Terrified of implants

[Barbara]

Growing up I was not taken to the dentist and so I have had dentures since I was 20 years old. I am now 68. I have not had a lot of problems until I went in for new uppers and lowers 6 months to a year ago. I have always had a liner on the lowers and so I asked the dentist for that this last time. They have not worked very well. I felt like I came in so many times for adjustments that the dentist gave up on me and they have not worked very well. Also when I got home and took them out they had little white bumpy spots on them.

I am afraid that if I go in for a new reline that he will suggest the implants and I don't think I could do them. I am afraid of injections, that I've had too much bone loss and the length of time it would take for healing.

I quit smoking January 20th of this year and I am so tempted right now to light up and I thought maybe this internet site might help so I thank you for being here for people like me.


Barbara

 

[April]

Barbara

Glad you found us, we are all like minded dental phob's who empathise with your situation and will support you all we can.

I have recently finished my 6 implants so should you choose or are able to go down that route I will fill you in (or you can read my rather long thread on here) - they really aren't as bad as you think

 

[Audio.Amour]

Hello!!

Glad you found this place, it's a great place to get advice and support. Theres always someone here to help you out if you feel anxious!!!

If you feel your current dentist has given up on you, maybe it's time to find a new dentist???

Sometimes a fresh face is just what you need for these types of problems.

Dont let anyone pressure you into anything, you should look up some information about impants and think about it yourself.

Look at all of your options and then decide.

I hope this problem gets sorted out for you, and you are left with a comfortable smile! Good Luck!

And dont start smoking again!!!!!!! I know full well that these types of situations can bring those cravings back but cigarettes arent worth it!!! Stay strong!!!

 

[Barbara]

Audio,

Thank you for answering me. I have gone to the dentist yet. Been sleeping the days as late as I can. I keep putting off making an appointment.

If I can I will want to get my liner redone, I'm just afraid he won't want to do it. In other words I am worrying about something that has not even happened yet. I know I do that and still haven't been able to stop.

I do have a question about getting the inserts. Do you have to wait two or three months before they put the teeth in and even longer to use them.

I would think that you would have too much pain to use them right away.

I also worry that I would have all those xrays done and then find out that I don't have enough bone to work with.

I don't believe my insurance will pay for inserts and I don't know if Medicare does or not but I doubt it.

I could kick myself for being such a wimp. Do other people feel that way too. Thanks again
Barbara.

 

[RP]

Hi Barbara,

I'm having just a few teeth replaced by implants but ronny55 is going through the upper denture supported ones. You might want to shoot her a message. She has a very kind heart and would be happy to help.

RP

 

[ronny55]

Hi Barbara,

As RP writes, i have just nearly completed my implant journey, and if there is anything i can help you with, then of course i will.

In answer to your first query,

when i had the 4 implants first put in, i swelled like mad, thats just me tho! you might not be the same, so i did have to wait a couple of days before i could wear my denture again, but after the swelling went away i could wear my denture normally. Because you already have a denture, they will reline it to accommodate any changes.

You do have to wait a little while, in my case 4 months for the implants and bone to grow together, can't spell the proper word, begins with O. But again, you will be wearing your denture, so no problem there. And the best thing is NO-BODY can tell because you look the same as you always do.

To answer your second worry
I have had honestly, hand on heart no pain at all! if you skim thru my journal, the only discomfort i had was with the stitches, once they had gone -no problems at all.

3rdly
unfortunatley you will have to have an xray, but usually it is a panoral, which is a doddle, the machine goes around your head. Its nothing, i promise. They do need to know about the bone situation tho. Even if you pay for the xrays, and you can't have the implants, then at least you will know that you have gone as far as you can.
Also i commend you for giving up smoking like the others here, i just can't, yet.
Hope i have helped a little

speak soon
Ronny

 

[April]

Hi Barbara

The thought of implants terrified me but as usual they weren't as bad as my imagination led me to believe.

I must admit I don't know what the supported denture implants are, mine are individual teeth, whats the difference Ronny?

I had 13 teeth out including 4 wisdom teeth and 6 implants, the implants are evenly spread, two on the bottom right and left and one on the top right and left. I had very little swelling and no pain, my whole face ached a bit but definately no pain. 3 days after having the extractions and the posts put in I had my temporary 'tops' screwed on. I lived off a soft food diet - things like mashed potato, custard, stewed fruit etc - for almost 4 months to give the implants time to bond but it really wasn't a problem.
I have now had the permanent teeth fitted and they are brilliant, feel just like your own plus no-one can tell the difference. On the downside, as my waistline confirms, I can now eat absolutely anything

As ronny says the xrays are easy, you bite on a small piece of plastic and the machine moves around your head - so much nicer!

 

[ronny55]

Hi Barbara

just want to say i am having an overdenture fitted to my implants. This means i have 4 implants put into my upper gums, spaced in 2 and 4 and then basically i have a super neat and thin denture made, but it has the palate cut out of it, which means you regain the roof of your mouth. Therefore not having that feeling of a thickness of a denture.

It is an arch of teeth all joined together instead of singular teeth, and i can take it out myself for cleaning and then 'snap' it back on.

I haven't finished my teatment yet, still having the fittings and final design, but will let you know how it concludes. YIKES!!!!!!

Ronny

April, is your story in journals? i can't find you!