Dental implants and bad teeth :(

[SaltaKatten]

To my shame, I have really bad teeth. It's a combination of childhood issues and fear of the dentist. Pre covid I had two teeth taken out. During covid things got much worse and I've been too worried to go back to the dentist.
One tooth has gradually crumbled and hardly any of it is left above the gum. Another has a chronic infection down at the root with an abscess flaring up every now and then. Another has split and half is gone. It's just utterly horrible and embarrassing.

I'm working up to going back to the dentist but I think they'll want to remove at least another 3 teeth.
I've been looking at getting dental implants. Some places can do your whole mouth in a day or you can just do individual teeth. This is such an emotional subject and I'm struggling to think clearly. Has anyone got experience with replacing quite a few teeth this way?

I haven’t got any experience with implants but I just want to say I have a HUGE fear of the dentist. Up until this year I hadnt been in nearly 20 years but horrific toothache forced me into it. I paid private (eye watering cost!) but the dentist was absolutely lovely. I was genuinely hysterical at my appointment, I couldn’t catch my breath because I was sobbing so hard, very embarrassing. But he could not have been nicer. I genuinely thought he was going say all my teeth needed removing.

in the end I need one root canal, 8 fillings and 1 extraction. But everything has been planned out for me. I know what appointments are happening and when and I have a payment plan in place or I could have taken out finance.

I have had 3 fillings done and I’m going back next week to have the rest done. He has said the absolute limit he would give himself is 3 hours as after that he’d go ‘tooth blind’ so im
not sure if you could have everything done in one go so I know I’ve not been too helpful but i just wanted to share my experience and wish you good luck

Please know that implants are not recommended if you have gum disease. You may also lose bone in your jaw from infection which could need bone grafts before implants. Please go see dentist right away. They may refer you to a periodontist to clear up deep infections before you can have implants

Thank you, I did think it wouldn't be possible straight away until all the issues are cleared up but I would feel better with a plan for going forwards. I don't do well with uncertainty. I have reached the point where I'm ready to at least get a check up.

I have 7 implants in total, not the same starting situation though - mine were failing bridges/crowns.
One failed bridge was 4 teeth in a row, that was quite a lot of work.
As a PP said, it's not a quick job - you may need prep work & extractions first, then the implant is put in and it needs to heal, and only then the crowns are added.
It's not pleasant, but so, so worth it - start going to the dentist regularly and see if you can improve your dental hygiene at home too.

I have a big fear of the dentist and lost teeth and had crumbling teeth due to pregnancy and not going to dentist. I took the decision to have all mine removed under sedation, and had a bone graft in my jaw to increase strength as it was deteriorating.
Whilst still under sedation I had four steel posts inserted and implants put on. These stayed on for four months then the permanent implants were screwed in. It wasn’t cheap £20k but the best decision I’ve ever made.
I get lots of compliments on my teeth and only my husband knows the truth. A good tip is not to go two white, I chose b1 shade and rather than having all my teeth straight and even they look like the proper shape of teeth.
Look for all on four implants and find a dentist you trust. Mine was amazing and thanks to him I smile all the time . 😁

an implantologist won’t put implants in someone with gum disease or if your oral hygiene is poor. Because they can be affected by peri-implantitis. So, if your oral hygiene isn’t the best i would focus on improving that and considering other options (really, broken teeth which are decayed will be mostly due to poor diet and/or plaque on teeth from poor oral hygiene).

like someone else has said, a chronic infection can eat bone away and you may require a bone graft.

but I wouldn’t consider any of this if you have a phobia of dentists - there is a lot of dental ‘drilling’ involved and a lot of time in the chair to place implants. Then the regular upkeep of them with hygienist visits every 3-6 months.

however, if none of that bothers you then you could always consider an implant retained denture. It’s a denture that ‘clicks’ onto the implants placed (Wouldn’t need so many placed) - it may or may not be cheaper and less work depending on how many gaps you would need filling. Can be much more retentive than a regular denture so don’t be put off!

if you are seriously considering implants then avoid taking any teeth out until you plan to have implants put in (unless you’re in pain) - your dentist can discuss this with you in more depth but essentially it could mean you avoid needing a bone graft.

What some pp's have said about gum disease and implants is correct, implants can only be placed in a very healthy mouth but you can be provided with a treatment plan to get you to good oral health. In regards to bone loss, that can generally be sorted - again, a good dentist will create a plan for you.

Good on you OP for wanting a new smile. Don't let fear of the dentist put you off, go see a good dentist that provides sedation and get yourself some new teeth! You will not be judged

@Mumzybear22
Hi - just found your post. I am in the same position that you were. Would you be happy to share which dentist you used please. I will travel wherever!
Thank you