Gransnet forums

Health

Dental Implants - anybody had them?

(45 Posts)
Primrose53 Wed 28-Jan-26 19:05:25

Thank you all so much for your replies. I had no idea it was such a lengthy procedure. While I was waiting in the dental surgery yesterday I watched the video about implants and it looked very straightforward. I am so busy looking after my husband and son and taking them to hospital appointments that I honestly don’t think I can spare that amount of time.

I am not rushing into anything so may have a bridge instead. Will give it careful thought. I must say the pictures on the video looked excellent.

karmalady Wed 28-Jan-26 18:37:12

I had one, also in the smile zone, it cost around 4k and done by a specialist. My old root area had shrunk so I had beef cells in to bulk the site. It was a daunting experience, scary when I saw the surgical gowns and when I was covered in a green sheet

The pain afterwards was bad but now, a year later I don`t notice the implant.

shysal Wed 28-Jan-26 11:18:57

My experience was similar to most of those above. £3,000, several visits, paying a portion each time, which softened the blow somewhat. I don't remember pain, just a little soreness. The only complaint I have is that the implant was not colour matched to the capped other front tooth but to other less visible ones. I didn't think to request this as I thought it would be the obvious plan. Nevertheless I have no regrets, not used to spending on myself but can eat without worrying and smile without feeling self conscious. I would urge you to go for it if you can.

M0nica Wed 28-Jan-26 10:03:31

I had an implant - again in the smile zone. It cost just over £2,000 10 years ago.

Primrose obviously circumstaances will vary. Implant v heating bill. Heating bill wins. Implant v holiday, implant wins. A holiday lasts a few weeks, a nice smile with no gaps showing lasts a lifetime.

Grammaretto Wed 28-Jan-26 02:00:21

I was put off by the price, mainly, and then a couple of horror stories from friends!
I decided to have a partial denture. I don't love it but I accept it as part of my acceptance of getting older.

I've now had a hysterectomy, a replacement hip, BCCs removed and 2 cataract operations. No complaints. Thank you NHS

glammagran Tue 27-Jan-26 23:13:14

GoodAfternoonTea

I had an implant about ten years ago and had nothing but trouble with it. The reason, my jaw bone was not solid enough to sustain it. It was OK for a few years but then infections set in during Covid and, after a year of antibiotics, I paid privately to have it removed by a maxillo facial surgeon. When he X rayed he said to me that the jaw bone was not dense enough and that is why mine had failed. If I were having one fitted now I would make sure that it was done by someone who really knew their stuff i.e. I should have gone to the maxillo facial surgeon at his private practice in the first place.

I’m really sorry yours did not work out GoodAfternoonTea.

I was told I did not have enough bone to support the 2 molars I had side by side replaced with implants. I had a bovine bone graft to overcome this in 2009. To date, I’ve had no problems with them. The teeth were lost due to periodontitis.

Suki70 Tue 27-Jan-26 22:58:50

I had a dental implant 8 years ago which is still going strong. Last year I had three more with lots of scans and appointments over six months. Two teeth on a bridge were removed, a sinus lift performed and the implants placed, all without any pain. The teeth look very natural . The worst part was the temporary denture I had while the gums healed and the implants embedded and of course the cost -£7, 500.

NotSpaghetti Tue 27-Jan-26 22:12:56

I have two.
One about 15 years ago and one recently (completed last autumn)
Both done in the UK, both terrific and the recent one was £2,300 over three appointments (and 3 payments). I had my hip done in between so it took nearly a year.

I love that they are trouble free - and given that I always need dental work, at least I don't expect them to cost again and again in future!

No pain to speak of.
Very pleased.

Suspiros Tue 27-Jan-26 21:41:57

I had 2 implants done 15 years ago and another 2 implants 3 years ago. The first two were about 2 grand each and the second two about 3 grand each. I know I am lucky to be able to afford this but it meant no holidays or extras over several years. However I was determined to avoid dentures. I had seen the problems my mother had with hers, the way her mouth shrunk and looked sunken without her teeth and the endless mouth ulcers etc.
The extractions were painful but the actual implants were a breeze although they involved many appointments over several months. I have had no problems whatsoever with any of them. I would recommend wholeheartedly and would have another if I lost another tooth.
If you can afford it go for it!

Norah Tue 27-Jan-26 21:28:46

I had a toot implant. Many appointments over 10 months. £3700.

I'm well pleased.

BlueBelle Tue 27-Jan-26 20:30:33

I was thinking the same CrazyH oh to have 3 grand to spend on myself or on one tooth !!!

crazyH Tue 27-Jan-26 20:04:37

All those with implants probably have very solid gums. I was told I couldn’t have implants- fortunately, the gaps are not in my ‘smile zone’ and tbh I have other things/people I could spend my money on .
But, to each his own …..

GoodAfternoonTea Tue 27-Jan-26 20:02:54

I had an implant about ten years ago and had nothing but trouble with it. The reason, my jaw bone was not solid enough to sustain it. It was OK for a few years but then infections set in during Covid and, after a year of antibiotics, I paid privately to have it removed by a maxillo facial surgeon. When he X rayed he said to me that the jaw bone was not dense enough and that is why mine had failed. If I were having one fitted now I would make sure that it was done by someone who really knew their stuff i.e. I should have gone to the maxillo facial surgeon at his private practice in the first place.

SueDonim Tue 27-Jan-26 19:52:16

I had a canine tooth implant six years ago. It was about 2.5 or 3k. It was done all in the one procedure and I never really think about it except when flossing or when questions such as this arise.

Clawdy Tue 27-Jan-26 19:41:50

I lost a front tooth and had a denture. It was £300. NHS. A complete waste of money, I hated it and couldn't eat properly with it. Everyone said I should have gone for an implant so I did ( very pricey!!) I'm on a temporary implant at the moment, waiting for the final op. Hopefully it will be as good as people tell me!

Tenko Tue 27-Jan-26 19:35:49

I had one done about 10 years ago . I cracked a tooth and it had to be extracted. Tbh the extraction was more painful than the implant . It takes time as you have the implant inserted and then wait 3-6 months for the crown to be fitted on the implant . Mine was about 3k , but it was so worth it .

dogsmother Tue 27-Jan-26 19:27:50

I did several years ago. It was a palaver and the cost of as much as a second hand car, however it is superb and I wish I’d gone in for two of them!
Remember life should be about no regrets, and this is something really worthwhile in my opinion. So just go for it.

Soozikinzi Tue 27-Jan-26 19:27:29

A couple of my friends have their vrry expensive but very good .

vegansrock Tue 27-Jan-26 19:27:08

Yes Ive got an implant had it done about 6 years ago. It takes a while ( about 6 months and several appointments) and did cost£3k all together I think but as I paid at every stage it was a few hundred at every appointment. It did feel like I’d gone several rounds in a boxing ring after having the implant done but quickly wore off. I’m definitely glad I had it done - much nicer than the tooth on a plate.

Primrose53 Tue 27-Jan-26 19:21:05

Had a tooth out today which is apparently just in the “smile zone” and an implant was mentioned. I have an NHS Dentist but they said implants are done privately. There are other options but I have forgotten what I was told.

How much of a palarver is it to get done? Is it painful? Are you glad you had them? Rough cost?

Thanks