Polishprince
Diamond Member
- Jun 8, 2016
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At 74 years old, my teeth have started letting me down. I switched dentists recently (my dentist retired), and out of the blue she told me that I needed "some" extractions - by an oral surgeon, of course - and a couple other teeth that need work, one will require a root canal.
So I go to the recommended oral surgeon and he tells me that I need FOUR teeth extracted, which was kind of a shock, but when I queried him he seemed to be definitive that they had to come out. I am currently four days out from that procedure, and based on exploration with my tongue and bathroom mirror, I have at least three conspicuous holes in my mouth where teeth ought to be. They are not close to one another, so I don't know whether "false teeth" would be feasible, or I would have to spring for three separate implants.
There is also the question of whether my jawbone is sufficient to support implants. I'm waiting for feedback from the oral surgeon or my old doctor on that point.
But it is a very frustrating effort indeed to get an estimate of the cost for a dental implant. I see endless advertisements for dental offices that guarantee best prices, and thousands of dollars of savings, but they will not even put a range of costs out there. "Set up an appointment for a consultation."
No. I want to have some idea in advance. Anyone reading this been through a similar process?
I got 3 implants on back teeth several years ago, but it wasn't that terribly expensive about $12,000 and it works out fine.
Later, more implants on bottom front teeth were proposed, but I went with a cheaper "maryland bridge" with works out fine.
Every dental problem has more than one solution that can be satisfactory. Removable dentures, bridges, gumming it are all ideas that work out for some patients. It all about what you want to spend and how much time you want to sit in a dental chair.