To me, it was not that painful, not even as bad as a root canal, and although we don't have much money, my implants are worth every cent. I got two implants way in back, lower jaw, over 8 years ago. The crowns on them were connected at the top for strength. Finally, just recently, the crown began to "show mobility," and--to make a long story short--our dentist ended up having to remove the crowns this week so a periodontist could check what was going on. Fortunately, the furthest back implant turned out still to be solid as a rock, while the one in front of it is only a bit wiggly, due to an infection and some bone loss. The dentist thinks it can probably be saved with a bone graft, but I'm looking at around 6 months or more of having temporary caps on those implant posts. Fine with me! I loved having these implants, which felt exactly like my own teeth once I got used to them. Even if it had turned out that the present implants had to be completely removed and the whole procedure repeated all over again (spoken of as a possibility before the dentist found them in fairly good condition), I would gladly have done it. Mwoods: It's your jaw, of course, but for me, at least, having a hole drilled into the bone was completely painless (after the needle with anesthetic), and even the day of the implant, with some good painkiller (hydrocodone), I was able to go out with a friend and pick out and buy a new car. Not a bad experience at all! The implants have never given me any pain in use. I agree with others who say it is important to find a dentist with plenty of experience and a good technique for doing the implants. As for the money, you may be looking at several hundred (at a guess) for building up the bone, then more for the implant itself. Once it has healed well, a post is attached on top and a crown made to be glued onto it. The crown will also cost several hundred, probably. I can't recall exactly how much my total was.

Thanks for the input all. Believe me, I have not come to these conclusions all by myself. This has been an ongoing situation. I have consulted with both my dentist and the oral surgeon/implant, periodontist. At this time last year, they were considering extracting 4 teeth and doing implants. (easy for them to suggest!!!) I decided to put it on hold (maybe hoping I would just let one fall out at a time - lol) Now, this month, it is found that a 5th tooth is 'in line' and possibly a 6th! That's one heck of a lot of extractions at one time, to say nothing of the bone grafts (and healing). I might be flippant and think of it as my own personal weight-loss plan, but when I add up the $$$$ (especially at my 'Sr. Saver' age, I have to wonder if it's all worth it, when a partial for both top and bottom would amount to that of ONE implant. DH says I'm worth it; I tend to be more frugal and would not look forward to the discomfort and constant re-appointments waiting to finally be done. Not to mention that with all that being done....it just may not 'take'. During all of this, my only 'comfort' would be smoking and drinking (Pepsi) and then to completely change not only my mouth, but my lifestyle!!!! Partials - or complete dentures - might be the eventual answer.

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

IdaClaire, I am in the dental profession and want assure you that implants are the "standard of care" now, meaning that if a single tooth needs to be replaced it might be your best option. I work at a dental school in Boston 2 days/week, where we see patients who travel many miles for the discounted fee at a dental school. However, since you have a dentist you trust and you also trust her judgement in referring you to a good oral surgeon, you can go forward with confidence. You are correct in that implants are a good option vs. bridge when "virgin" teeth are involved. Re: Springroz's comment on the cost " What I do not understand is why insurance covered most of the endo, but almost NONE of the crown....as if you had a choice to do the crown!" Your insurance company will pay up to the maximum allowed per calendar year. That is it. So if you had endodontic treatment on a tooth or teeth you may have used all your benefits for the year. Therefore the crown would not be covered in full. Anyone with dental insurance can request that a pre-treatment estimate of all costs be sent to the insurance company before beginning treatment. The ins.co will send you a determination of benefits. This way, you know up front what the ins.co. will cover and what you will have to pay out of pocket. If you want to maximize you benefits, you may be able to have the implant done now and the crown done in January or later.