Implants or partials, or both?

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James E. - 22 Jan 2005 21:37 GMT

I am 75 years old, have run out of teeth. I am trying to restore reasonable
chewing capability.

Implants (expensive) seem to involve sinus lifts (expensive). Also, partials
are hard to anchor on top.

The lowest estimate was for $ 10,000 for 3 upper implants plus an upper
snap-in partial plus one lower implant.

The highest estimate was for $ 30,000 and covered 8 upper implants and
crowns, 2 lower implants and crowns, 2 sinus lifts, one lower bone graft.

One of my concerns is that there is so much more that can go wrong with 10
implants than with 4 implants.

This seems to be a bit of a challenge for most dentists.

Any other ideas, anyone?

The images are on one of my old websites: http://home.san.rr.com/iconoclast

James
-

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perduetodo - 22 Jan 2005 22:35 GMT

Hi, I would go with the least implants needed if that is what you feel you
need. You can always get more implant's at another time. I would also check
around more for a better price and be sure you find out about the dentist's
work. IM sure you want quality and lasting work. Best of Luck, Michael

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Joel M. Eichen - 22 Jan 2005 22:38 GMT

>I am 75 years old, have run out of teeth. I am trying to restore reasonable
>chewing capability.
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>The lowest estimate was for $ 10,000 for 3 upper implants plus an upper
>snap-in partial plus one lower implant.

Why not save the uppers and add in a nice Valplast partial upper
denture? They kind of spring over the teeth and may be the solution.

Joel

>The highest estimate was for $ 30,000 and covered 8 upper implants and
>crowns, 2 lower implants and crowns, 2 sinus lifts, one lower bone graft.

Bleeeeccchhh, unless you are filthy rich.

>One of my concerns is that there is so much more that can go wrong with 10
>implants than with 4 implants.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>James
>-

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Roy Brown - 23 Jan 2005 01:31 GMT

James,

You asked for other ideas.

The 2 upper canines or eye teeth have been root canaled. One of them is already
broken off near the gumline. These could be used for what might be called
"natural implants" to anchor a partial denture using attachments. The advantages
are, the eye teeth have good roots for anchoring, they will provide feedback on
biting pressure. The cost is lower while still maintaining good esthetics. Here
is an example:

http://www.preat.com/locr_inst.htm

Combine that with a single implant on the lower and you could be back in great
shape. Alternatively, it looks like the last 3 teeth on your left side have been
crowned amongst others. These 3 teeth could be used to make a cantilever bridge
replacing the same single tooth an implant would. I'd guestimate total fees
would be in the $5-6,000 range or more depending on where you live.

Yes there is more that can go wrong with 10 implants, but having all 10 fail
would be extremely rare. Most general dentists would not feel comfortable doing
a case with 10 implants unless they regularly do a lot of implants in their
practice. Add in the bone grafting and sinus lifts and it becomes more complex.
A specialist would have more experience in this situation. OTOH many dentists
would take on a case with my suggestions. In either case I'd be considering
altering the chewing surface of the back teeth on your lower right side. It
would optimize things for implants or dentures.

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Roy
rem NADA to reply

|I am 75 years old, have run out of teeth. I am trying to restore reasonable
| chewing capability.
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
| James
| -

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MC60614 - 23 Jan 2005 19:03 GMT

Hi, I never knew implants required sinus lifts. If they do, Would'nt they
change the look of a persons face ? I know I want my face. Michael

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Steven Bornfeld - 23 Jan 2005 19:27 GMT

> Hi, I never knew implants required sinus lifts.

Only if the implants are to be placed in the area--upper 2nd premolars
or molars.

If they do, Would'nt they

> change the look of a persons face ?

No. They're only lifting the floor of the sinus. If they lifted the
roof of the sinus there could be problems though.

Steve

I know I want my face. Michael

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