Posted by Shoshana/AZ on 10/22/12 5:31pm
Msg #439773

Thanks Everybody for your thoughts and prayers.

This procedure was much better that I anticipated. I look forward to starting back to work tomorrow.
If anybody is considering implants, I highly recommend them. In my case, I was losing bone and had no choice but to do this. It feels so wonderful to be able to smile now. My dentist was there to observe. When they brought me a mirror, I started to cry at how beautiful I looked! It's a big boost to my self confidence.

Rose/IN kind of remarked sarcastically (post below where I originally posted) that in 2003 she had 3 stents put in and now she's fine. I responded to her that we on this forum are essentially a FAMILY. We share each other's trials and tribulations. I for one like it that way because it helps build relationships. So, If I ahve a signing near Tucson, I'll know who to call. Or if somebody I know in NY needs a notary, I will know who to call.


Thanks again!

Reply by Karla/OR on 10/22/12 5:43pm
Msg #439774

Thanks for the update Shoshana!! I'm so glad to hear that everything went well and you are on the other side now!

I had two implants a few years ago and like you, things went much easier than I anticipated it would!! They have given me NO trouble whatsoever. It makes a difference when you have good dentists working with you, Congrats!

Reply by PegiT_MN on 10/22/12 5:44pm
Msg #439775

I am so happy that you did well today Shoshana. I was thinking about you today......and I was thinking about Hugh and his sweet little Lucy too....sending positive thoughts and prayers your way for a successful dental surgery.....and thoughts and prayers for Hugh and his precious angel dog Lucy too.

I love what you said about us being a family. Everyone may not be in total agreement at all times......and they certainly do voice their opinion....but just one person have something bad going on in their life......and this whole board comes together and totally supports that person. That is what being a family is all about....caring about one another enough to put aside one's differences and showing unconditional love and support for each other.

So glad to hear all went well today......and I hope you have a great rest of the week.

Reply by Barb25 on 10/22/12 5:47pm
Msg #439776

Very happy all went well for you. Barbara

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/22/12 6:01pm
Msg #439782

Can't wait to see your smile!

So happy for you!

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 10/22/12 8:48pm
Msg #439815

I am hoping to take a new picture before the end of the year

The changes occurring In my body due to my oils and supplements in addition to my new implants are making me a new woman physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am reflecting that outwardly now.

Reply by Pro Mobile Notary on 10/22/12 6:20pm
Msg #439789

I just got back (yesterday) from 2-weeks in Costa Rica getting implants & crowns.

I went there based on a recommendation of a friend of mine who went there 18 months ago and had 4-implants and crowns on all his teeth with crowns and it cost him only $11,000. His CA dentist wanted $75,000 for the same work.

The cost for my 4 implants, 3 permanent crowns, 2 bone grafts, temporary crowns for where they did the bond graft, filled one cavity, plus 2-week in my hotel plus meals and all expenses came to less than half of what I would have to pay in CA. Implants $500, crowns $250.

The clinic I went to treats 800 North Americans per month. The state of the art equipment there makes what my dentist has look medieval. They did a 3D Xray to find my cavity. It was an awesome experience and I cannot wait to go back in six months to complete treatments.

When I ask why their prices were so low compares to what we have to pay here he gave me a logical answer. In the USA everyone likes suing other people, so E&O insurance for a dentist costs a fortune. Down there they do not sue so E&O is nothing.

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/22/12 6:46pm
Msg #439793

Good info. Thanks. n/m

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/22/12 7:03pm
Msg #439796

Something similar happened to me when I lived in Brazil. I needed a replacement for my discluder device. I have horrible TMJ issues (my jaw dislocates and I clench very hard). I actually broke it one night by clenching.

I found a dentist in Juiz de Fora, (about 2 hours from Rio) and his office was super posh. He also spoke perfect English and got a kick out of the fact that he had an American patient. Turns out that he went to school in New York and received all of the American accreditation efore deciding to move back home and open a practice in his home town.

I thought for sure, he was going to scam me... but he didn't. My new device cost me a $250 --- in the states, a custom piece like that would have cost 10 times that, if not more. I had that particular splint for 5 years, too. Best one I ever had. Made me almost want to go all the way back to Brazil to see the guy.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 10/22/12 8:00pm
Msg #439812

Larry, the all on 4 for my uppers only cost me $20,000. I have been to Mexico and I have been to the local dental school (which ruined my teeth to begin with) and nothing compared to my dentist and my oral surgeon in quality. I am happy to support my local businesses who are referred to me by people I trust.
Sometimes, it's not just about the money. It cost me $20,00 all told. Everything was included in that fee. I look and feel like a million bucks! And.. I walked out of there wearing my temporary implants. When I am healed they will attach the permanent ones. The fee also includes a lifetime guarantee on the implants. So do you have a lifetime guarantee? The dentists I work with also have state of the art equipment. I think you just didn't find the right dentist in LA.

I also wanted to add that my surgeon did an internship at Highland Hospital in Oakland. That's where he got to restore the faces of gunshot victims. The lab tech came to the office and actually made my temp implants as soon as I finshed the surgery. My dentist attended the surgery and cried tears of happiness along with me when they attached my implants!

Good luck with them. I hope they work out for you.

So, how much did you pay all told?

Reply by Linda Juenger on 10/22/12 8:49pm
Msg #439816

Happy for you also. I bet you look and feel like a million bucks.

Reply by Pro Mobile Notary on 10/23/12 10:49am
Msg #439887

I am not in LA. I am in Marin County.

I spent $90,000 on rebuilding my wife's mouth over a 3 year period. The implant surgeon is the highest rated in the area as is the reconstructive dentist that did her crowns. They offered no guarantees and she had to redo two implants & crowns.

My new dentist in Costa Rica offers guarantees and will cover all my expenses (not including airfare) if anything goes wrong and I have to return prematurely. I met someone while down there that was there for what we called "warranty work" for something that needed repairing.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 10/23/12 1:13pm
Msg #439911

Marin County, What would you expect?

I don't have 2 weeks to spend in Costa Rica. I would not want to spend my vacation doing dental work. My next vacation is a river cruise from Paris to Normandy! No surgeons invited!

Reply by Priscilla Witman on 10/22/12 9:49pm
Msg #439824

So glad to hear it went well. I had implants done while I was in the Navy about 6 years ago, after a bone graft. It was just terrible. I had a reaction to the antibiotics they gave me and ripped out half the stitches from getting sick. It's good to know they've come so much farther than then and you had a good experience! You go girl!

Reply by Buddy Young on 10/23/12 12:35am
Msg #439840

I'm happy for you that things went well. As I get older I find myself going to the Dr., Dentist a lot more often.