I need lots of dental work done and I'm either going to need bridgework or implants. Which is better? I can't wait to be able to smile and not feel self conscious. I have 4 missing teeth and it is really affecting my self esteem. I don't have insurance, but I do have a dental "plan." Unfortunately, the "plan" is only a slightly reduced fee. I know implants and bridges are VERY expensive. I am on disability, so I can't get dental insurance. How do you all pay for this without insurance? I'm so stressed about it. I desperately ne:dizzy: ed the work done, but I have no money to pay for it. I'm sure implants and/or bridge work must cost in the thousands of dollars. Am I right?

Thanks!

Yes it can be very expensive. I am assuming you are referring to your front teeth since its affecting your smile? I lost my upper and lower front teeth (4 upper and 6 lower) when I was 32 - the thought of partials at that age freaked me out. So I spent $16K (this was almost 15 years ago) on 6 implants, 4 crowns and 2 front bridges). When they do implants, since they need time to intergrate with the bone, usually about 6 months, they need to attach a temp bridge to other teeth so they use the teeth at either end of where the bridge goes as anchors, crown them and attach the temp bridge to those crowns until the implants are ready. Newer technology now allows for implants to be used immediately so they may not do this anymore. Anyway, after 7 years, one bridge chipped where it was very noticeable and had to be replaced. It couldn't be fitted with the lower bridge for some reason so that got replaced (another $20K) and then a few years later I started to get pain in them, developed tmj, the implants got infected, had surgery several times for the infections, and finally had them removed a few months ago ($8K). They were great while they lasted. A lot has to do with the dentist and fitting the prosthetic (bridge), as well as your oral hygeine - they require meticulous care and cleaning. Most dentists will offer a 12 month payment paln when they think you can afford all of this. If not, Capital One offers 12 months 0% financing for dental care. I'm sure other credit cards do the same. If you go to a dental school or clinc they charge less than a private practice. It took me a year from the time the implants were done to the point of getting the permanent bridges completed. I went to the dentist once every 2 weeks during that time - when they do the fittings for the bridges the appts were 2-3 hrs long - so be prepared to make an investment in time as well. I believe partials can look just as nice and if fitted properly work well too. If the span or gap of missing teeth is not too wide they sometimes can just anchor a bridge to the teeth on either side which then makes it more permanent and stable. I may not be the norm since I have heard of many who do not have all the problems I had with implants - it could be the technology was too young when I did it - implants were only being used for around 10 years back then. Hope some of this info helps with your decision.

Thelma-Louise,
I was so sorry to read that you had to have the implants taken out. I just had 4 put in on Friday. I lost my teeth to peridontal disease and I am afraid it will take the implants too. I have been going to the peridontist for over 20 years. I have my teeth professionally cleaned every 3 months and I brush and floss constantly. The dentist that set my implants said that bacteria will not stick to titanium. How did they become infected?

Very curious,
Debbie

Implants have two separate fees (not including exams and x-rays). The first is for the surgery to place the implant. Where I live, that ranges from about $1000 (at the Periodontist) to $1350 (at the Oral Surgeon). The second implant fee is to put a crown on the implant. Where I live, it is between $1300 and $1650 for the implant crown.

As for bridges, they are usually charged per unit. Meaning if you are missing one tooth, than the bridge is going to be 3 teeth, the missing tooth plus one tooth on either side. Where I am, the cost is $700-900 per unit for most dentists. That means, for a 3-unit bridge, it would be $2100-2700 for the bridge. These are just estimates, they could be more expensive where you live (or cheaper!).

This isn't directed at anyone just a statement. Implants can fail just as natural teeth do if they are not kept very clean. Even if bacteria isn't suppose to titanium I am not taking chances. Also bridges can fail on surrounding teeth for the same reason. The bad thing about bridges is that the surrounding teeth are shaved down to receive the bridge. This isn't necessary for implants.

I have a full mouth restortion. I have 8 implants on top and 6 on the bottom with a whole piece unit that is similar to a denture but only because the teeth are in one piece and not individual teeth. Very pretty very natural looking.

My dental professional is a Prosthodontist who has a dental lab on the premesis and does everything from implants to crowns.

I am ocd about keeping my mouth clean.

I am needing about the same work done that you had done with the 8 on top and 6 implants on bottom.

I don't mean to be nosey, but can you give me a ballpark figure on the cost.

Thank you
Faith

I'm now living in Europe and the prices here are much lover. If u want can give some examples and places u might want to visit.

With the new technology a lot can be done during the weekend even implants and bridges.

An implant will cost you around $500-600.

It's worth checking especially if you need a lot done

Faith,

In the United States figure on paying something like $3,000 for an implant post and crown...the completely installed new tooth.

Some dental schools are charging MUCH less. I have my fingers crossed because my student/dentist said they have a program that is a completely implanted tooth for $500-700. I don't yet know what the ins and outs are for the "program?"

The difference between the two numbers is STARTLING.

BTW, the lady down the hall got 5 implants over the last 4 years and said her average cost was $5,000 PER TOOTH with a good New York City dentist. Dear God in Heaven!:eek: :eek: