Re: Root Canal - Front Tooth
"Lets say I go to the dental college for implants what is the basic cost difference?"
Depends on the school, typically its around 20-25% cheaper for the graduate programs. Undergrad 40-60%. If you feel comfortable with your current dentist, that is sometimes more important.
"If I am waiting 6 months for bone to grow back why do I need a bone graft?"
Bone does not grow back outside of its matrix, it will only fill in the hole of the missing tooth. A lot of times there is less than ideal bone in the anterior, so you may still need one to bulk out the bone. Since you JUST had the teeth extracted, chances are higher that you may not need a bone graft. Ask your dentist, he will make the measurements and be able to tell you after your bone has filled in.
"Braces aren't really a good option since I only have three teeth to straighten."
If that is what you want, then great. I would still personally go with invisiline, 3 teeth to straighten is a perfect case for that. However, that hinges on you liking the way the teeth look and just want them straight. If you do not like the appearance, veneers are better.
"I was reading about inplants and the procedure sounds or at least the wording seems invasive...extremely painful...like cutting the gums open...am I just reading too much into the process?"
Well, yes. Its a small/controlled incision, you will be numb, and the process usually only takes 15 minutes per implant. I am consistantly getting feedback from my implant patients who say that having an implant placed is easier and less painful than having the tooth removed.
"I think that long term cost effective treatment will be the implants. Oh and do you think just replacing tooth 14 is enough or should I look at both 14 and 15? Thanks."
Unless the patient is very young, and the second molar is the only tooth being replaced, I do not recommend having an implant there. 80% of your chewing is done at the first molar forward. You will have great functional capacity with only #14 replaced. The cost is not worth the benefit, especially with everything else you are spending.
Good luck with your treatment!