I already posted this elsewhere, but I thought it would garner more attention in its own topic. Sorry for the redundancy. (Also, will light/liquid eating and minimal talking help, and what is an averageprice for a frontal tooth implant? I'm pretty helpless right now, just depressed...)
Well, I am 23 next month and it seems that for my birthday, I shall receive one less front tooth...It feels loose, and has a dead, foreign feel. I'm almost 100% sure the sucker is not long for this world and I don't know what I should do.
Assuming it is somehow able to be saved at this point, what would be the best to do?
And assuming it will not be saved, what should I do? I heard that after a tooth falls out, the gums close up where the tooth had once been. I also heard that there are fake teeth that can be permanently inserted in place of the original tooth, but assuming both of what I've heard is true, I'd only have a set window of opportunity to magically come up with the payment for the false tooth before the gums closed (is this true?).
So, is there anything I can do to prevent the gums from closing up, and how much would such a fake tooth cost?
If the suggestions are pricey, I'll still like the information, but also suggest the cheapest methods if possible.
Please guys.
Good luck to us all!
P.S, also, Advark is seemingly gone and without any way to contact him. He really knew his stuff it seemed and I'd like to contact him in any way possible for advice, so if anyone also has his info please pass it along to me, thanks!
Random, there's a lot of good advice on these threads from the members here that is preventative, or beneficial to make the gums healthy again.
Only a dentist can evaluate the tooth well enough to answer if if could be saved. To replace it, the options are a bridge, where they grind down the 2 good teeth next to it, and you end up with three false teeth, or an implant, both expensive procedures.
Here's an article that gives a link to dental schools (discounts). Don't know where you're located, but I'd look into that for sure! Good luck!
Quote:
Typical costs:
Basic implants are $1,250-$3,000 each, but the total cost can escalate to $15,000-$30,000 depending on location, complexity and the need for bone or gum restoration work, according to DentalResources.com.Many dentists provide financing because most insurance doesn't cover implants.
What should be included:
For those missing one or more teeth, a titanium screw or post is surgically implanted into the bone of the jaw. AboutCosmeticDentistry.com describes three basic types of implant procedures. Implantation requires a full surgical team and healing may take three to six months. Once the area is healed, a crown is placed on the implant. The implant is considered permanent; the crown may be replaced as needed over the years.
Additional costs:
Get a detailed quote covering the cost of the surgery (including anesthesia), the post and the crown, whether more than one implant or crown is needed and the possible use of synthetic bone material during surgery, and whether all office visits or X-rays are included in the estimate.
Discounts:
Dental colleges may offer reduced rates for implants done by faculty members in a teaching situation; DentalSite.com lists school locations.
The American Dental Association lists state dental societies, which sometimes provide partial payment of dental fees for low-income patients.
Shopping for dental implants:
A prosthodontist specializes in restorative treatments, including implants. Any graduate of an accredited dental school can perform these procedures; some states allow dentists to list themselves as prosthodontists without any additional training beyond regular dental college. However, most prosthodontists complete a three-year program in this specialty. If they pass a four-part examination are board certified. Ask about your doctor's training, or check with the American College of Prosthodontists to search for a certified specialist in your area.
__________________ "In wilderness I sense the miracle of life, and behind it our scientific accomplishments fade to trivia" ~Charles A. Lindberg~