[jassi]

Originally Posted by jassi

PS - by the way all my molars (including the aching one) are still impacted and under the gums. I am 29 years now!

edit - i meant all 4 of my 3rd molars or wisdom teeth

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Cost... root canal + post + temp crown + crown: Rs.7,100. I'd been expecting less, but haven't had any crowns for a few years, and I guess life has got more expensive.

Costs are relative. Depends on the dentist, his experience, quality of crown, etc. I think you have got a great deal.

@ PatienceWins
Implants are another option that you must pursue as well.

@jassi
SS-Traveller said it perfectly. Just get your wisdom teeth removed sooner or later.

[PatienceWins]

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

Does she have a few teeth left, or are all her teeth taken out? Any denture that is made well will do the job. Don't skimp on the material quality, go for something good that your dentist might recommend to you - cheaper acrylic materials crack more easily, and can sometimes cause an allergic reaction in the mouth. A specialist who can make good dentures is called a prosthodontist - you might want to look for one in your local area.

Thanks. She has two teeth left which will be taken out next week. The dentist says there are local ones costing 6k, a decent imported one costing 12k and a flexible (as told by her, i do not know what it means) imported one costing 20k. It is my mothers regular clinic close to our place. I am thinking about going for the 20k one as I want to go for the best one without any issues later. But before that I wanted to do my research online and check with another dentist in Manipal hospital.

Thanks Tejas. I will consider implants aswell. Can you please mention the pros and cons of implants and artificial teeth?

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Originally Posted by PatienceWins

Thanks Tejas. I will consider implants aswell. Can you please mention the pros and cons of implants and artificial teeth?

There is way too much info about implants. I'll write in detail about options, pros and cons later...

[jassi]

Originally Posted by Tejas@perioimpl

@jassi
SS-Traveller said it perfectly. Just get your wisdom teeth removed sooner or later.

thanks for the confirmation tejas - i am following SS' advice on 3 times a day novaclox for 5 days!
on the aspect of getting wisdom teeth removed - i was reading somewhere that beyond age of 25, removal is difficult and there are strong chances of nerve damage in the face is this true? can't i leave my wisdom teeth there if they are impacted and not coming out OR is there a chance they will come out perfectly fine.
Also read that wisdom teeth can be preserved for successful replacement implants if 2nd molars go bad

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Originally Posted by jassi

on the aspect of getting wisdom teeth removed - i was reading somewhere that beyond age of 25, removal is difficult and there are strong chances of nerve damage in the face is this true?

Rubbish. Don't believe everything you read. If you are apprehensive, go to a good oral surgeon for an opinion regarding the removal of your teeth.

can't i leave my wisdom teeth there if they are impacted and not coming out OR is there a chance they will come out perfectly fine.

No, they will not magically sprout out fine. Remove them.

Also read that wisdom teeth can be preserved for successful replacement implants if 2nd molars go bad

Experimental only.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Thanks Tejas...

Although my dentist is also a specialist prosthodontist, I am not at all happy with this crown, as it does not feel right to bite. In fact, I have already bitten hard against it and fear I may have damaged the root. Anyway, I go back to him on Wednesday to check.

Just for information, if I do have to loose this tooth, what is the going rate for an implant here?

This is an upper canine. The three "teeth" next to it, my top front teeth, are already a bridge supported on two implants. That cost me about £2,500 in UK in 2004 (about 1.9 lakh).

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Just for information, if I do have to loose this tooth, what is the going rate for an implant here?

Again variable. Depends on the experience / seniority of the dentist, brand of implant used and other dental factors involved.

In a straight, no nonsense implant case (single tooth replacement - including crown) a dentist can charge anywhere from 16k to 45k.

EDIT: regarding your bite, there seems to be a high point. ask the dentist to adjust your occlusion.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Many thanks for that. Yes, the crown requires some grinding, and if the root is still whole it will probably be alright after that, but there is some movement of the tooth, and that is waht is worrying me. Anyway, no point in worrying; finding out is best!

Even 45K is not as bad as I feared (maybe 1 lakh!). I am fast joining the ranks of those who just don't have the money for inessential treatment.

Hey, I shouldn't talk like that when I just spent lakhs on a holiday! <Blush>

[Eddy]

Hi Tejas,

Thanks for this wonderful initiative.

I had my first molar (lower right side, just to be sure of my technicalities) removed 2 yrs ago. This was because a root canal done about 10 yrs ago went bad.

Now, what is the best option for replacement ?

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Originally Posted by Eddy

I had my first molar (lower right side, just to be sure of my technicalities) removed 2 yrs ago. This was because a root canal done about 10 yrs ago went bad.

Now, what is the best option for replacement ?

In order of preference:
1. Implant
2. Bridge
3. Denture

For implants, there are variable factors like remaining bone height and width, medical conditions that you may have like diabetes, etc. that need to be considered before implant placement

For bridge, disadvantage is that adjacent natural teeth may need to be cut and sometimes may also need root canals

Denture is just uncomfortable.

[Eddy]

My worries against the bridge is exactly that it would mean alteration with the healthy neighbors. Dentures are completely out. Except for a tiny paunch, I am a healthy 28 yr old with no diabetes, BP etc. Two years ago, the dentist has recommended implant (hence assuming that remaining bone was ok) but can't remember the material she recommended. Cost was around 35k.

So, what should be the implant made of ?
How much would it cost ?
How long would it last ?

Thanks a tonne !!!

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Originally Posted by Eddy

So, what should be the implant made of ?
How much would it cost ?
How long would it last ?

Implants are usually made of titanium. Recently zirconium implants have been introduced in the market. The zirconium ones are for the anterior (front) teeth only, and long term studies are still unavailable.

Cost quoted to you seems fine.

Ideally, if all done correctly it should last you a lifetime. However, this again depends on you following correct follow up visits and all instructions given to you, etc. Of course there will be a compromise in case of accidents / trauma / uncontrolled diabetes / gum disease / poor oral hygiene / etc.

[Eddy]

Sounds good. Final query (in addition to the PM )

How long/many sittings will be the entire procedure ? And follow up visits ?

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Originally Posted by Eddy

How long/many sittings will be the entire procedure ? And follow up visits ?

BEWARE OF ADS WHICH SAY TEETH IN AN HOUR.

Appointment 1. Treatment planning: x-rays, models made. NO NEED FOR CT SCAN. ONLY AMATEURS WILL ASK FOR ONE.

Appointment 2. Implant placement. Will take only 30 odd minutes generally. Stitches will be given. Soft and cold diet for 36 hours. No brushing on operated area till sutures removed. Mouthwash will be given in addition to antibiotics and pain-killers for a week

Appointment 3. After one week. Stitches removed. x rays taken.

Since you have been without the tooth for quite a while, no need for a temporary crown.

Appointment 4. After 3months. xrays taken. Implant exposed and a special part called gingival (gum) former attached to implant and stitches re-given.

Appointment 5. next week, sutures removed.

Appointment 6. another week, impressions taken for crown.

Appointment 7. another week. Crown delivered.

Regular recalls every 3-4months initially. If your hygiene is good, then after a year, recalls every 6 months.

Hope this helps.