13 months ago I had a crowned front tooth break off. I had a snaggle tooth left in the middle of my face. Not sure if you know this, but we were living on the road moving around. I went to a dentist in Alabama to see what my options were. I decided to go with the implant.
First step was getting the broken part removed. When my appointment day came, the didn't remove the tooth because that day my blood pressure was high. This was a new issue. So I didn't reschedule because we were due to move.
Next stop in Florida I started the process all over. I got the broken piece out. They made me what they called a flipper for a stopgap fix. And to let the gum socket heal.
I gagged big time with that flipper tooth. I had to remove it to eat. My speech was different because the portion that rests against the roof of your mouth prevents your tongue from being in the same position for speech as you have done the rest of your life.
I then got the implant base inserted in my jaw bone. It takes 2 months to heal. They take a lot of xrays to make sure everything is progressing well. I had a temp tooth screwed in while the final implant tooth was being made. You can't bite with your front teeth during this time. I cut my food and put it in my mouth, placing the fork near my molars.
My first final tooth the screw stud was too short. So they had to remake it. Finally got the permanent tooth inserted for good.
During this time (several months), I got 2 additional needed root canals done. I don't have insurance. I did purchase some sort of discount plan. That saved me a few hundred dollars. My total cost was several thousands of dollars. But it was necessary. It's over and I don't have any issues like I had before.
When I brush my teeth, the new tooth still feels weird after several months. I don't know if it will ever feel real. When it was a crown, it felt like 1 of my other teeth. This one doesn't give the sensation of being there. So when I brush that area it feels like the tooth is still missing. It's not a big deal. It's just something I have to get use to.
I'm glad I finally got all my issues addressed. I'm thrilled that it's all done at this point. Probably the only good thing about having to wear a mask was I was able to go out with my missing tooth and not have to deal with the insecurities of looking like a homeless person.
