Hi
After two lower dentures I couldn't tolerate I've finally got a date to have dental implants. I know there is a slight risk after RT but willing to take the chance. My biggest fear is that my speech will be affected after reaching a point where my speech is almost normal. I feel I need the implants to improve my confidence and hopefully improve my eating. Just wondering if there is anyone who's had this done and how sucessful it was? Starting to scare myself with the last minute "what if..." stuff!
Sheila

Congratulations! I think implants are a wonderful idea and you're lucky that the condition of your mouth and jaw allows you to be eligible for them. I don't have implants but know many people who have them, ranging from young people who lost adult teeth while playing sports, in accidents or goofing around to older people too vain to accept dentures.

The procedure is lengthy and begins with preparing your jaw for the implants. The dentist drills a hole into your jaw and inserts the implant screw while you're under anesthesia. He caps (crowns) this off and several months later replaces the temporary caps or crowns with permanent ones. The temporary crowns allow the gum to grow and heal and all sorts of stuff I don't remember/understand. I think the time period generally runs around six months between inserting the implant screw and placing the permanent crown, but am sure it fluctuates according to the patient. I believe that the only pain involved is for a short period during the healing process after the screws are placed.

I have no idea whether your speech will be affected because you're having this procedure done for different reasons than those of the people I know, but their speech wasn't affected in any way and I can't offhand think of a reason why your's should be further affected.

Here's a Wikipedia article about implants that you might find informative. Wiki isn't always 100% accurate (anyone can post and anyone can edit and it may take a while before errors are corrected) but it gives good general information.

Dental Implants

Let's us know of your progress! I understand that the procedure is very successful.

Mimi

Sheila, Good Luck to you on the implants!!!! I hope the procedure is a big success! Please keep everyone informed on your progress.

Best Wishes, Cricket

Hello Shirl

I have treated several patients with dental implants. They make a difference and improve retention and function of the denture. Speech should be fine. A removable prosthesis allows for easier access for oral hygiene and also repairs.

Discomfort from surgery has not been a problem for the patients. So go for it.

Best wishes
Vinod

Hi Sheila ,our daughter had to have a lower back tooth implant due to a recurring abscess .Our dentist tried everything to save it root treatment and a crown but to no avail she kept having tootheache and infection and her face was like a wee hampster .

Becuse she is young and the space would be seen she had the implant .Was very easy.She had a mould done first so that new implant tooth was perfect shape and fit ,then i think it was 6 weeks after the extraction she went in and had some pig bone implanted into gum so that new implant would adhere she then had to wait a few weeks for this to settle in as the screw fixing goes into this before new implant is inserted, .She said it was a walk in the park and totally pain free .The only niggle is the small wait inbetween each phase before you are finally fitted with your new tooth.

This was how it was done here but i would assume it would be the same technique most places .

Hope this helps .

Bell