Looking for maybe 8 implants on the bottom jaw. My dentist of 30 years retired a couple years ago. I'm not
calling anyone who advertises on TV. I'll pay top dollar for top work, but how do I know who's good?

Do you need any extractions first? If so, can you still contact your previous Dentist and ask them to recommend an Oral Surgeon? I would stay away from the "chain" implant outfit's that are like an assembly line... Dentists that work in those kinds of places are typically not the top in the field.

quote:

Originally posted by Dzozer:
Do you need any extractions first? If so, can you still contact your previous Dentist and ask them to recommend an Oral Surgeon? I would stay away from the "chain" implant outfit's that are like an assembly line... Dentists that work in those kinds of places are typically not the top in the field.

Yes, the last four extractions. My dentist turned over her practice to a young couple that my children have given me
mixed reviews. And my old Oral Surgeon retired. Would calling the ADA do any good?

I’m going through this right now, thankfully not 8, but 2. I don’t have the problem of a retired general dentist, mine removed the two teeth necessary. This after I paid $2000 to an endodontist to perform an unsuccessful root canal on one of the two. In the interim, a second infected root emerged, this under a tooth that already had a root canal. My teeth have always been my Achilles Heel.

In about a week I will see an oral surgeon about implanting the posts. Then yet another long (3 months) recovery period. I will return to my general dentist sometime this Fall and he’ll order and install the new teeth.

This is a long process, I would suggest that first you need to find a new general dentist. I would do that by networking. Talk to friends, people from work, etc. Then, with a new dentist, talk to him/her about a referral for the oral surgeon. Hope it works out for you.

I did an all on 4 for my lower teeth. They're solid as hell and feel like real teeth after three years. That might be cheaper that 8 individual implants. My dental insurance paid for all extractions but nothing on the implant. The big question is will you need bone grafts. That could get pricey. I didn't need any bone work.

quote:

Looking for maybe 8 implants on the bottom jaw.

^^^^^^^
I used a oral surgeon suggested by two of my dentist friends. The oral surgeon extracted the teeth and then placed a temporary denture in my mouth. I had to return to my regular dentist for adjustments after the permanent denture arrived. It has been well worth it. I would never do eight individual implants. THis is a immediate solution to the problem. The denture is held in by titaniuim screws drilled into the bone. I have no dental insurance and it cost me 26 grand. I have not regretted it one bit.

I would agree. Check out an “All Four” option. I just had a couple of implants done within the last 2 years. Individual tooth. About $4,000 per tooth with extraction, graft, screw and tooth. But these babies feel and perform like natural teeth. But you got to keep them clean. Waterpik and brush daily, otherwise can cause bad breath.

quote:

Originally posted by Bytes:
The big question is will you need bone grafts. That could get pricey. I didn't need any bone work.

Well.. I don't know. That's my main concern.
How do I find a competent, experienced person?
I'll pay cash out of pocket for good work.

Maybe search for recs on your local Nextdoor?

(I've had 5 done myself.)

quote:

Originally posted by Schmelby:

quote:

Originally posted by Bytes:
The big question is will you need bone grafts. That could get pricey. I didn't need any bone work.

Well.. I don't know. That's my main concern.
How do I find a competent, experienced person?
I'll pay cash out of pocket for good work.

Where to find a good implant practice is a hard problem. It has been recommended above to try and talk to your retired oral surgeon. Is that possible? I went to four implant firms and got a feel for what they had to say. I also did a boatload of research on YouTube. It was a crap shot for me but I ended up very happy. Good luck Schmelby!

The ADA might help, but its like google reviews, as you know you have to take those recommendations with a grain of salt. Word of mouth among friends/family is best - can you ask around? Find someone who has actual experience in getting implants and see who they used, how it went for them, cost, etc... I've had 4 implants done, it matters who does it and you're already on the right path in seeking someone that's good at it.

I know this guy is not in your area, but this guy has a lot of implant information. Maybe could be of some help? He seems to boast of some sort of implant organization?
https://burbankdentalimplants.com/

Do you have a current dentist who can recommend an oral surgeon? I found mine this way. The surgeon had to perform a bone graft on my latest pair of implants last year (I also had one done to my first implant 10 years ago), since there was not enough bone structure to support two posts. Took months for the bone to grow a bit then the implants/posts, then months later to my dentist for my crowns, close to a year from start to end. And it was quite expensive, but our insurance covered a good deal of it. But I can imagine out of pocket costing thousands per tooth.

I was feeling sorry for myself until I read this thread and realized that I am not alone !

Two years ago I had to get a root canal in my left back molar. After the crown was installed I always felt a little mild pain in one small area whenI would brush or chew . Two weeks ago I had a checkup and the dentist found I had a 10 mm pocket in the side of the crown and root. He said I needed to take the tooth out . I already had a relationship with my periodontist/oral surgeon/bone grafter. He partner is a master at implants. I had the tooth taken out two days ago and the graft. Other than double kidney stones and a prostate procedure, I have hurt worse than anything else in my life. It’s still killing me. I have huge deep roots. It took a lot of high speed cutting and grabbing and pulling for about one hour to get that tooth out.
I didn’t have a choice because a bad tooth causes bone loss and affects the other teeth. I will have an implant to prevent the top tooth from extending down. 5000 total for everything . 2100 for extraction and graft. The rest will be implant and crown . Months and months to grow new bone in the socket.
Word of mouth is the best way. I asked my general dentist who headband his father to for an extraction and graft. He was honest and gave me two names, one is the person I chose. Ask your dentist. I also go in the local community Facebook page and ask for recommends. Folks are eager to share their experiences ala this post of mine.

I don’t have any implant experience, but have a suggestion. Your trusted GP can likely recommend a good dentist and endodontist.

quote:

Originally posted by Lineman101:
I would agree. Check out an “All Four” option. I just had a couple of implants done within the last 2 years. Individual tooth. About $4,000 per tooth with extraction, graft, screw and tooth. But these babies feel and perform like natural teeth. But you got to keep them clean. Waterpik and brush daily, otherwise can cause bad breath.

Ok. I looked at what "all four" means.
I had two lowers on each side that lower snapped onto. Three have broken off. I'm tired.
I can handle upper dentures, old dentist said if I gain or lose a bunch of weight they may not fit right. I've lost 60 pounds. I can handle uppers but will get new ones. but I'll spend whatever it takes for solid lowers.
I just want to find somebody good.

Nuvia did mine and I was/am happy. They are nation wide so you might not have the same luck. Looks like they have a location in Dublin, OH. Be aware that each location depends on the lab they use and the staff. I can't vouch for Ohio, I can vouch for Utah... really good but a bit pricey. On a side note my wife found both a dr and a dentist using an app called Next Door (Mason Ohio). Just locals talking about contractors, plumbers, drs, lost pets, etc. You might give that a shot and see if you can get any recommendations. I wish you the best my friend.

Nuvia Locations

quote:

I had two lowers on each side that lower snapped onto. Three have broken off. I'm tired.

The all on four are NOT snap ons.They are held in place by very expensive titanium screws. The permanent denture is removed every four years and cleaned. My oral surgeon worked with the dentist to get the fit just right. That takes a while,but it is worth it. They do an intial CAT scan to see where to place the screws.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bentonville:
I was feeling sorry for myself until I read this thread and realized that I am not alone ! /QUOTE]
Good Lord you are not alone. I've had at least a dozen root canals and crowns. 28 extractions, 4 to go.
Only went to sleep for the four wisdoms. Doc would look at me and say You sure you don't want to go to sleep?
I give him the thumbs up and he'd pound and yank away! Good times. I didn't want to go to sleep. I'm a glutton for
punishment.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
Maybe search for recs on your local Nextdoor?

(I've had 5 done myself.)

I have no idea what that means.
But I've wanted to buy your Accu-Strut.
If I email you the serial number on my ranch rifle, will you tell me the exact part number I need?