I have a full top plate that drove me crazy! My dentist suggested trying a thing that was new several years ago. It is Titain Post. I have six posts in my gums and 6 matching holes in my plate and I can bite into anything now and he was able to use the false teeth I all ready had. Got it all done in one setting and not much pain afterwards either. If I have have to have a bottom plate this is what I will do again.

Thanks for all the replies and glad none of them were negative and discouraging! Expensive seems to be the key word! Terllyn, your son getting his tooth knocked out reminded me of my nephew. He was about 12 I think when he and a playmate had a bb gun duel over a little girl. My nephew got one of front teeth knocked out. I don't remember how it was fixed. Doubt if they had implants back then. That would have been about 60 or so years ago. Wanda, since you live in NVA, do you know about the Affordable Dentists in Winchester? Their prices are listed as about half what my estimate here is. They have offices all over. Patti, I don't have dental insurance, but it probably wouldn't cover it anyway. Monica pa, Gold implants? You have actually "put your money where your mouth is" haven't you? That is incredible. Oj, I'm guessing you didn't take him up on his offer? Veta, your experience sounds pretty much like what I have read and heard about. BTW, welcome to the table. It is more interesting here than in Lurkdom Sue, fortunately I have good bones, according to the one Oral Surgeon I have seen so far. Yes, the implants will be for the lower plate, not individual teeth. The one OS, who was recommended by my Dentist, is a (DDS, MS) Diplomat of the Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Impressive, huh? His estimate for 4 implants is $3,312..00 plus I would go back to my dentist to have the clips put on. I have called several Dentist's and talked to someone just for information. Some don't do implants; those who do run from $2800-$4500 depending on the number needed. They all use the Mini implants. I think I'm convinced that I should do this, but it is hard to decide who to choose to do the work. I don't personally know anyone who has gotten implants. I appreciate all your comments. They have been helpful and if you have any other thoughts, advise or suggestions, I would like to hear them. Sue Here is a link that might be useful: Affordable Dentures

This last January amidst several months of other health issues, I had a molar crown fall off. I experienced no pain from the tooth despite the fact that the tooth was exposed for over a week from the missing crown. Having just started a new job, I had to find a new dentist that was accepted by my dental policy. I went in and told the dentist that I just needed my old crown re-cemented on. The dentist said that would be a liability to him if the cement didn't hold and I choked on it so I agreed to a root canal and new crown. Ever since the root canal, the tooth has ached. I went back a month later and told the doctor that it hurts to eat, touch my face or brush my teeth. He said the tooth must have cracked and that I need an implant which involves four months without a tooth on that side of my mouth. And of course additional cost done by another dental specialist that I will have to absorb. I said no. I'm furious. Because I've been seeing a half a dozen doctors for my other health issues and having a number of test that require me to take time off from my new job, I have not been willing to take even more time off to go back to the dentist. He told me he would talk to the dentist who did the root canal and get back to me. Which he never did. I have an appointment with the dentist office for a cleaning next week and will have to deal with whatever the next step might be then. Jodi-

Actually there was an option for tomorrow - a narrow window that I couldn't do since I have to take my Grandson 45 miles away for his infusion appointment - no way to cancel that kind of appointment, they are made a month ahead of time. As for discomfort, hey, I went for many years with missing teeth and was able to eat OK, I'll just take these out when I eat, no biggie there. I just wish these young "professionals" wouldn't treat us like idiots, personally I think as a non-professional senior I have a lot more common sense then most of them do. I also think that their only goal is to get the patient in and out of the chair as quick as possible, dare not suggest that you'd want to take 3 seconds to stick a piece of gum in your mouth and chew 5 or 6 times for heaven's sake!!! Oh, and yes, when we no longer have dental insurance I will be switching to a dentist that takes the simple plan that my Medicare Advantage plan pays for. It won't pay for crowns, bridges, etc. but it does pay for simple exams and cleanings, simple fillings and extractions, etc. I've already asked and this dentist won't work with that kind of insurance - in fact when I asked at the front desk the receptionist kind of wrinkled up her nose in disgust at me even asking about it.