implants or dentures

[Joe S.]

I know that this topic has been brought up before. I am looking for user reviews. If you have implants, how does your sjogrens interact with them? The same question if you have dentures.

Some people reported that having their teeth pulled improved their sinus issues.

I have enough that are broken and need to be pulled that I will not be able to chew food. What are your thoughts and sugestions?

[Carolina]

Hi, Joe,

Cost for implants is probably the biggest factor, I would think.   I do know that you can have a few implants and then have a 'denture-like' fixture attached to them, and it would be permanent.  You can do this for both top and bottom.

i have one implant, and it was $5,000.   My husband is in the process of having one implant, and the cost is $5,000.  i have a friend who had her entire mouth fitted with implants and permanent fixtures of teeth.  So they don't make each tooth as an implant.   But it was extraordinarily expensive.

Dentures, I believe would be less expensive.  I do know that the lower denture is best if fitted to some existing front teeth, a partial plate.  A full lower denture has been less successful for those I know who have tried it.

If you do not have something in place, your jaw bone begins to recede making it more and more difficult to place anything successfully.

If I had the money in my 'mouth' invested in the market, I would be worth over a million dollars, for sure.  But I fear losing my teeth.  And have had everything done that is humanly possible to save my teeth.  Only  one had to be replace with an implant, as I said.

Irish, I believe, is very successful with dentures, as are others who post here.

Please keep us posted on what you decide Joe.

Regards,  Elaine

[Joe S.]

Thank you. I will still look for other posts on this issue before I make a decision. My dentist returns the end of September from having her knees replaced.

[Seeker]

I have had my dentures for about five years now.  The down sides to me are, I lick my lips more. My gums get sore if I wear them too long. I can't bite down as hard.  Eating grainy foods can be a problem when crumbs get between your gums and dentures.  If you sneeze too hard, yes your dentures can fly out of your mouth. Some types of candy, gum and foods, will stick to your dental work.

The up sides to me are, I no longer grind my teeth.  Dentures are easier to take care of.  The're better than my old teeth. Except for the above mentioned foods, I can eat what I want.   All in all I do like my dentures. 

[irish]

My dentist wanted to do implants on me and I said no way. I knew better than to set myself up for infection with implants. He wasn't my dentist very long.

The jury seems to be out on implants, but in my mind (as a retired RN) I think they are way too high risk. People with autoimmune diseases are generally at higher risk for infections and other weird things. Having inplants is really dangerous. Root canals have usually been experienced by most of us and they are a breeding ground for bacteria.

In fact, anyone with Sjogrens has a mouth that is a breeding ground for bacteria as we make abnormal mucus that doesn't support the normal growth of bacteria in our mouth. We have about 700 different bacteria in our mouth normally and with our abnormal bacteria growth we are set up for infections. Having an implant which is implanted in our jaw bones can result in osteomyelitis. This is infection in the bone and this is  very serious problem. Infection in the bones is very hard to cure. First of all so many bacteria are resistant to antibiotics now so infection can be hard to get rid of. Also, when we have infection in our jaw bones it is close to the sinuses and brain and can spread easily and rapidly and be fatal if not caught in time.

The other thing is that bones do not have good blood circulation and antibiotics don't get to the infection like they should which can cause slow and poor healing. This bone infection can just lie there and simmer and not be noticed until it is full blown and hard to cure.

I am of the opinion that living with dentures is just a matter of learning to adjust. They are not the same as teeth but I have found them to be much less of a problem then people say. I also think it is a lot of money to pay for something that could be hazardous to our health. My opinion and the opinion of some dental surgeons also. Irish

[lorigacc]

Well said Irish....but I still hate my dentures, and wish I had my real teeth back....

[Deborah]

Joe:

I, like Elaine, have had one implant and the cost was a little over $5,000. In addition I also have had 15 crowns and 14 root canals during the past 3 years. It is very expensive (and I still have 3 more crowns yet to go) but I would rather try and keep my teeth for as long as possible.

It does seem I develop a sinus infection every time I have any dental work performed, including cleanings, but the current infections are mild compared to what I was experiencing 3 years ago. Pre dental work I had sinus infections monthly that were severe and required Prednisone treatment so I have to say that my experience has been positive.

Hope this helps,
Debby

[Joe S.]

My teath have broken. My crowns have broken and can not be replaced any more. When they are pulled, I will loose chewing surfaces. Dentures, implants are the options I have been given. Implants for current pulls only.

[irish]

Be aware that root canals can leak down through the root and cause infections and....they can leak up through the root and cause sinus infections. I had some really wicked sinus infections because of root canals that abscessed and some that just leaked. No one explained anything to me and wasn't until I did a lot of research on root canals that I found out how hazardous to our health they can be. I had about 13 or so caps, a bridge and had only about 14 teeth left in my mouth when they decided to pull the rest of them. I had many, many years of misery and expense and that is why I was thrilled to have teeth pulled and get dentures.

It has felt so good not to have to spend half my life and half my paycheck on the dentist. It has been about 12 years since I have had dentures and I just have accepted them cause I could be dead from all the infections I had. MRSA and other really bad stuff. Tons of infections. Good luck. Irish

[ellieas]

I totally agree  with everything that Irish says. I am also a retired nurse. W ith all my immune issues i did not want something foreign staying in my body. Not even the implant held dentures. I have a full upper and partial. After the initial healing and adjustments, I am doing fine. It has been 2 years. I eat corn on the cob and ribs with no problems. i am so glad to be rid of sinus pain, infections etc.

Good luck with your decision


Lesley

[irish]

Lesley, Amen to what you said. I have not lost any weight with dentures. I do believe that one has to just make up their mind that this is the way it has to be. I use the denture cream when I am going to eat corn on the cob or eat out and need to be sure that my dentures will stay put and work well.

I can chow through corn on the cob almost like with my real teeth. I think I need to pick up some sweet corn tomorrow cause the season is going fast. Thanks. Irish

[Linda196]

Irish, I think you've probably made the most important comment in this thread

I do believe that one has to just make up their mind that this is the way it has to be

I've worn a full upper for more than 30 years (far preceding Sjogren's, my dental issues were a result of Tetracycline as a child), and a partial lower for about 15, upgraded to a full lower two years ago. In the very beginning I decided, that's what was going to be, and I had no time for problems with it. I've had occasional periods of tender gums, frictions sores and poor fit, what denture wearer hasn't , but my attitude was basically "get it fixed and get on with it". I can't see myself letting half an ounce of plastic rule my life.

Meanwhile, I have two people close to me who went into the whole tooth removal/denture fitting process with the attitude of "no way I'll be able to do this, they can't possibly make something that will fit/work/feel right, I'll never be able to eat normally again". They now, years into the process, make frequent trips to the dentist, denturist or doctor for adjustments or replacements; or simply do not wear the appliances.

I, too, was offered the option of implants when I booked the appointment with the dental surgeon, but on reviewing my history, the dentist suggested it may not be my best solution (the cost has already made my decision, it would have added $3000 to my bill for two implants, and it would not have been covered by either my provincial health plan or my private insurance.

[gurs]

I still need some bottom teeth..i only have a few front ones left. I forgot what its like to chew. My upper teeth will be going soon too. No way dentist said that implant would be an option for me, nor, could I afford them. I spent $50,000 10 years ago to have all my teeth fixed and capped and it was a huge mistake. I Lost so many teeth since then and im still not finished with all the dental problems. I have get a partial for now, but that's another 1,000.00. I know it really depends on the fit and quality of the dentures, and I would make sure you have a great dentist doing them. I have a somewhat healthy friend who got an implant 6 months ago and has had nothing but problems...like Irish said, we don't have a normal mouth etc, the bone thing scares me the most. Dentures don't seem perfect, but don't have any other options.

Just wish someone would lobby for us about getting dental coverage under our medical plans or something.

Gursie

[ohiolady]

Joe, I have one dental implant for about 5 years.  I had no problems and have been very happy.  I had enough bone to set the implant and everything healed nicely.  I have had more cavities with Sjogrens but have strong teeth. 

Good luck with your decision. 

Anna

[gurs]

A good dentist/implant specialist should be able to tell you if your a good candidate for one, I would seek a few opinions.
I would also suggest getting a bone density done first as well to check your bone health.

Gursie