(Not really cycling Health/Fitness so mods, do feel free to move)
I had a root canal filling on my molar the other day and it failed in that the NHS dentist (the practice's "specialist" for root canal work) could only find one of the 3 canals. Unrelated but I lost a molar last year and find eating with the missing tooth difficult so really don't want to lose the infected one.
NHS dentist says the "way forward" is a private specialist referral which would cost £800 upwards (depending on how long the specialist needed) and that it might not be successful as even they might not be able to find the other 2 canals. No guarantee so might be £800+ and be no better off. Or I could go direct for an implant (private again) which from a brief internet search would start at around £2500 - but would have the advantage that it would work.
Of course I could have the tooth out and live with it (which I'm not keen on given the problems eating I'm having with the already missing tooth).
Of course there is no right answer, but I wondered if anybody had experience of similar decisions and how they decided (what factors they thought important).
Note: The NHS dentist is not seeking work as their practice only does NHS work and cannot undertake the other possibilities (other than removing the tooth).
Note: I do have the money (otherwise it would not even be a possibility) but would rather not spend it.
Note: Apparently the specialist I would be referred to has "higher magnification" (microscopes) so they would stand a better chance than my NHS dentist at finding the other canals. I've checked and they are a specialist root canal centre (it's all they do).
Many thanks for any thoughts to something to which there is no answer.
Ian
Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
Re: Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
The only suggestion I can make is Easyjet to Budapest for an implant at a fraction of the cost. You could take your bike and do a bit of touring too.
Al
Al
Reuse, recycle, thus do your bit to save the planet.... Get stuff at auctions, Dump, Charity Shops, Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, Car Boots. Choose an Old House, and a Banger ..... And cycle as often as you can......
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thirdcrank
- Posts: 36781
- Joined: 9 Jan 2007, 2:44pm
Re: Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
I have three dental implants.
Six or seven years ago, I broke a crown on one of my Ken Dodd position teeth. I tried a plate and I couldn't cope with having it in my mouth. I got into the habit of not bothering with it and ignoring the gap. Within a fairly short time, the other had broken so I had an even bigger gap and faced the decision whether to shell out for another plate with two teeth (perhaps there was the possibility of an upgrade, I can't remember.) Cue for a song "All I want for Kwithmath ith my two fwont teeth..." Anyway, I took the plunge and had two implants. Not cheap, but IMO well-worth it because it made me look normal again (OK, OK, as normal as I will ever look.
) That was pretty straightforward because the roots were left in till they were extracted to be replaced immediately by the implants.
Joking aside, it came down an appearance/ dignity thing for me. I didn't think I was bothered, but I was. Partly an age thing: it's bad enough being stereotyped as an ancient idiot, without gibbering to confirm the opinions.
It's not always straightforward, depending on the state of the gums and jaw and the position of the implant in it. If the gums and jaw are in a bad way - smoking being a common cause of bone loss - then bone-grafting is needed. Also, the position of an implant eg near a sinus can also require a bone graft. (This is from explanations by the person who did my implants.)
I get the impression that it's one of those areas of treatment where there are plenty of people on the bandwagon and it's not easy to separate the competent people from the charlatans. I had a leaflet shoved through the door from somebody offering to do a complete gobful of implants in one day. From my own limited experience, I cannot see how that would be feasible. I'd have thought that anybody needing the lot replacing would have rotten gums and bone loss in the jaws.
The person who did my implants was recommended by my own NHS dentist when I asked about the alternatives to a denture. If you are seriously considering implants, I'd say ensure your NHS dentist is confident about the competence of the person they are referring you to and then go to that person for an opinion and a treatment plan which will include a quote. That initial visit cost me something like £100 and worth every penny. After several years of total satisfaction with my new gnashers, I had another back tooth out which left me in danger of nothing to chew on at the back. I went back - initial consultation free for existing patients - and that's when I discovered all the stuff about sinuses and bone grafts. BTW, my own mouth is OK in that I've never been a smoker. He explained all the options, including doing nothing, right up to three new teeth which would have meant two implants. His recommendation, without any pressure not to take the "do nothing" option, was that one new tooth would be OK. I had that done, with the work being completed at the beginning of April and I'm really pleased.
In short:-
See somebody you can trust;
Get their advice and make your decision based on it;
Make sure you are sitting down when you get the quote.
Al posted while I was labouring away on mine. There must be all sorts of places where it could be done cheaper to a similar standard. In my admittedly limited experience, it's not something that could normally be done in a single visit, even for a single tooth. eg Even if you have the implant fitted immediately after the old tooth comes out, making the new tooth (crown?) to fit on the titanium post isn't a five minute job.
Six or seven years ago, I broke a crown on one of my Ken Dodd position teeth. I tried a plate and I couldn't cope with having it in my mouth. I got into the habit of not bothering with it and ignoring the gap. Within a fairly short time, the other had broken so I had an even bigger gap and faced the decision whether to shell out for another plate with two teeth (perhaps there was the possibility of an upgrade, I can't remember.) Cue for a song "All I want for Kwithmath ith my two fwont teeth..." Anyway, I took the plunge and had two implants. Not cheap, but IMO well-worth it because it made me look normal again (OK, OK, as normal as I will ever look.
) That was pretty straightforward because the roots were left in till they were extracted to be replaced immediately by the implants.Joking aside, it came down an appearance/ dignity thing for me. I didn't think I was bothered, but I was. Partly an age thing: it's bad enough being stereotyped as an ancient idiot, without gibbering to confirm the opinions.
It's not always straightforward, depending on the state of the gums and jaw and the position of the implant in it. If the gums and jaw are in a bad way - smoking being a common cause of bone loss - then bone-grafting is needed. Also, the position of an implant eg near a sinus can also require a bone graft. (This is from explanations by the person who did my implants.)
I get the impression that it's one of those areas of treatment where there are plenty of people on the bandwagon and it's not easy to separate the competent people from the charlatans. I had a leaflet shoved through the door from somebody offering to do a complete gobful of implants in one day. From my own limited experience, I cannot see how that would be feasible. I'd have thought that anybody needing the lot replacing would have rotten gums and bone loss in the jaws.
The person who did my implants was recommended by my own NHS dentist when I asked about the alternatives to a denture. If you are seriously considering implants, I'd say ensure your NHS dentist is confident about the competence of the person they are referring you to and then go to that person for an opinion and a treatment plan which will include a quote. That initial visit cost me something like £100 and worth every penny. After several years of total satisfaction with my new gnashers, I had another back tooth out which left me in danger of nothing to chew on at the back. I went back - initial consultation free for existing patients - and that's when I discovered all the stuff about sinuses and bone grafts. BTW, my own mouth is OK in that I've never been a smoker. He explained all the options, including doing nothing, right up to three new teeth which would have meant two implants. His recommendation, without any pressure not to take the "do nothing" option, was that one new tooth would be OK. I had that done, with the work being completed at the beginning of April and I'm really pleased.
In short:-
See somebody you can trust;
Get their advice and make your decision based on it;
Make sure you are sitting down when you get the quote.
Al posted while I was labouring away on mine. There must be all sorts of places where it could be done cheaper to a similar standard. In my admittedly limited experience, it's not something that could normally be done in a single visit, even for a single tooth. eg Even if you have the implant fitted immediately after the old tooth comes out, making the new tooth (crown?) to fit on the titanium post isn't a five minute job.
Re: Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
Wow! What a difficult decision. Posted on here sometime earlier my problem with some dental decisions and the work I had. You need to do your homework and think carefully. Your predicament could be my own in the near future. Keep us informed of what you went for,and the outcome.
This is a bit of a branch off(but may lead you somewhere interesting) Watching pap tv some months ago saw all the many stories on Thailand,and some individuals going for surgery. Some people going for rhinoplasty,some going for sex changes,some going for various facial beautification! Anyways,those surgeons over in Thailand ,and the nursing over there, didn't seem to be cowboy jobs: what was done was done well+++. Maybe you could think about that option. I know,it's a long way to go,and risky??? When I lived in Australia people used to take off for Singapore and SE Asia for dentistry,dentistry in Oz costing +++. I'm of the wary sort(and nervy sort!): pretty suspicious and cautious. But this can be a disadvantage these days. Other countries are advanced,and do offer better health care than our own(more so if you're paying). Look around. You sound as if you might be my age. What used to make sense is now nonsense: by reason you would think the longer you stay true and pay up to a company the cheaper your premiums would be. Not so,you will be taken for a mug. Allegiance is nothing. Wotam-i-sayin? You could get dental implants half the cost as offered in the UK elsewhere...and better done. Guess you just have to find trusted recommendations,no easy thing.
Posting query here is one small start.
This is a bit of a branch off(but may lead you somewhere interesting) Watching pap tv some months ago saw all the many stories on Thailand,and some individuals going for surgery. Some people going for rhinoplasty,some going for sex changes,some going for various facial beautification! Anyways,those surgeons over in Thailand ,and the nursing over there, didn't seem to be cowboy jobs: what was done was done well+++. Maybe you could think about that option. I know,it's a long way to go,and risky??? When I lived in Australia people used to take off for Singapore and SE Asia for dentistry,dentistry in Oz costing +++. I'm of the wary sort(and nervy sort!): pretty suspicious and cautious. But this can be a disadvantage these days. Other countries are advanced,and do offer better health care than our own(more so if you're paying). Look around. You sound as if you might be my age. What used to make sense is now nonsense: by reason you would think the longer you stay true and pay up to a company the cheaper your premiums would be. Not so,you will be taken for a mug. Allegiance is nothing. Wotam-i-sayin? You could get dental implants half the cost as offered in the UK elsewhere...and better done. Guess you just have to find trusted recommendations,no easy thing.
Posting query here is one small start.
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bikepacker
- Posts: 2275
- Joined: 5 Jan 2007, 7:08pm
- Location: Worcestershire
- Contact:
Re: Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
I lost my two front teeth to an abscess. Couldn't get on with dentures so had implants. I was recommended to a Hungarian company with practices in England. They did a great job and one of the best £2000 I have ever spent. http://www.perfectdental.eu.com/
There is your way. There is my way. But there is no "the way".
Re: Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
Hi, I took the plunge, had three implants this year by a local specialist. I considered foreign treatment, but a colleague went to Czech, came back looking like Bugs Bunny, so beware.
The process is complicated, and took from December to July. Yes, really! In total 17 visits, some very brief. Cost was quoted beforehand, accepted by me and honoured by the dentist.
I spent a significant sum of money, fortunately, I could afford it. I got superb dentistry.
The implants are fantastic. Worth every penny and worth spending the time getting done.
I hope this helps you choose, if you haven't already.
Good luck!
The process is complicated, and took from December to July. Yes, really! In total 17 visits, some very brief. Cost was quoted beforehand, accepted by me and honoured by the dentist.
I spent a significant sum of money, fortunately, I could afford it. I got superb dentistry.
The implants are fantastic. Worth every penny and worth spending the time getting done.
I hope this helps you choose, if you haven't already.
Good luck!
Re: Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
Have put several posts on here about dentistry and in looking to get implants. Since going to Budapest and meeting many people there for implants/dentistry have continued to be interested in going there for x2 implants.
A cyclist 'I know' has recently returned from Budapest having two implants(they are temporary at the moment). He seems happy at the moment and his teeth look fine(not the toombstone white jobs that dazzle you). I would like to ask the man more about his fitting/treatment/cost but (so I am told by his friends)he's reluctant to divulge costs! Fair enough.
As told I have been 'quoted' £4k for x2 implants here(UK). I have no idea what it would be in Budapest. I did see a dental clinic-desk at Budapest airport!
Most recently I was told by a lady I know well that a farmer she knew had had out all of his front upper teeth. £43K he paid for that here.
I think you can get the whole implant job done within 2 weeks should you decide to have them done in Budapest. Each person I asked(4 different unrelated persons)said the dental equipment,staff,attention was 5*.
On a slightly different note! I see Bangkok offers some celebrated and reasonable surgeons if you're wanting a sex change! Seems to be the capital of chopping bits off and increasing chest size,if this is what you need.
A cyclist 'I know' has recently returned from Budapest having two implants(they are temporary at the moment). He seems happy at the moment and his teeth look fine(not the toombstone white jobs that dazzle you). I would like to ask the man more about his fitting/treatment/cost but (so I am told by his friends)he's reluctant to divulge costs! Fair enough.
As told I have been 'quoted' £4k for x2 implants here(UK). I have no idea what it would be in Budapest. I did see a dental clinic-desk at Budapest airport!
Most recently I was told by a lady I know well that a farmer she knew had had out all of his front upper teeth. £43K he paid for that here.
I think you can get the whole implant job done within 2 weeks should you decide to have them done in Budapest. Each person I asked(4 different unrelated persons)said the dental equipment,staff,attention was 5*.
On a slightly different note! I see Bangkok offers some celebrated and reasonable surgeons if you're wanting a sex change! Seems to be the capital of chopping bits off and increasing chest size,if this is what you need.
Re: Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
implant in 2 weeks? from what was explained to me, the screw needs to knit with the bone, otherwise it may wobble and fail. Two weeks isn't long enough. So I think we are comparing apples and pears here in terms of quality.
A little like a genuine Pinarello vs a fake one. Which would you be happier riding?
A little like a genuine Pinarello vs a fake one. Which would you be happier riding?
Re: Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
Racingt wrote:implant in 2 weeks? from what was explained to me, the screw needs to knit with the bone, otherwise it may wobble and fail. Two weeks isn't long enough. So I think we are comparing apples and pears here in terms of quality.
A little like a genuine Pinarello vs a fake one. Which would you be happier riding?
From my research, when initially placed the implant is actually fairly solid. However it is not yet bonded to the bone. The implant then actually loosens over the next 3-4 weeks after which the bone starts to bond and it starts to get more solid. i.e. weakest point is around 3 or 4 weeks after placement. I'm having to wait 4 months after placement before the next stages of the process are started.
I didn't enjoy having the 1st implant fitted (6 weeks ago). 2nd implant tomorrow morning and I'm looking forward to it even less (having experienced the 1st). That said, nothing went wrong, just some nasty swelling that took a few days to go down. I was worried at the time that the swelling was infection (a big problem with implants apparently); but it wasn't, so maybe things will be easier this time as less worry and I know what to expect. And I don't like having stitches in my gums. But swelling goes down, stitches are removed. Immediately after the 1st I did wonder if having the 2nd was worthwhile - but things settle quickly and it soon becomes history. Still got ages to wait until even the 1st implant is ready for the next stages.
Ian
Re: Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
Ian, stick at it.
I started having three in Dec 2014, crowns eventually fitted in early August. Holidays caused delay, plus I needed bone graft on one jaw. It's not a great feeling having a titanium screw placed in your jaw bone, I agree. And the swelling and stitches are awkward. The impressions aren't fun either. My dentist was really good with anaesthetic, so I had little pain. And I enjoyed colour matching the crowns.
I've had the teeth almost three months now, and I'm really pleased I made the decision. They feel just completely natural.I just wish I had taken more care of my teeth in earlier life!
Phil
Sorry, I have no idea what this has to do with cycling!?!
I started having three in Dec 2014, crowns eventually fitted in early August. Holidays caused delay, plus I needed bone graft on one jaw. It's not a great feeling having a titanium screw placed in your jaw bone, I agree. And the swelling and stitches are awkward. The impressions aren't fun either. My dentist was really good with anaesthetic, so I had little pain. And I enjoyed colour matching the crowns.
I've had the teeth almost three months now, and I'm really pleased I made the decision. They feel just completely natural.I just wish I had taken more care of my teeth in earlier life!
Phil
Sorry, I have no idea what this has to do with cycling!?!
Re: Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
Racingt wrote:... The impressions aren't fun either....
blast. I'd been thinking they would be trivial. I don't mind the "impression" process (the gungy stuff they push over all your teeth) as had that done for my crowns. I appreciated they'd have to open up the gums again - but just a little to expose the centre hole in the implant (I assumed). What is the nasty aspect to the impressions ? (in my case, the implant has a plastic bung in and cut off level with the top if the implant to keep the hole in the centre of the implant clear and the gum has been put back over the implant (so will heel covering everything).
Today was very different from the 1st one. 1st one took a full hour and a half, loads of plugs, alignment tools, etc. This one was done in 35 mins, fewer alignment things going on. Part probably as the tooth only came out 6 weeks ago so the bone was very soft (not so much hammering to get the implant in). Both are lower molars.
Out of the 3 gum cut open (1st for surgical removal of tooth, then the two implants), today's was the most bleeding. But nothing needing anything special.
Ian
Re: Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
Ian, the impressions just spooked me, I just panicked about breathing with half a mouthful of cement.
There wasn't actually a problem, and it wasn't painful.
You are through the worst of the process.
And there is no turning back now.....
Phil
There wasn't actually a problem, and it wasn't painful.
You are through the worst of the process.
And there is no turning back now.....
Phil
Re: Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
Racingt wrote:They feel just completely natural.I just wish I had taken more care of my teeth in earlier life!
The problem I and many others have is not not taking enough care in earlier life. Its the [expletive] school dentists who got paid to drill teeth so they drilled children's teeth whether they needed it or not for the money.
Re: Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
TonyR wrote:Racingt wrote:They feel just completely natural.I just wish I had taken more care of my teeth in earlier life!
The problem I and many others have is not not taking enough care in earlier life. Its the [expletive] school dentists who got paid to drill teeth so they drilled children's teeth whether they needed it or not for the money.
And, as I've been finding out recently, amalgam over a long time "dries out" teeth and makes them very prone to cracking/breaking. (The "dries out" was the description used by several different dentists). All my problems (two crowns and now two implants) are through broken/cracked teeth due to amalgam "drying out".
And as you say, that in our childhood dentists were very keen to drill and fill means I (and probably many others) ended-up with a lot of teeth full of amalgam from an early age, creating those problems in later life.
I remember hating the dentist trying to force their bent spike into the top of teeth (I always thought they were creating holes). These days they mostly look and no driving spikes into teeth.
Ian
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honeyseeker
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Re: Dental Implant Cost (vs Problem Root Canal)
I fully agree with al_yrpal, and also good dental implants treatment is offered by Czech rep and Poland