Sinus lift procedure
Added: June 13, 2005 - 6:03 AM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Fort Wayne, IN
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Case Summary
Teeth: 4,13
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: a month ago
Case Description
Hello, As the result of a car accident two years ago I now have TMJ. My jaw clicks every time I open and close my mouth. I have had splint for about 8 months. That was helping with the clicking when I would put it in. Right now the next treatment recomended by my doctor is braces to realign my teeth and change my bite. I will also have to wear a new splint again (for 2 yrs) on top of braces. Could realigning my teeth and changing my bite really help with the clicking? As the result of having braces, my upper 5th teeth on both sides are very much likely to fall out because the roots are shorter there than normal. What is the approximate cost of sinus lift procedure and porcelain venners? Is sinus lift procedure the only way to replace my teeth? If you could recommend a doctor in Indiana area who has had good experience with this kind of work I would really appreciate it. Thank you so much for having this website.
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Your case was a bit tricky to follow, but it seems that you had braces in the past with external resorption (roots shortened). Wearing braces a second time will most likely cause further problems. Any orthodontist seeing previous resorption should advise you of the high risk involved with braces again. And, braces may not correct your TMJ problems (may even make it worse).As far as the auto accident, you must have sustained some significant jaw injury. You should have a CT scan done of both joints to determine if there is some degeneration of the joints (these changes could cause clicking). Patients who sustain severe trauma during an auto accident (ie broken jaw) should be aware that within 20 years or less, the joint(s) (most likely) will undergo significant changes; sometimes requiring surgery or at least splint therapy.The attorney handling your case should have known this, and your settlement should have taken future medical costs into consideration. The statute of limitations is generally two years, but may be expanded further under certain circumstances (consult a new attorney).You should also obtain multiple opinions on your case, since it is far too complex to advise you over the internet. Tread lightly, the decisions you make now will determine how healthy you are (and how much you spend out of pocket) in 20 years.Good luck
Reply: Sinus lift procedure
added: June 14, 2005 - 4:03 AM
Cost Estimate: $3000.00 each tooth
The success of full mouth reconstruction relies heavily on the accurate diagnosis and well plan treatment. Your case, in my opinion, will require splint therapy to eliminate clicking and allow the musle to relax, orthodontic therapy to realign the teeth to the new jaw position, implant therapy to replace missing teeth. Implant in the site of teeth 4 and 13 usually do not require sinus lift. And even when it is required in some special case, the lift can be done during the implant placement by osteotome technique, which is much cheaper and easier performed than the conventional sinus lift (in our office we only charge 300.00 extra on top of 2700.00 on the total implant and crown restoration). The complete cost is only 3000.00 on each tooth. These implants will easily last a lifetime as compare to the bridge therapy. I appologize for not knowing anyone in Indiana. However, please browse our website at www.drbui.com for more educational material regarding osteotome grafting and bone grafting. Our site is very informative and educational and very little or no marketing material.
Reply: Sinus lift procedure
added: June 14, 2005 - 5:00 AM
Cost Estimate: $850.00 per sinus graft
Realigning your teeth might help with the clicking. Since the split has helped, it seems reasonable that realigning the teeth to try to match the split might be the way to go. However, I do not treat TMJ disorders. It is important that you are with someone who has experience in this area and it sound like you have a qualified dentist. A sinus lift procedure is used to provide bone when there is not enough bone to place dental implants. I have done several sinus lifts with good success. The cost is 850.00 per side for most cases. The implants cost about 1800.00 per implant. I am a periodontist so I do not place crowns, bridges, veneers or other restorative work. I do have a practice in Kokomo, IN as well as the southside of Indianapolis.
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