I Couldn't Adjust to Dentures!

The all on 4 dental implant system is basically getting partial implants.  Depending on how long your teeth have been missing, you may need bone grafts first.  I'm having mine done as I've had teeth extracted.  If you do it later, they have to take the bone from your hip or behind your knee.  Instead of getting all implants or just dentures, the all on 4 means you get 4 implants on the the top, bottom, or both.  Then they put a full denture on that.  Because you have some implants, the denture kind of locks onto the implant and no adhesive is necessary and they are sturdier.  The top denture is removable by you and the bottom one actually locks in and is only removable by the dentist.  The other positive with this method is that they will last up to 4 times longer than just a denture.  Your bone will shrink over time and the dentures will become loose without an implant.  You'll have to replace them anywhere after 5-10 years.  The downside is the cost.  Just doing the all on 4 will cost between $14-22K.  That's just for the top and this includes tooth extractions.  I had been saving for this but unfortunately I'll not have enough and am out of time.  I'm scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks and am just getting a full top denture for now.  I am having bone grafts done as well in case sometime in the future I can finally afford the implants.  I've been fighting this battle for 20 some years and am now 40.  I still have hopes of someday doing the all on 4 so if you can do it now, do it!

My full dentures will be put in on the Same day as my extractions next week.  I have never been so scared in my life, especially after reading all of these posts.  Truthfully, they are NOT helping me- or, the beginning of my panic attacks!  I don't mind the fact that I won't be able to eat what I love BUT it's the NOT being able to TALK!  HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO HIDE myself from my friends or the public???!!!

The ONLY thing that 'sort of' gave me a glimpse of Hope was this 'All-on-4' that you mentioned!  Will that CUT THE TIME IN HALF, as far as being able to talk legibly in front of others, or eating better?  CAN SOMEONE OUT THERE GIVE ME A GLIMPSE OF HOPE or tell me it'll be ok?    signed... SCARED to death!!!!

I also have a problem wearing my new dentures...just the lower ones (the upper plate is fine).  The lower dentures cause very painful sores and rinsing with salt water, using numbing gels, and even adjustments by the dental techs hasn't helped.   My dentist has mentioned "mini-implants" where he puts 4 metal posts in my lower gum then retrofits my lower dentures to "snap" on and off.  I really don't see how that would help the irritation caused by the dentures.  I would like to know more about the all-on-4 option including the cost, the procedure in general, and what dentists will provide this service. 

I read your message and was interested in this.  I have not got centures yet but it is recommended and I am dreading it just for the same reasons you have stated.  I would like to know what other name these may go by other than all-on-4 and if there may be a web site for this.  Thank you