Implant 101

[texas2step]

Dear DDS,

I am a heart patient with stents and am on meds and Plavix.  I am scheduled to have 3 Implants on Wednesday (11, 5, 29)

I have heard Implants are easier than having a tooth pulled.

1.  Is this true? I am concerend about getting all three done at one time and do not want added stress on the heart.  I will be having a local with an oral Surgeon.

2.   Is there a lot of discomfort?   Bleeding?  (was told I did not have to get off my Plavix)  

3.  Is it easier to do a mandibular (#29) Implant than the maxillary, one's ?).

4.  The second step to Implants is an abutment.  I understand this can take 4 weeks to 6 months to place.   Do you know approx cost of these abutments?   I have asked and no one knows the price...(done by a periodontist or a prostedontist or a general DDS)

5.  Crowns (final step)  Forgive my wording but I was told they use Procelain fused to metal but some of this silver metal will be showing. Is all porcelain better so you do not have to taste this metal?  Can metal be dangerous? What are the strongest crowns to take in bite force?

Thanks for you help, doctor, in my concerns?

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

I will try to answer all your questions. Firstly , generally the placements of the implants are not very traumatic. There can be swelling and post op discomfort. I think that the bleeding should not be an issue and I am sure the oral surgeon is well aware of your medical problems and taking them into consideration.I do not place implants so it would be difficult to give you an opinion as to which is more difficult. If you are tired during the procedure and are awake you can tell the doctor you had enough and proceed with another implant at another visit.The fees vary from one part of the country to another but I would say is that you should DEFINITELY know the fees before the procedure is done. Lastly, the metals are not dangerous and are usually of a high noble type with no ill effects to you. The dentist also has the option to place all porcelain crowns which are very strong. Your dentist should give you the pros and cons for each. Good luck!

[texas2step]

for this information.