My "saga" with implants probably began about 15+ years ago, up north. My dentist I was seeing at the time told me he couldn't do anything further to save my teeth and went on to say I should pull everything and have dentures. I wasn't ready for that, as I said I'd observed family members who had dentures and didn't want to go that route if I didn't have to.
Went to another dentist for a 2nd opinion where implants were suggested. Back then it was a lengthy process....pull the existing teeth, wait 6 mo. to heal then go in and put in the base (a screw essentially) implant. Wait another 6 mo. to heal before the "crown" (looks just like a tooth) is screwed on! My more recent implants---done about 2 years ago here in T.V. went A LOT quicker from start to finish!! In *some* cases (though not in mine) they can put the implants in the same day they pull the existing teeth---it depends on your situation and bone structure. I think it was within 6 mo that I got everything completed. It *is* costly but ever so worth it in the long run! The feel and look just like the real thing for sure. My upper implants required a "bone graft" which sounds worse than it is. They make some kind of "mixture" and apply that to your existing bone. It's if the existing one isn't very dense and they don't want to screw into your sinus area. I've been very fortunate with mine!! I hadn't been told to be careful with my front one...but makes sense I guess. I don't eat apples without cutting them but have had sweet corn!! Maybe should re-think the latter!!!!
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