Dental implants

[Windingroad21]

Exploring getting one in my upper teeth where a tooth simply never grew in.

Up until now I’ve had composite bonding on the teeth on either side of the gap. Whilst this worked well, was only a temp fix. 10 years later I’m looking to really improve the look and durability of my teeth.

I’ve done consultations booked and looking for thoughts/ experiences from anyone that’s been through this.

TIA

My ex saw to the demise of some teeth. I got little replacements but they just didn’t last. Implants were the best thing I did - and luckily I didn’t experience any problems.

The most important thing I remember from the consultant? Not to smoke. (I didn’t)

Apparently it can really affect the implant taking and healing.

I didn’t go with a false tooth but my teeth were premolars and molars and it wasn’t quite so noticeable. I had them done separately too. Although that was due more to financial constraints, the consultant was also happier that way due to old damage. For me it just gave everything more of a chance.

The people who mattered didn’t care if I had a gappy smile.

Good luck if you decide to go ahead.

This is such helpful advice. Many thanks to you all for sharing experiences. I did read that about smoking @SheldonesqueTheBstard (I’ve never smoked).

I suppose one benefit of covid /WFH is that the only potential for people seeing would be DP/ postman/ Tesco delivery, lol. If it’s for a limited period I suppose I could suck it up. Just concerned it would be majorly obvious as a front tooth!

I’m quite excited about getting this done now, really hope I’m a decent candidate. It’s encouraging hearing how happy you all are with yours.

I was super lucky as I’d had a gap for ages and couldn’t afford an implant and I saw the local dental hospital were after people for the trainee orthodontists to practise on. It was all supervised by consultants every step of the way and all of the trainees were experienced dentists doing extra training in orthodontic work. So I didn’t pay a penny

Lucky you grealish

I have two , bottom teeth. They are now 13 years old. Look and feel totally normal. Do some research and get an experienced implant dentist. Go with a dentist you can get to easily ( incase if problems) . I needed a bone graft , took 12 months from start to finish. This included time for the new ‘bone’ to settle. I was never left with a gap at any stage. I have no regrets and would do it again if I had to.

Amazing info and help, thanks so much. There’s a chance I may live in the US next year, but visas taking an age and not even in the queue, so reckon I’ve at least 12 months here. I’d defo rather get the work done here and it will probably be better value anyway.

I’ve thoroughly researched and going with a place that comes highly recommended from a close friend. When I say going, I’ve two appointments booked at two different places to really get a feel for them and make sure I have all the info/ feel comfortable.

Main questions are (assuming I’m deemed suitable):

1. Can I see digitally end result?
2. How much (key!)?
3. Likely recovery time?

Have I missed anything out?

Qualifications. Mine has a Masters in implantology.

As so much depends on whether you need a bone graft or not (you’ll need X-rays to establish this) I’d make sure you cover that process off.

Really helpful agin. I had an e-consultation (I sent pics) and the dentist compiled an extensive video back providing information. Next stage at the highly recommended place is a consultation which is £95 (includes X-rays). I thought that was a little high, but as I say, close friend thoroughly recommends and she’s a difficult customer generally.

The other place followed a similar process but doesn’t seem to be a consultation fee.

So it’s a good job I’ve used this thread and your advice! I emailed back the appointment provider (recommended by friend) and asked specifically what the £95 consultation fee covered, whether there would be digital imagery and of the qualification of the implantologist.

Turns out they would only ‘chat’ to me, take X-rays (which I had done only a month ago at my own dentist!) and then refer me on to their 3rd party implantologist… completely different practice!!

Best bit is, the actual practice that can carry out the work does free consultations, X-rays and imagery. I’ve contacted them direct…!

Had I not questioned this I would have been £95 down and a little scammed. Very frustrating and naughty of them.

I had a top front tooth implant 15 years ago in my early 20s and would totally recommend it. I was given a denture to wear for the periods I had a gap, which wasn't ideal, but certainly better than a hole!

My issue was a fall as a child that had knocked out the original tooth. It was successfully rerooted, but then started dying ten years later. I didn't need any bone grafts or anything as it was replacing an existing tooth so can't comment on that bit.

The finished product looks pretty natural. The only two minor issues are I took up drinking black coffee afterwards, so it's now a little lighter than the surrounding teeth which have stained slightly and it does glow in the dark under UV lights - looked a bit odd in clubs in my 20s...