Dental Implants

[shcisamax]

Anyone have them? Anyone get them from a dentist here? Anyone think they are great? Anyone wish they never did it? Anyone who used a TV dentist think the dentist was really good? Anyone think they should have done full dentures instead of implants with a bridge? Any info on this subject would be helpful.

[billethkid]

In my opinion, a first consideration is, if possible, retain as many of your teeth as your condition will practically allow.

When there are no teeth the jaw bones tend to deteriorate over time (jaw bone gets thinner). Implants do serve to minimize the bone loss....where they are located.....hence a combination of your teeth and implants offers the best for long term jaw bone integrity.

Again this is a function of your personal situation and preferences.

btk

[KathieI]

I agree with BTK. It is extremely important to maintain the integrity of bone in the jaw. For me, they had to add some bone to my jaw in order for the implants to take. I have 5 in my mouth they were done in Los Angeles by one of the most experienced doctors performing this procedure. They are wonderful and I would highly recommend them, however, I might add that I would do a thorough investigation on the doctor you want to do this. Many dentists take weekend type classes and think they are now experienced enough to do this task.

I do not have a dentist here in the Villages who does them, but I know a few friends here in TV are in the process. I would suggest you research for the best dentist in this procedure. There is nothing better than implants as long as they are done right. Good luck.

[jimbo2012]

My sister went thu the ordeal, she said never again unless the teeth were very visible, she went thu bone graphs, still not complete needs to wait another few months for the area to heal.

[KathieI]

My sister went thu the ordeal, she said never again unless the teeth were very visible, she went thu bone graphs, still not complete needs to wait another few months for the area to heal.

Yes, we have a friend here in TV who said never again because he went to someone who really wasn't qualified to do the job. That's why its very important to research the doctors, this is not something to mess around with.

For me, I had to wait about 6 months after the implants were put in for them to fully integrate with the bone and then we put in the final teeth. That's usually the normal case (at least for my dentist in LA).

[l2ridehd]

I have 4. Two in back and two in front. Did them in 1995 so they are now 17 years old. Back then there were not many dentists doing them and I had started researching them in 1982. Was told then my jaw bone was to thin and they would not work. Tried again in 1984, 1986, 1990 and finally in 1995 was told it was no problem. Back then it still took a year from start to finish. Now I think they can be done much quicker. I agree with above posters, keep as many of the original as possible. Mine were lost as the result of an accident. After having a partial for the front two for 30 years and now the implants, I would do them again and highly recommend them as the best available option for missing teeth. Expensive yes, worth it also yes. Find a dentist who specializes in implants. Someone who does nothing else would be my suggestion. And someone who has been doing them for a minimum of 10 years.

[shcisamax]

This is a full top denture situation or 4 to 6 implants and a permanent bridge for about $20. Full denture around $5 I think. Is it worth it for bone integrity? It's A bunch of money.

[Cedwards38]

I have one, not done in TV. Love it. Far stronger than the tooth it replaced, and not that difficult to get it done. Was a little pricey, but if I could afford it, I'd get them all done.

[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.

[Carla B]

I have one, done by a very skillful dentist in Delray Beach. It's the strongest and best tooth in my mouth. My husband said if he'd known how much it would cost to keep my teeth going, he wouldn't have married me.

[KathieI]

I have one, done by a very skillful dentist in Delray Beach. It's the strongest and best tooth in my mouth. My husband said if he'd known how much it would cost to keep my teeth going, he wouldn't have married me.

Carla, my husband used to say the same thing. He said, when you die, I'm gonna pull all your dental work and sell the gold... LOLOLOL.... Nice man, huh.

[mfp509]

I am currently seeing Dr Blanton in Leesburg having an implant done. He is wonderful, honest, and I would highly recommend him. He has done really good work with me. If you have a tendency to be a bit nervous going to the dentist, he has a way of putting you at ease with his easygoing personality. I never mind going to him. I wish he did all types of dental work.

[billethkid]

if you really want to get a "specialist" perspective on the subject give some consideration to consulting a maxillofacial surgeon:

What is Maxillofacial Surgery? (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-maxillofacial-surgery.htm)

When my wife had a thinning of the jaw bone issue to deal with that is the type specialist we consulted with and had do the bone build up and install the implants.

Then referred back to our regular dental care providers who do support the use of such specialists.

btk

[NotGolfer]

I have several implants and have been glad to have them even though they're expensive. After watching folks with dentures....I'm especially glad to have them!

I had 3 put in via Dr. Adam Still's office. He didn't do them, but instead sent me to Dr. Caylor (an oral surgeon). BOTH of these men are very professional if not perfectionists, which is what one would want when doing dental work of any kind. Both have offices in Laural Manor complex. I don't remember the cost for all. Think though they were more expensive here than the ones I got up north.

[Figuringitout]

Anyone have them? Anyone get them from a dentist here? Anyone think they are great? Anyone wish they never did it? Anyone who used a TV dentist think the dentist was really good? Anyone think they should have done full dentures instead of implants with a bridge? Any info on this subject would be helpful.

I just had one put in and it feels like my own tooth, I agree keep your teeth has long as possible. We are new here and I am going to go to Gainsville to the dental school. They are usually a good source of information, I had my implant done through the U of M dental school and had a very pleasant experience saved some money and was referred to Gainsville, dental school until I could find a great new dentist, they are hard to find...

[Schaumburger]

This has been a very interesting thread to read. I will be having a dental implant in about 5 or 6 months from now as one of my molars was pulled 3 weeks ago. It surely is not cheap or a speedy process to get an implant, but I don't want a gap even if it is right in front of my wisdom tooth.

[shcisamax]

Amazing the info you can get on TOTV. Just amazing.

[Schaumburger]

Two days ago I had the screw implanted in my gum, and right after Memorial Day the dentist said I should be ready for the implant to be finished. So what is the replacement tooth I will be getting called -- a crown? It sounds like the crown should be as strong as the tooth it will be replacing -- is that right? So I should be able to chew popcorn and nuts on that side with confidence?

My father, who is always right :), blames my tooth cracking last summer on my popcorn addiction. So I have cut back eating popcorn to approx. 3 times a month.

[Vt Casper]

I had my front teeth done , my dentist told me not to eat corn on the cob or eat apples without slicing them. Implants although being very good are not a replacement for your permanent teeth and repairing them well I don't even want to think about it. Do it again? In a heartbeat! It took 3 months from start to finish, the partial plate was terrible I don't want to go that route again, but the other option just isn't an option

[srjax]

I have two implants and am very pleased with them. Went to Dr.
Ahmed at Bushnell Familey Dentistry. He is excellent. A perfectionist and very meticulous.

[Wayne2600]

I had mine done last fall by Dr Barton Blumberg on Buenos Aires near the hospital. He and his staff are just outstanding! They treat you like family not another client.

[NotGolfer]

My "saga" with implants probably began about 15+ years ago, up north. My dentist I was seeing at the time told me he couldn't do anything further to save my teeth and went on to say I should pull everything and have dentures. I wasn't ready for that, as I said I'd observed family members who had dentures and didn't want to go that route if I didn't have to.

Went to another dentist for a 2nd opinion where implants were suggested. Back then it was a lengthy process....pull the existing teeth, wait 6 mo. to heal then go in and put in the base (a screw essentially) implant. Wait another 6 mo. to heal before the "crown" (looks just like a tooth) is screwed on! My more recent implants---done about 2 years ago here in T.V. went A LOT quicker from start to finish!! In *some* cases (though not in mine) they can put the implants in the same day they pull the existing teeth---it depends on your situation and bone structure. I think it was within 6 mo that I got everything completed. It *is* costly but ever so worth it in the long run! The feel and look just like the real thing for sure. My upper implants required a "bone graft" which sounds worse than it is. They make some kind of "mixture" and apply that to your existing bone. It's if the existing one isn't very dense and they don't want to screw into your sinus area. I've been very fortunate with mine!! I hadn't been told to be careful with my front one...but makes sense I guess. I don't eat apples without cutting them but have had sweet corn!! Maybe should re-think the latter!!!!

[sheehan]

There is a highly skilled, highly qualified Implant Specialist here in the Villages by the name of Barton R. Blumberg, DMD, PA. Came here a few years ago I believe, from California. I was scared silly to get implants but I have to say, this was the easiest dental process I have ever experienced. Dr. B knows exactly how to put his patient at ease and is so efficient. I could not have been more pleased. Yes, it is a bit pricey but well worth it.

[sheehan]

There is a highly skilled, highly qualified Implant Specialist here in the Villages by the name of Barton R. Blumberg, DMD, PA. Came here a few years ago I believe, from California. I was scared silly to get implants but I have to say, this was the easiest dental process I have ever experienced. Dr. B knows exactly how to put his patient at ease and is so efficient. I could not have been more pleased. Yes, it is a bit pricey but well worth it.

He is located on Buenos Aires Blvd. next to Dr. Villa's Clinic.

[asianthree]

one thing to consider is if you have a total joint,,an infection from a dental implant can also infect your total joint

[mfp509]

My implant is finished and I really am very satisfied with it. Again I would recommend Dr. Blanton in Leesburg. He did a great job!!