[KathieI]

I have 6 implants to hold 12 teeth in a permanent bridge, all in the front. They were lost in an accident when I was very. Its a long process and expensive (mine cost me $35K) but of course, you realize it was in Los Angeles.... I started to research them in the mid-80's and like BTK says, there weren't many doctors doing them at that time. Again started to research them at UCLA in the early and late 90's and found a specialist who does nothing else but implants and travels the country, and world, training other doctors. He was one of the original developers of this process, I believe. I dreaded the surgery and dreaded the $$$ but would do it again in a heartbeat, hopefully I never have to face that. Most of the dentists I see here in TV are very interested in the job that was done and they are very impressed and are telling me that they are in good shape.

To answer your question about is it worth it for bone integrity, my personal feeling is absolutely yes. Nothing is worse than an ill-fitting denture which will happen as you lose bone.