Does anyone out there have dental implants?

I'll be getting them sometime in the near future so:


1) do they sedate you? is it like a surgery?


2) do they hurt? how long will I be sore?


any info like the above would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

Does anyone out there have dental implants?
Hello, I have 2 dental implants.


I was not put out to have them done, just numbed up, they did not really hurt to have them put in, just intense pressure.


I will tell you this is a very long, drawn out process; first the implants (the screws) are put into your jawbone. Then they have to remain for 4-6 months so they bond with the jawbone before you can go on to the next step. Your dentist will put metal healing caps (attached to the screws) while you wait. The next step after about 6 months, the healing caps are removed, abuttments are attached to the screws where the healing caps are and impressions are made so you can have the crowns made that attach to the abuttments. If the crowns have to be sent out to a dental lab to be made, expect a wait of 4-6 weeks before they are done. Some dentists now use a cerac machine that makes the crowns in the office, but most don't. After the crowns are made, they have to be adjusted and glued to the abuttments.


I had problems with my gum tissue healing evenly, so I had to wait longer before the abuttments could be put on. I started on the implants in early April 2006, and just finished having the crowns applied Nov. 16. I am very pleased with them, they look and feel very natural. Be prepared to pay around 3000.00 to 3500.00 for each implant from start to finish, including the crowns. Good luck!
Reply:Dental implants are a wonderful way to replace teeth that are missing. Some oral surgeons will put you to sleep while placing them but honestly, the procedure is very minor and being awake but numb is generally a great way to proceed with this treatment. You can expect soreness for a couple of days but they usually give you some type of pain meds and mouth rinse for comfort. Just follow your DDS' instructions and you should get along fine. Good luck and congratulations.
Reply:I do its like getting a body piercing, but the insurance company paid for it.
Reply:Many people.





1)depends. It can be done under local anaesthesia or even conscious sedation.


2)minimally.
Reply:In the process of getting them now.





1. Sedation is not necessary unless you are very sqeamish and usually require sedation for minor surgery.


2. It IS surgery. They are placing metal INTO a facial bone.


3. Pain typically does not last or is not that intense UNLESS you get an infection. This is important since an infection can cause the implant to fail. - I am currently on my second bone graft since an infection destroyed the first one. The infection caused intense pain that required major narcotics just to deal with.


4. The implants don't hurt. The initial surgery may leave you sore for up to a week and that is probably the worst you will experience.





Now all that being said, not all dentists/oral surgeons are the same. Find out all you can. What materials do they use? A major factor in implant failure is lack of good osseointegration. Do your homework and find out what that is and what approaches are available to prevent that type of failure. I can tell you from personal experience that a failure can mean more extensive (and expensive) surgery.
Reply:I know people who had implants, but the jaw bone rejeted the metal attacked to the bone. The implants had to come out and they were left with a hole in their pocket and in the mouth. One was my pharmacist another a cousin. Discuss these types of situations with your dentist. These affects are not advertised too much. I am sure many others had great success with them.