about $5000.

I'm glad I did it but I'm not sure if I'll do it again or go with a standard bridge next time. The waiting was the most anxiety producing thing for me in the process. Physically, my body handled it well.

- Jeanette

[pinkcollar]

Hi Coppernob - I was told I could not have implants because of clotting/infection risks. When I go to the dentist for routine check-ups, I take antibiotics for a week before and after the visit. I was hoping to have six "empty tooth sockets" in my mouth replaced with implants, but it is a big NO GO for me.

[Coppernob]

Hmmm, that's interesting - two very different experiences so far. I shall carry on collecting data!

[smjohn]

I was also told that I should not attempt an implant due to my risk of infection.This was before my diagnosis of clotting risk(APS) though. I was first diagnosed with Lupus. It was felt that due to my immunosuppressed state and the need for bone graft, the risk of infection was too great for me.

[CarolBSL]

hi

I am half way the process described by Jeanette, so far all going well no problems other than what you would normally expect some swelling,pain, injections for anaesthesia, double bone graft , double implants , seem to be bonding with the natural bone... will see next week when I go back to my uk Dentist if I am ready for next stage. Had significant infection in the roots of my natural teeth with crowns attached, and actually felt a lot better after these were removed and infection cleared. A positive experience all in all and just a little more bleeding than usual, stopped aspirin 2 days before and resumed 2 days after. I would recommend implants if you have infection in root canals, as its better to be clear of infection...which can impact on risk of infection spreading into sinus cavities of skull and threat to brain. However a thorough discussion with rheumy and dental surgeon should allay any fears or they may be feel its not appropriate for you personally.

Kind regards

Carol

[panda60]

I had two front teeth beyond repair removed last year and my dentist and a maxfax surgeon both said no to implants because of slow healing and risk of infection.I already have a lower plate from losing bottom teeth so now have a top one as well and am quite happy with it.

Caroline

[evarr]

A dental implant is a man made titanium root on top of which a crown is placed. Of course it will be different than original tooth. But for those who lost original teeth, it will be the closest thing you will be getting. Very much original like , strong , dental implant provides relief for lots of people across the world. Picking a good implant specialist is as important as anything when undergoing the implant procedure. I myself had an implant about an year back by the dental implant specialist of the area Dr.David Silberman (" shorttermbraces.com/service... "). At first it felt like slight obstruction in my mouth, but just like anything new that is attached to your body. But after a while I got used to it. Now it is just like any other teeth in my mouth. It is a slightly expensive procedure, but totally worth. One should be careful about the implants after the procedure, should meet dentist regularly, then everything will be fine.

[martOWEN]

The experience was tough and fulfilling of course. My first ever dental implant procedure was in 2005 a few months after giving birth to my son. My cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills-Dr. David S. Frey did the extractions, initial implants, & replacement with "permanent" lower teeth anchored by 5 implants. I forgot how much the overall cost was, but I’m very happy with the results. Now I can eat easier, no more sliding dentures and chewing difficulty.

[GeorgiaDental]

A properly trained and competent dentist will be able to minimize problems and put your mind at ease. And always keep in mind: a dental implant can truthfully make a huge difference in your life, improving both the appearance and the function of your teeth. It’s also important to consider that ignoring problems, or trying to hold off as long as possible, can have other serious adverse effects. Infections may set in, the integrity of your jaw bones may deteriorate, and a whole slew of other medical issues could arise.

[marsharayfield]

I agree with GeorgiaDental, the success of your implants depends on your dentist since dental implants are inserted by dentists licensed in implant dentistry, regardless of country of origin. In the standard dental implant procedure, and as this is an out-patient procedure, local anesthesia is usually adequate. In the case of my brother who had his dental implants in Mexico because of a car accident which lead him to lose 5 of his front teeth the procedure was done accurately. We were referred by PlacidWay in a Clinic in Mexico and I must say that in terms of service and cost Mexico is really an ideal place. After 3 months, implants were placed. He was advised then that the healing process may still depend on his general oral health. Also a far as I know age also is a big factor.

[rubyskipper01]

I had dental implant of my broken tooth which was completely decayed. It was my first dental implant. I was confused whether to go for a dental crown or dental implant. Later got to know that Dental Implants would be better one in my case. After the procedure, I had pain for few days till the gum healing procedure. I face tooth sensitivity sometimes but not always. But, overall the dental implant procedure has turned out to be a good one. I had done it from BIDC, Bangkok through Medical Tourism Abroad, AU

[EdsonPhilippe]

I am right now in the process of getting a dental implant. You can take a look at my channel to have an idea of what the process is like. goo.gl/X5W98a

I lost the tooth when I was 9 and could not afford to fix it at that time. Now I am able to fix it, I not only have an implant, I also added braces in both my upper and lower jaw.