As we are are all getting older, we’re all becoming well acquainted with the “tooth implant” process. I have 3 family members right now going through this. Hopefully over time they’ll find a way to speed up the procedure.
My mother grew up during the depression. When she had a cavity, they pulled out the tooth. That’s it. A CAVITY. She was missing 4 of her back teeth.
You really nailed it. And thank you for being so vulnerable and visceral.
It’s quite refreshing.
Do you think your experience in the funeral industry gives you a more realistic relationship with death and hence your sensitive yet matter-of-fact approach here?
Anyway, hope you heal quickly— physically and financially and thanks again for sharing this.
Dental Hygienist who works for a periodontist whose practice is primarily implant placement here…. Josh, you got off cheap. Just saying. We are quoting 8000$ minimum per implant. We are at the point where sinus lifts are a given for any implant placed in the upper arch, unless it is an anterior tooth. Almost all teeth replaced require a bone graft because here is the bad news….. implants fail all the time. Josh, I hope you are wearing an occlusal guard at night!
After I read your post I immediately scheduled a dentist appointment. I haven't seen a dentist in 10 years due to a combination of things... I hate dentists (I had a terrible one growing up), I haven't had dental insurance in a long time, worried about the cost, etc. But I'm on medicaid now, so I have no excuse. I hope it goes well.
This post reflects my own philosophy regarding the importance of dental health. My own mother was edentulous in her old age, having been plagued with dental issues and poor dentistry most of her life and a sweet tooth, to boot. She had to eat puréed food that was less than appetizing the last 8 years of her life because her teeth were not fitting and she eventually tossed them in the garbage at the nursing home. My own teeth were headed that way and my husband and I have an agreement that dental care takes priority over most other things. I had a total dental restoration done several years ago. The whole process involved more than a year of dental visits and the cost of a new Lexus at the time. I always joke I have a Mercedes in my mouth. However, it was worth it and the dentist worked with me for paying it down. In this dentist’s opinion, more people need this sort of restoration than are willing to put up the money, which is no doubt true and I am grateful to have been in a position to afford it. I have several implants and would advise them over bridges any day of the week. My spouse, however, disagreed, and had a bridge for his front teeth made recently. What a hassle. He has failed to explain to me his rationale for it, besides the obvious $$ issue and I am dropping the subject. He is 80 and is hard headed. I hope he does not have to eat puréed food. LOL. Good luck with all the dental work and thanks for posting this important PSA.
When I got my first crown in my early 40s, my dentist looked at me and said, “This means you have officially outlived your teeth”. I wanted to smack him. He ended up retiring early, for good reason.
It is aggravating that even if you diligently care for your teeth, you are not immune to tooth failure in time. I had a molar yanked a few days ago, and will be getting a permanent crown bridge installed, because the $5-6k for an implant in my area is beyond out of my reach. The worst part of it is indeed the vanity aspect of it. I’m not a particularly vain person, but the pain is the undeniably haggard image of myself I will hold until the crown bridge is installed. At my age I’m not as concerned about long term consequences of my choice of remediation. The horror for now is having to spend x number of months of my life with a visible manifestation of my crepitude.
I’m sorry you are going through this, but glad you are able to choose the implant option for your best long term outcome. It helped me to read about your experience, because tooth loss is such a gut level insult to the Self, and it helps to not feel so alone in these disturbing thoughts.
Hope lots of people see this article because dental work is so key to happiness (food enjoyment/no pain/cosmetic looks) and longevity. My mother was a dental assistant and she "drilled" it into me that you NEVER choose to lose any teeth if there is an alternative.
You are brave. May it work out well and benefit your psyche.
Am having periodontal work in June, but it looks like teeth will be saved and lost bone can grow back, thankfully. Caused by years of self-neglect -- your post helps fortify my resolve, thanks
I have firsthand experience. FULL dental implants, top and bottom, not a vanity project, I needed this. Years of poor dental care as a kid, bad braces, eating disorders, teeth grinding, extractions, old bridges, putting off dental visits. Affordable only because of a good severance payout during Covid. Took almost a full year start to finish. Had only novocaine and gas for upper and lower, no anesthesia. Needed bone grafts.
Would do it all again in a heartbeat!!! Worth every penny!!! First time I haven’t been ashamed of my teeth or my smile! I can chew anything! I have no pain! I have a jawline that doesn’t recede, my lips don’t look sucked in. I do look different than I used to.
My mother was petrified of dentists, probably due to bad experiences (she grew up in the late 20's-30's when dentistry wasn't as sophisticated) but due to her terror she never took me, or my siblings for any dentist visits. Fortunately, my teeth were healthy through my childhood, but during adulthood I also neglected my teeth, not out of fear, exactly, but because I just didn't think about it, and if I had, affording it was a problem. Then in my late 40's I began to suffer the consequences of that neglect. My gums were in recession and I lost several teeth to decay beyond repair. Finally, I saw the light and started getting regular prophylaxis and treatment. All told I lost 4 teeth, all molars.
I could only chew on one side and then, one of the molars on that side, which was already crowned, went down and in order to have chewing ability I chose to have an implant. It was a good decision, if costly - I think all told, even with insurance, which didn't pay much, I paid about $5000.00 out of pocket. My experience was exactly as you described - little or no pain, and other than the wait time between the steps, all procedures were fairly quick.
When I went in for the consultation I asked the periodontist if it was really worth the time and cost at my age (76). He looked at my paperwork, and then replied, "Looks to me like you may outlive the implant. From what I can tell you'll live to be over 100". 🤣 Shameless flattery? Perhaps, but I took heart that at least I might get my money's worth.
I am almost 70, and I have eight implants. I did need bone grafts for a few of them but it wasn't a big deal. I was cursed with bad teeth due to genetics, and I also refused to go to a dentist for about 15 years. So I had a come to Jesus moment when I faced the catastrophic deterioration of my teeth, my finances, and my appearance! I shopped around and was quoted astronomical prices until I found a kind and reasonably priced dentist whose office is in a working class neighborhood. I've had the implants now for over five years. Once or twice an implant has loosened, but it is a simple process for him to tighten it back up, and I started wearing a mouth guard at night to prevent that. I feel very fortunate to have found a good dentist, and I hope that you too have found one. It makes all the difference.
Good luck! (In view of the rest of my post, it might seem like I mean that sarcastically, but I assure you I'm sincere.)
I'm seventy. I have a few crooked teeth, but have never had decay or gum problems. The last time I went to a dental appointment, about ten years ago, an incompetent hygienist damaged the enamel of several teeth. I have sworn off dentistry, forever. No problems.
I watched a video by a group called La Quinta Columna. They made a claim that common injectable anesthetics are (almost 100% that they tested of 700) contaminated with graphene. I would not take any injections until I could be assured the threat of contamination had been accounted for. Just as dentists blithely packed cavities with mercury for many years without looking into the toxicity involved, they do not seem to be taking this graphene story into consideration either. What good does it do to dodge the clot shot only to get injected with graphene at the dentist instead? I have not heard any dentist speaking out about this yet, yet it seems critical to know.
My front tooth fell out one morning when I was 50. It was injured when I was 12 by a baseball that was hit into my face. That tooth hung on for a long time. My initial implant didn't work, and it took about 16 months before I finally had a nice front tooth. In the process I realized I couldn't call in sick everyday because of my embarrassment from a missing front tooth. Frankly, I just didn't care whst people thought after awhile.
This post contains a lot more useful information than I expected.
On the subject of fear of death, I have none. It is my realization of this that makes me feel less agnostic about my faith in God.
I will admit to being fearful of finding myself in a situation where I have a prolonged painful death. But that is only one of the potential horrors which may be experienced in this cursed world. I’m looking forward to meeting Jesus in the next.
Eck.. heal well, I really despise the dentist!
As we are are all getting older, we’re all becoming well acquainted with the “tooth implant” process. I have 3 family members right now going through this. Hopefully over time they’ll find a way to speed up the procedure.
My mother grew up during the depression. When she had a cavity, they pulled out the tooth. That’s it. A CAVITY. She was missing 4 of her back teeth.
Oh wow Josh!
Thank you for this post.
You really nailed it. And thank you for being so vulnerable and visceral.
It’s quite refreshing.
Do you think your experience in the funeral industry gives you a more realistic relationship with death and hence your sensitive yet matter-of-fact approach here?
Anyway, hope you heal quickly— physically and financially and thanks again for sharing this.
Dental Hygienist who works for a periodontist whose practice is primarily implant placement here…. Josh, you got off cheap. Just saying. We are quoting 8000$ minimum per implant. We are at the point where sinus lifts are a given for any implant placed in the upper arch, unless it is an anterior tooth. Almost all teeth replaced require a bone graft because here is the bad news….. implants fail all the time. Josh, I hope you are wearing an occlusal guard at night!
After I read your post I immediately scheduled a dentist appointment. I haven't seen a dentist in 10 years due to a combination of things... I hate dentists (I had a terrible one growing up), I haven't had dental insurance in a long time, worried about the cost, etc. But I'm on medicaid now, so I have no excuse. I hope it goes well.
This post reflects my own philosophy regarding the importance of dental health. My own mother was edentulous in her old age, having been plagued with dental issues and poor dentistry most of her life and a sweet tooth, to boot. She had to eat puréed food that was less than appetizing the last 8 years of her life because her teeth were not fitting and she eventually tossed them in the garbage at the nursing home. My own teeth were headed that way and my husband and I have an agreement that dental care takes priority over most other things. I had a total dental restoration done several years ago. The whole process involved more than a year of dental visits and the cost of a new Lexus at the time. I always joke I have a Mercedes in my mouth. However, it was worth it and the dentist worked with me for paying it down. In this dentist’s opinion, more people need this sort of restoration than are willing to put up the money, which is no doubt true and I am grateful to have been in a position to afford it. I have several implants and would advise them over bridges any day of the week. My spouse, however, disagreed, and had a bridge for his front teeth made recently. What a hassle. He has failed to explain to me his rationale for it, besides the obvious $$ issue and I am dropping the subject. He is 80 and is hard headed. I hope he does not have to eat puréed food. LOL. Good luck with all the dental work and thanks for posting this important PSA.
When I got my first crown in my early 40s, my dentist looked at me and said, “This means you have officially outlived your teeth”. I wanted to smack him. He ended up retiring early, for good reason.
It is aggravating that even if you diligently care for your teeth, you are not immune to tooth failure in time. I had a molar yanked a few days ago, and will be getting a permanent crown bridge installed, because the $5-6k for an implant in my area is beyond out of my reach. The worst part of it is indeed the vanity aspect of it. I’m not a particularly vain person, but the pain is the undeniably haggard image of myself I will hold until the crown bridge is installed. At my age I’m not as concerned about long term consequences of my choice of remediation. The horror for now is having to spend x number of months of my life with a visible manifestation of my crepitude.
I’m sorry you are going through this, but glad you are able to choose the implant option for your best long term outcome. It helped me to read about your experience, because tooth loss is such a gut level insult to the Self, and it helps to not feel so alone in these disturbing thoughts.
Hope lots of people see this article because dental work is so key to happiness (food enjoyment/no pain/cosmetic looks) and longevity. My mother was a dental assistant and she "drilled" it into me that you NEVER choose to lose any teeth if there is an alternative.
You are brave. May it work out well and benefit your psyche.
Am having periodontal work in June, but it looks like teeth will be saved and lost bone can grow back, thankfully. Caused by years of self-neglect -- your post helps fortify my resolve, thanks
I have firsthand experience. FULL dental implants, top and bottom, not a vanity project, I needed this. Years of poor dental care as a kid, bad braces, eating disorders, teeth grinding, extractions, old bridges, putting off dental visits. Affordable only because of a good severance payout during Covid. Took almost a full year start to finish. Had only novocaine and gas for upper and lower, no anesthesia. Needed bone grafts.
Would do it all again in a heartbeat!!! Worth every penny!!! First time I haven’t been ashamed of my teeth or my smile! I can chew anything! I have no pain! I have a jawline that doesn’t recede, my lips don’t look sucked in. I do look different than I used to.
I’m a woman in my 50s.
My mother was petrified of dentists, probably due to bad experiences (she grew up in the late 20's-30's when dentistry wasn't as sophisticated) but due to her terror she never took me, or my siblings for any dentist visits. Fortunately, my teeth were healthy through my childhood, but during adulthood I also neglected my teeth, not out of fear, exactly, but because I just didn't think about it, and if I had, affording it was a problem. Then in my late 40's I began to suffer the consequences of that neglect. My gums were in recession and I lost several teeth to decay beyond repair. Finally, I saw the light and started getting regular prophylaxis and treatment. All told I lost 4 teeth, all molars.
I could only chew on one side and then, one of the molars on that side, which was already crowned, went down and in order to have chewing ability I chose to have an implant. It was a good decision, if costly - I think all told, even with insurance, which didn't pay much, I paid about $5000.00 out of pocket. My experience was exactly as you described - little or no pain, and other than the wait time between the steps, all procedures were fairly quick.
When I went in for the consultation I asked the periodontist if it was really worth the time and cost at my age (76). He looked at my paperwork, and then replied, "Looks to me like you may outlive the implant. From what I can tell you'll live to be over 100". 🤣 Shameless flattery? Perhaps, but I took heart that at least I might get my money's worth.
I am almost 70, and I have eight implants. I did need bone grafts for a few of them but it wasn't a big deal. I was cursed with bad teeth due to genetics, and I also refused to go to a dentist for about 15 years. So I had a come to Jesus moment when I faced the catastrophic deterioration of my teeth, my finances, and my appearance! I shopped around and was quoted astronomical prices until I found a kind and reasonably priced dentist whose office is in a working class neighborhood. I've had the implants now for over five years. Once or twice an implant has loosened, but it is a simple process for him to tighten it back up, and I started wearing a mouth guard at night to prevent that. I feel very fortunate to have found a good dentist, and I hope that you too have found one. It makes all the difference.
Good luck! (In view of the rest of my post, it might seem like I mean that sarcastically, but I assure you I'm sincere.)
I'm seventy. I have a few crooked teeth, but have never had decay or gum problems. The last time I went to a dental appointment, about ten years ago, an incompetent hygienist damaged the enamel of several teeth. I have sworn off dentistry, forever. No problems.
I watched a video by a group called La Quinta Columna. They made a claim that common injectable anesthetics are (almost 100% that they tested of 700) contaminated with graphene. I would not take any injections until I could be assured the threat of contamination had been accounted for. Just as dentists blithely packed cavities with mercury for many years without looking into the toxicity involved, they do not seem to be taking this graphene story into consideration either. What good does it do to dodge the clot shot only to get injected with graphene at the dentist instead? I have not heard any dentist speaking out about this yet, yet it seems critical to know.
My front tooth fell out one morning when I was 50. It was injured when I was 12 by a baseball that was hit into my face. That tooth hung on for a long time. My initial implant didn't work, and it took about 16 months before I finally had a nice front tooth. In the process I realized I couldn't call in sick everyday because of my embarrassment from a missing front tooth. Frankly, I just didn't care whst people thought after awhile.
Thank you so much for this Josh.
This post contains a lot more useful information than I expected.
On the subject of fear of death, I have none. It is my realization of this that makes me feel less agnostic about my faith in God.
I will admit to being fearful of finding myself in a situation where I have a prolonged painful death. But that is only one of the potential horrors which may be experienced in this cursed world. I’m looking forward to meeting Jesus in the next.