Tooth implants, please tell me about them

[Skippy123]

So Kenyy's thread got me thinking, I have one tooth that had resorption going on and I spent like $4k to have a root canal and crown but now it has a hairline crack so the dentist says when it starts to really hurt to get the implant. It hurts from time to time now but not super painful yet. So I looked into implants and they cost like $3k. I wish he said that lots of times a root canal will have a hairline fracture so just go for the implant. Any tips or thoughts?? If someone would have told me to skip the root canal/crown, I probably would of done that. Thanks!

 

[TravelingGal]

Skippy, they are great. I have had two...in the same spot. The first one was a horrible situation where it was the perfect storm during my pregnancy where I couldn't take xrays and bacteria got up in the spot where I couldn't clean it deep enough since there was bone loss which continued. I had to have that one taken out and a new one put in, including a bone graft.

For me it was SEVERAL months of wearing a flipper (front tooth, it sucked, but I got used to it) but it was worth it. If it's any tooth other than the front visible ones, I'd really say it was easy peasy since you don't have to worry about aesthetics as much. You really have to pic a doc who knows what he is doing. Mine tends to be very cautious and the second one went well when the odds were against me.

As far as pain goes, it didn't hurt much at all for me. The only thing that was a killer was taking the first implant OUT. That was excruciating, but for a first time implant in? Not a problem for me.

 

[junebug17]

I had the same situation as you quite a few years back Skippy - my dentist really wanted to "save the tooth" (ever notice how this is really important to dentists?) so I had several root canals done, but in my case the pain kept coming back (it was a long time ago, but I guess it kept getting infected?) The pain got so bad to the point where it was waking me up at night (I remember the dentist asking me if that was occurring) that finally an oral surgeon decided the tooth couldn't be saved and pulled it, and I got an implant. I haven't had any problems since.

 

[Amber St. Clare]

I had an implant last summer and it was a long experience. The tooth has fallen out so first I had just had to have a bone graft.I went to a specialist for that. Then I had to go without anything over the graft except a temporary stopper for three months while the bone graft "took". And the stopper {for lack of the technical term"} came out a couple of times. I had to go back for regular check ups. The pain in the ass thing was I had to re think my chewing to the other side of my mouth because I was afraid of loosening the stopper. After the surgeon decided the bone graft had healed I went back to my regular dentist for the actual implant which took maybe 2 visits and really feels like a natural tooth. Each doctor charged a hefty fee.

It cost almost $4 grand. Thank God for bonuses. The one drawback was I refused general anesthetic and opted for the valium and fell off the wagon and had a terrible time for about 9 months afterward. But the implant itself feels like a real tooth, it's just that the process itself with having to leave the graft alone for so long was a major pain in the rear.

I hope this helps somewhat.

 

[Skippy123]

I had an implant last summer and it was a long experience. The tooth has fallen out so first I had just had to have a bone graft.I went to a specialist for that. Then I had to go without anything over the graft except a temporary stopper for three months while the bone graft "took". And the stopper {for lack of the technical term"} came out a couple of times. I had to go back for regular check ups. The pain in the a$$ thing was I had to re think my chewing to the other side of my mouth because I was afraid of loosening the stopper. After the surgeon decided the bone graft had healed I went back to my regular dentist for the actual implant which took maybe 2 visits and really feels like a natural tooth. Each doctor charged a hefty fee.

It cost almost $4 grand. Thank God for bonuses. The one drawback was I refused general anesthetic and opted for the valium and fell off the wagon and had a terrible time for about 9 months afterward. But the implant itself feels like a real tooth, it's just that the process itself with having to leave the graft alone for so long was a major pain in the rear.

I hope this helps somewhat.

Yes, this sounds exactly like what the dentist said would happen! i would wear the stopper for awhile. They did mention I might need a bone graft because when my sons were born I wasn't paying attention to me and before I knew it I had a crazy infection in my mouth and they had to go in and take the infection out by doing mouth surgery! I guess the bone lowered? I don't know; they showed me the xrays and I just thought, gross! I guess they can't tell me for sure until I have a consultation and they go in and look?? I don't know.


I am not hurting now but (sorry if this is tmi) but I keep the tooth really clean, floss after every meal, use my pointy funny looking tooth brush!! I can totally tell if something go stuck. I plan to set money aside from my flex spending plan for next year so I don't have taxed dollars on this purchase!

Junebug, yes, it sucks that he wanted to save this tooth and then this happened, I thought, sheesh, I would of just gone for the implant. I am sorry that happened to you too. boo!!!

TGAL, thanks for your thoughts; I am glad your tooth is better but man am I sorry you had to have that done twice!!!!


thanks everyone!

 

[miraclesrule]

I could write a novel about the experiences I had with my dental implants. It was horrible! In the end, I found a superb dentist who didn't treat me like I was insane, did agree that something was wrong with the crowns, agreed to write a letter regarding the work of the other dentist so I could get my money back, and then he re-did them and I haven't had a problem since the crowns were replaced.

Even after the ridiculous year and a half of misery, I am sooooooooo glad I got them. I had a lot of bone loss, so we performed a bone graft with experimental material. I was in some dental magazine because I had such good results. I had to generate some bone growth before the implants could be safely inserted, otherwise, I risked damagin a very important facial nerve. I didn't want to look like MaryJo Buttafucco

Infection is such a common occurrence that it is very important to have a great dentist/oral surgeon team.

It is a bummer that your tooth was in front TGal. That would freak me out. Mine were the bottom back two teeth.

They are not that expensive anymore, but the sooner you get them after the extraction of a tooth, the better. It is a little more risky on the top of the mouth, than the bottom. They both have inherent risks, but the sinuses can really mess with an upper implant...usually limited to the recovery period.

If I only had one tooth extraction in the back and it didn't have an adverse impact on the upper tooth falling, or for eating...I honestly wouldn't bother with one.

 

[Fly Girl]

DH has an implant because his last lower molar was cracked (it was almost all filling by this time and failed on the attempt to fill it again) and had to be pulled. (It was an emergency extration on a Friday afternoon in summer in Minnesota, when everyone leaves early for the lake. We were VERY lucky to find an oral surgeon on short notice.) There is no way to bridge the last tooth, and the upper molar will super-erupt if there is no molar on the other side to push against it. So, there will be more issues unless something is done. In spite of several letters from our dentist attesting to the necessary of this dental work, insurance refused to pay. You wait for the bone to heal. Then surgery to put in the post. Wait for that to heal. In the meantime, his upper molar was beginning to super-erupt, but then tooth implant was added to the post and things are fine. The biggest problem is he healed with a divot (sort of a pocket) at the base of the implant where the post is, and he gets food in there at every meal. He carries around a toothpick and cleans it after every time he eats. So, a bit more work than a regular tooth, but still, the best solution around.

 

[TravelingGal]

I could write a novel about the experiences I had with my dental implants. It was horrible! In the end, I found a superb dentist who didn't treat me like I was insane, did agree that something was wrong with the crowns, agreed to write a letter regarding the work of the other dentist so I could get my money back, and then he re-did them and I haven't had a problem since the crowns were replaced.

Even after the ridiculous year and a half of misery, I am sooooooooo glad I got them. I had a lot of bone loss, so we performed a bone graft with experimental material. I was in some dental magazine because I had such good results. I had to generate some bone growth before the implants could be safely inserted, otherwise, I risked damagin a very important facial nerve. I didn't want to look like MaryJo Buttafucco

Infection is such a common occurrence that it is very important to have a great dentist/oral surgeon team.

It is a bummer that your tooth was in front TGal. That would freak me out. Mine were the bottom back two teeth.

They are not that expensive anymore, but the sooner you get them after the extraction of a tooth, the better. It is a little more risky on the top of the mouth, than the bottom. They both have inherent risks, but the sinuses can really mess with an upper implant...usually limited to the recovery period.

If I only had one tooth extraction in the back and it didn't have an adverse impact on the upper tooth falling, or for eating...I honestly wouldn't bother with one.

Yes, they can get very tricky. Mine was just a minefield. My implant was my top right front, but my top LEFT front was dying a painful death, and needed a root canal. The other option was to rip it out and do implants for BOTH, but because of the bone loss, they couldn't do separate implants at the site. So the option was to implant ONE with two abutments for the two teeth. And no guarantee THAT would work. And then if implants/root canal didn't work, I would have to get a bridge, but guess what? The two side teeth had some fillings and wouldn't be strong enough to support a bridge! Worse case scenario, I would have had to rip several upper teeth out. So can you SEE why I think juice is evil and I don't give it to much kid much? Damn my mother for giving me apple juice in a BOTTLE.

I also did the bone graft with that experimental material since the only place they could graft the real thing might cause damage to nerves and they were not crazy about doing that (the only site they could graft from was at the bottom FRONT). The odds of the experimental material taking were not great, but amazingly, it took and took pretty well. So I sent with the implant and the rootcanal (which had some risks) and everything worked - best case scenario for everything. I'm still amazed I'm not completely gap toothed and hee haw.

As you may imagine, I really take good care of my teeth these days!

 

[miraclesrule]

I could write a novel about the experiences I had with my dental implants. It was horrible! In the end, I found a superb dentist who didn't treat me like I was insane, did agree that something was wrong with the crowns, agreed to write a letter regarding the work of the other dentist so I could get my money back, and then he re-did them and I haven't had a problem since the crowns were replaced.

Even after the ridiculous year and a half of misery, I am sooooooooo glad I got them. I had a lot of bone loss, so we performed a bone graft with experimental material. I was in some dental magazine because I had such good results. I had to generate some bone growth before the implants could be safely inserted, otherwise, I risked damagin a very important facial nerve. I didn't want to look like MaryJo Buttafucco

Infection is such a common occurrence that it is very important to have a great dentist/oral surgeon team.

It is a bummer that your tooth was in front TGal. That would freak me out. Mine were the bottom back two teeth.

They are not that expensive anymore, but the sooner you get them after the extraction of a tooth, the better. It is a little more risky on the top of the mouth, than the bottom. They both have inherent risks, but the sinuses can really mess with an upper implant...usually limited to the recovery period.

If I only had one tooth extraction in the back and it didn't have an adverse impact on the upper tooth falling, or for eating...I honestly wouldn't bother with one.

Yes, they can get very tricky. Mine was just a minefield. My implant was my top right front, but my top LEFT front was dying a painful death, and needed a root canal. The other option was to rip it out and do implants for BOTH, but because of the bone loss, they couldn't do separate implants at the site. So the option was to implant ONE with two abutments for the two teeth. And no guarantee THAT would work. And then if implants/root canal didn't work, I would have to get a bridge, but guess what? The two side teeth had some fillings and wouldn't be strong enough to support a bridge! Worse case scenario, I would have had to rip several upper teeth out. So can you SEE why I think juice is evil and I don't give it to much kid much? Damn my mother for giving me apple juice in a BOTTLE.

I also did the bone graft with that experimental material since the only place they could graft the real thing might cause damage to nerves and they were not crazy about doing that (the only site they could graft from was at the bottom FRONT). The odds of the experimental material taking were not great, but amazingly, it took and took pretty well. So I sent with the implant and the rootcanal (which had some risks) and everything worked - best case scenario for everything. I'm still amazed I'm not completely gap toothed and hee haw.

As you may imagine, I really take good care of my teeth these days!

I totally blame it on being a Kool Aid kid! It makes me cringe when my daughter gives my granddaughter's juice. She is very frugal with it, and she still dilutes it...but when we are at a restaurant I end up diluting it myself at the table. Assuming I get the glass away from Miss V fast enough. Otherwise, she sucks it down like she's parched. Ugh.

You are so lucky TGal! I am so glad that everything worked out! One implant with two abbutments was an awesome solution! Risky, but worth it, as it turned out. I had to get a bridge with an unstable anchor tooth. As soon as they placed the permanent bridge, I had to see an endodontist who performed a root canal right through my new bridge. I have a lttle hole in it. I was just grateful it held up...or I would be total hee haw. I am a dental floss addict and never miss a cleaning. Something I should have been doing when I was younger.

 

[Skippy123]

DH has an implant because his last lower molar was cracked (it was almost all filling by this time and failed on the attempt to fill it again) and had to be pulled. (It was an emergency extration on a Friday afternoon in summer in Minnesota, when everyone leaves early for the lake. We were VERY lucky to find an oral surgeon on short notice.) There is no way to bridge the last tooth, and the upper molar will super-erupt if there is no molar on the other side to push against it. So, there will be more issues unless something is done. In spite of several letters from our dentist attesting to the necessary of this dental work, insurance refused to pay. You wait for the bone to heal. Then surgery to put in the post. Wait for that to heal. In the meantime, his upper molar was beginning to super-erupt, but then tooth implant was added to the post and things are fine. The biggest problem is he healed with a divot (sort of a pocket) at the base of the implant where the post is, and he gets food in there at every meal. He carries around a toothpick and cleans it after every time he eats. So, a bit more work than a regular tooth, but still, the best solution around.

they told me I could do a bridge but I have no cavities at all except for this one tooth so I don't want to have 2 perfectly good teeth drilled down. oh gosh your poor hubby! I have a pocket currently, geez, all these teeth things suck! my pocket is little though.

 

[Skippy123]

I could write a novel about the experiences I had with my dental implants. It was horrible! In the end, I found a superb dentist who didn't treat me like I was insane, did agree that something was wrong with the crowns, agreed to write a letter regarding the work of the other dentist so I could get my money back, and then he re-did them and I haven't had a problem since the crowns were replaced.

Even after the ridiculous year and a half of misery, I am sooooooooo glad I got them. I had a lot of bone loss, so we performed a bone graft with experimental material. I was in some dental magazine because I had such good results. I had to generate some bone growth before the implants could be safely inserted, otherwise, I risked damagin a very important facial nerve. I didn't want to look like MaryJo Buttafucco

Infection is such a common occurrence that it is very important to have a great dentist/oral surgeon team.

It is a bummer that your tooth was in front TGal. That would freak me out. Mine were the bottom back two teeth.

They are not that expensive anymore, but the sooner you get them after the extraction of a tooth, the better. It is a little more risky on the top of the mouth, than the bottom. They both have inherent risks, but the sinuses can really mess with an upper implant...usually limited to the recovery period.

If I only had one tooth extraction in the back and it didn't have an adverse impact on the upper tooth falling, or for eating...I honestly wouldn't bother with one.

mine is on the bottom! wow, I didn't know the top was tough; sorry about your teefer troubles. I am glad you found someone good to fix it, finally, ouch!!!

oh gosh TGAL and Miracles, that sounds awful!!!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Skippy, how did you find out about the hairline crack? I am curious b/c I had a root canal/crown a few years ago and it still bothers me sometimes. Wonder if there is a crack

 

[Skippy123]

Skippy, how did you find out about the hairline crack? I am curious b/c I had a root canal/crown a few years ago and it still bothers me sometimes. Wonder if there is a crack

well I guess the way I found out is that I have a pocket, it is tiny but the gum will actually separate from the tooth. The dentist can use one of the metal instruments and see how deep it will reach down then you will know. See if he finds a pocket. They usually just touch with their tools and her it hurts they can check for a pocket. Does yours hurt a lot T?


Okay so this good news and confusing news. My tooth got something stuck so I saw the dentist today and he put some antibiotic in and he said that things look good but they really recommend an implant as a last resort sort of thing. I am confused but then they talked about implants getting infections too? I might just talk to someone at some point that does implants. For the most part my tooth feels okay except for yesterday. They showed me a trick on knotting the floss and really digging it through to pull up any stuff that gets stuck! sorry tmi.

 

[Hera]

I had a root canal when I was ten and when I was around 30 yrs old, it failed because they started seeing infection in the xrays. They said it was a hairline crack but that they couldn't find it in the xrays. They suggested an implant but I put it off because I didn't want to have my front tooth pulled (total phobia) After 5 years, I got a third opinion and they said that they suggested trying to save the tooth and redid the root canal. Supposedly, it didn't work and I have to either get another type of surgery or an implant. I'm going to get an implant but even with my insurance, it was around $2500 and then some smaller costs here and there. I've heard the price can be around $5000 for implants.

 

[Skippy123]

I had a root canal when I was ten and when I was around 30 yrs old, it failed because they started seeing infection in the xrays. They said it was a hairline crack but that they couldn't find it in the xrays. They suggested an implant but I put it off because I didn't want to have my front tooth pulled (total phobia) After 5 years, I got a third opinion and they said that they suggested trying to save the tooth and redid the root canal. Supposedly, it didn't work and I have to either get another type of surgery or an implant. I'm going to get an implant but even with my insurance, it was around $2500 and then some smaller costs here and there. I've heard the price can be around $5000 for implants.

I think if you have a hairline crack that drilling again would put pressure on the crack? I don't blame you for going for the implant.
Oh I did get a quote; I guess some dentist can give you a quote? I am sorry about your tooth and hope that the implant helps

 

[Hera]

I had a root canal when I was ten and when I was around 30 yrs old, it failed because they started seeing infection in the xrays. They said it was a hairline crack but that they couldn't find it in the xrays. They suggested an implant but I put it off because I didn't want to have my front tooth pulled (total phobia) After 5 years, I got a third opinion and they said that they suggested trying to save the tooth and redid the root canal. Supposedly, it didn't work and I have to either get another type of surgery or an implant. I'm going to get an implant but even with my insurance, it was around $2500 and then some smaller costs here and there. I've heard the price can be around $5000 for implants.

I think if you have a hairline crack that drilling again would put pressure on the crack? I don't blame you for going for the implant.
Oh I did get a quote; I guess some dentist can give you a quote? I am sorry about your tooth and hope that the implant helps

I guess the price depends on the area? I received two different quotes of the sameish price of $2500 and that was with my 50% military insurance discount. I'm not sure that covered my bone grafting either

Yes, you would think that applying pressure would put more pressure on the crack. Neither the dentist or I have actually seen the crack. I did some research on root canal failures and it's common practice for a dentist to suggest the root canal be performed again, then for an apicoectomy and then as a final resort, an implant. I skipped the middle option because it's not worth it to save a juvenile tooth that is already weakened. I plan on a little more avoidance but will eventually get it done. At least I'm not in pain

 

[Skippy123]

thanks for the info heraanderson!

I forgot to update and now I am nervous to update but I think my tooth heard that I might yank it out and decided to behave! It does hurt from time to time but the dentist said doing an implant is a last resort sort of thing so I am going to try to deal with the occasional tooth ache. He said the pocket I have looks pretty good.

 

[madelise]

So Kenyy's thread got me thinking, I have one tooth that had resorption going on and I spent like $4k to have a root canal and crown but now it has a hairline crack so the dentist says when it starts to really hurt to get the implant. It hurts from time to time now but not super painful yet. So I looked into implants and they cost like $3k. I wish he said that lots of times a root canal will have a hairline fracture so just go for the implant. Any tips or thoughts?? If someone would have told me to skip the root canal/crown, I probably would of done that. Thanks!

Which tooth is this for? I think $3k can afford you a platinum tooth maybe you can stick a bezeled diamond in it? With milgraining?

 

[AprilBaby]

If the tooth is last one back, remove it and forget it. You won't need it. If it is further forward get the implant, but make sure you go to someone who does lots of them. You are young, it's worth it in the long run. If you were 65 I would think twice. Btw, did you see my other post??? I lost you on FB and want you back but can't find you. Can you refriend me????

 

[Skippy123]

If the tooth is last one back, remove it and forget it. You won't need it. If it is further forward get the implant, but make sure you go to someone who does lots of them. You are young, it's worth it in the long run. If you were 65 I would think twice. Btw, did you see my other post??? I lost you on FB and want you back but can't find you. Can you refriend me????

aww, I missed you; I was wondering why we weren't friends but then thought you might be strictly friends and family!!! seriously I enjoyed your family vacay pics!!! thanks about the tooth, my pocket seems to be healing a bit so not so much pain. now off to try and find you. eta: I found you; I found one of our msg's to each other!!! woot



Madelise, lol, it would have to be a front one to work but it is a back. I will save that idea for when it is a front tooth

 

[kenny]

my dentist really wanted to "save the tooth" (ever notice how this is really important to dentists?)

It's important to ME to save my teeth.
Every dentist should help every client save their teeth.

Ten, twenty, or forty years from now I'll be glad I have as much original tooth material as possible exactly so I don't have to get implants or dentures.
Fillings and crowns don't last forever and every time they are replaced more natural tooth must be drilled away to provide a good fresh anchor for the new restoration.

Conserving as much of each tooth with each dental procedure throughout your lifetime means that tooth can accommodate more fillings, crowns, supporting posts, etc in the future.

My goal is to take all my teeth to the grave, so I go through a lot of trouble brush and flossing thoroughly every day and getting cleanings and check ups at least twice a year.

I know people who don't take care of their teeth and they insist having dentures is genetic, so why bother?
I say, why not fight back and keep your original choppers as long as possible?

 

[partgypsy]

I have a dental implant. It cost over 5K, for the oral surgeon and dentist parts, and I had dental insurance (however, insurance only covered about $100 for pulling the tooth, nothing else.). So if you can do it for less, that's great!

In my situation, my tooth hurt, and they saw that it had a crack extending the length of the tooth. Since the crack extended to below the gumline, there was apparently nothing they could do to save the tooth at that point. And getting a bridge would require shaving down and weakening two healthy teeth, so neither the dentist or oral surgeon recommended that.
Did you ask your dentist if the crack extended to below the gum line? If it does, start saving for an implant.

Though it was a pain and super expensive (and my gum has receded , so I need to floss more in that spot) I would say it's worth it. The oral surgeon did say they don't last forever. They are not sure how long exactly (10, 15 years?), but at some point it probably will need to be redone.

 

[ponder]

I have seen perfectly healthy implants that were originally placed in the early 80's. 10-15 years is an extremely conservative estimate for the life span of an implant. If you take care of them, they will take care of you.

Kenny, could you please start a motivational speaking tour on oral health? Unfortunately, IMHE, about half the population does not agree with you. And their dentist does care more about their teeth than they do. But I guess people vary.

 

[Skippy123]

I have a dental implant. It cost over 5K, for the oral surgeon and dentist parts, and I had dental insurance (however, insurance only covered about $100 for pulling the tooth, nothing else.). So if you can do it for less, that's great!

In my situation, my tooth hurt, and they saw that it had a crack extending the length of the tooth. Since the crack extended to below the gumline, there was apparently nothing they could do to save the tooth at that point. And getting a bridge would require shaving down and weakening two healthy teeth, so neither the dentist or oral surgeon recommended that.
Did you ask your dentist if the crack extended to below the gum line? If it does, start saving for an implant.

Though it was a pain and super expensive (and my gum has receded , so I need to floss more in that spot) I would say it's worth it. The oral surgeon did say they don't last forever. They are not sure how long exactly (10, 15 years?), but at some point it probably will need to be redone.

The dentist and the oral surgeon can not see it at all. There is a pocket where the gum separates from the tooth so that is an indication there is a hairline crack. I am very diligent at keeping it clean. When it starts hurting I call the dentist and they clean it out; I know gross tmi, but they want me to see if I can handle it without getting an implant. The pocket has improved some. I have no cavities what so ever so I know they won't do a bridge for the same reasons you stated.

I think the implant is a last resort sort of thing now understanding all consequences; I thought why don't they do it in the 1st place?? Now I understand and grasp all the reasoning that it is a last resort sort of thing. I rather be diligent as I was informed with other problems I could have with implants.

anyway, I ditto Kenny on flossing daily, and brushing teeth vs the alternative.

 

[ponder]

I have a dental implant. It cost over 5K, for the oral surgeon and dentist parts, and I had dental insurance (however, insurance only covered about $100 for pulling the tooth, nothing else.). So if you can do it for less, that's great!

In my situation, my tooth hurt, and they saw that it had a crack extending the length of the tooth. Since the crack extended to below the gumline, there was apparently nothing they could do to save the tooth at that point. And getting a bridge would require shaving down and weakening two healthy teeth, so neither the dentist or oral surgeon recommended that.
Did you ask your dentist if the crack extended to below the gum line? If it does, start saving for an implant.

Though it was a pain and super expensive (and my gum has receded , so I need to floss more in that spot) I would say it's worth it. The oral surgeon did say they don't last forever. They are not sure how long exactly (10, 15 years?), but at some point it probably will need to be redone.

The dentist and the oral surgeon can not see it at all. There is a pocket where the gum separates from the tooth so that is an indication there is a hairline crack. I am very diligent at keeping it clean. When it starts hurting I call the dentist and they clean it out; I know gross tmi, but they want me to see if I can handle it without getting an implant. The pocket has improved some. I have no cavities what so ever so I know they won't do a bridge for the same reasons you stated.

I think the implant is a last resort sort of thing now understanding all consequences; I thought why don't they do it in the 1st place?? Now I understand and grasp all the reasoning that it is a last resort sort of thing. I rather be diligent as I was informed with other problems I could have with implants.

anyway, I ditto Kenny on flossing daily, and brushing teeth vs the alternative.

Skippy, your next question to your dentist should be " why did my tooth crack? ". Healthy teeth just don't crack for no reason. If the tooth does not have a large filling or issues with gum disease, you should discuss the possibility that you clench and grind your teeth. I have seen many healthy teeth lost to a preventable cause.

 

[ponder]

Sorry Skippy, I just remembered that the tooth was root canal treated which weakens the tooth, and fracture is not uncommon.

 

[Skippy123]

Sorry Skippy, I just remembered that the tooth was root canal treated which weakens the tooth, and fracture is not uncommon.

thanks, yeah I guess it happens? they said to just keep it as clean as possible, showed me how to tie a knot in floss and to get to the pocket, gave me picks and sulca (sp?) brush too.

 

[ponder]

Sorry Skippy, I just remembered that the tooth was root canal treated which weakens the tooth, and fracture is not uncommon.

thanks, yeah I guess it happens? they said to just keep it as clean as possible, showed me how to tie a knot in floss and to get to the pocket, gave me picks and sulca (sp?) brush too.

keeping it clean will help, but eventually it will start hurting and not stop. I hate for people to wait until it gets to that point because it always seems like that happens at least convenient time possible. Like on vacation, on a holiday, or even on the weekend when the dentist is not in. I would recommend preparing financially and beginning treatment before the pain forces you to act. And yes, it is a sulca brush.

 

[Skippy123]

Sorry Skippy, I just remembered that the tooth was root canal treated which weakens the tooth, and fracture is not uncommon.

thanks, yeah I guess it happens? they said to just keep it as clean as possible, showed me how to tie a knot in floss and to get to the pocket, gave me picks and sulca (sp?) brush too.

keeping it clean will help, but eventually it will start hurting and not stop. I hate for people to wait until it gets to that point because it always seems like that happens at least convenient time possible. Like on vacation, on a holiday, or even on the weekend when the dentist is not in. I would recommend preparing financially and beginning treatment before the pain forces you to act. And yes, it is a sulca brush.

Ponder, are you a dentist? or did you have it done? long story but I actually got an infection where I needed oral surgery so the person that did the root canal, the Endodontist took his microscope and said he saw nothing but he and my dentist talked. They both use to teach at the University and they felt it had an hairline crack because of the pocket. If you are a dentist I would love to hear more thoughts on it. oh on, cost, I am prepared if I need it. I think it will cost between 3-5k. I guess I wear this screw and then they put on some cover, but they won't know until they took the tooth off. The person my dentist recommended does them all the time, in fact he is popular so I would have to wait a few months anyway. If it does really bother me then I will have it done for sure. I don't like mouth pain.

 

[Beacon]

It seems like I am supposed to have a dental implant and I am scared about it. Reading this thread it seems like they are not really that great? Hard for me to evaluate.

I go tomorrow morning for a consult. What things should I look out for and ask. Brrrr, I'm getting scared thinking about it. I wish I wasn't like this