In our little family group one went for removable implants starting in late October last year. The dentist said odds were that a smoker would have a 10% failure rate on the implants - on the good side, that caused smoking to stop, though now Commit lozenges are eaten to keep the nicotine flowing. Had remaining 20 teeth pulled and 12 posts placed (thought was that if non-removable implants were wanted later that the 4 unused posts could simply be uncovered and used as well). The dentist instructs and has 3 different offices, so the hope was that he would be good. It was not a good experience. All the teeth were pulled and posts placed, a set of horribly fitted teeth were slapped on the lacerated gums, and 5 months of misery ensued. We spent $26,300, after a 5% discount for cash and insurance payment. So far. The current set of removables looks and works pretty well, but i do not have warm feelings for the dentist. Food gets under the removables, which causes them to get ripped out of the face for cleaning. Permanent nonremovable implants require flossing between the posts, and i can only imagine how irritating transient food particles must be. The person who got the implants has a very high pain tolerance and had all her dental work except this done without novacaine or any pain meds, just sat and had 'em drilled & filled (Marathon Man: "is it safe?"). Shudder. These were done w/ an IV sedative - Versed?
Bottom line, if $30k resulted in teeth that made one happy, it would be money well spent - once spent it's done and behind you.
