Denture implants questions

[Valv]

Well it feels awkward to ask this on a fishing forum, but I am sure somebody can chime in with a response.

I am contemplating a complete denture implant.

Has anybody any input on this ?

[delcecchi]

Is this the one tooth at a time thing or is there another kind?

[Valv]

The is the complete set, upper and lower

[Down Deep]

How much does a whole set of implants cost? My wife had one tooth implanted and it cost $2,700. I can tell you it pays to shop around because one dental surgeon quoted $4,800. The other two were around $3,000. One tooth was a substantial process involving three visits and about 3 to 4 hours of dental time. How long does it take for a whole set of teeth? The tooth looks great and she says it feels like she was born with it. There wasn't much down time either.

[delcecchi]

What I meant was this individual tooth implants so you end up with a full set of like 26 or however many teeth, like natural teeth? Or is this something else?

[Hardyboy]

I think what you might be looking for are mini dental implants. It is 3 or 4 implant studs that allow you to lock dentures in instead of using goop. Full set of implants will run you 20 to 30 thousand depending on dentist. The mini dental implants are way cheaper even using the highest quality dentures.

[hitthebricks]

Sounds like dentures to me. My brother teaches dentistry at the U of M and is one of the best in the country for implants, free consults I think, does both and also has a private practice in Lakevile. Give Bill a call at 952 dash 217 dash 6362. Tell him Bob gave you his name and number. The phone call is always free and could only help with info.

Good luck

Bob/ HTB

[delcecchi]

I talked to my dental friend and she says the common thing is to put a few implants in to support dentures. She is not a dentist but has a lot of experience in the field.

Here is what she said,

I have seen implants for edentulis (no teeth) patients, but they hold the denture - usually four on the bottom and top arch. This helps people because after awhile the ridge of the arch decreases in structure (shape) and the dentures no longer fit.

Sounds a lot like what hitthebricks said.

[ssaamm]

Upper dentures don't always need implants to stay put. If you have a short ridge vertically, stability and retention can be a challenge. Implants also allow for the palate to be cut out of a traditional denture--more of a horse shoe shape. Lower dentures are a different creature. The tongue screws up the suction. Implants are very helpful to retain lower dentures. Go w/ the implants--as many as is reasonable and cost effective.

Like anything in life, nothing is 100% effective everytime, but they make most frustrated dentures wearers happier. I don't own a pair, but I have to do some dentistry to pay for my fishing.