Delight that it’s finally completed!
So, back in June of 2022 I was at the dentist complaining about some pain in one of my molars. This molar had a root canal and crown done a while back and I didn’t think anything else could go wrong with that tooth but, apparently I was wrong! The opinion was that the root had cracked and the only remedy was an extraction.
This particular molar was the last one on the lower right side so it is kind of important for chewing so just an extraction is not the end of the story. The further recommendation is to get an implant and oh by the way start saving. My dentist gives me an estimate of around $3,500!
Step 1
Confirm the diagnosis by having a consult with a specialist and a panoramic X-ray. This happens on 2022/7/31 and sure enough the specialist agrees and recommends the implant as well. He makes a referal to Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery and the journey gets officially underway.
Step 2
I meet Maxillo on 2022/9/28. this appointment was delayed by some other health issues but I’m finally able to sit in the chair. I’m assigned an implant specialist and the first thing he does is another fancy X-ray just like in Step 1 even though I had that X-ray sent over to Maxillo. They want their own and up to date image. They too confirm that implant is the way to go and by the time I leave the office I have a detailed estimate of the cost and an appointment for the extraction.
Step 3
Extract the tooth – 2023/01/12. This is the least favourite of the steps. They are super professional and in exactly one hour, as per the estimate, it’s done. The tooth is extracted and the resulting “hole” is packed with bone graft material. Now I need to wait a minimum of 6 months for everything to heal and the bone graft material to take hold. After 2 weeks there is a quick checkup to make sure things are healing properly.
Step 4
Place the Implant – 2023/09/12
This is the post that they are going to screw into my jaw bone.
And to help them place it exactly there has been another hi-tech pano x-ray and the results are up on the screen in the procedure room.
Once the post is “implanted” a cap is put on the top and I’m on my way for another 3 month wait for this to heal up.
The next appointment is a quick visit for a “torque test” where they ensure the post is solidly in place by putting a torque wrench, a very small one, on the post and give it a twist to ensure it can handle the tooth being bolted on. At this point the Maxillo team has completed their work and I’m handed off back to my dentist. Why the two organizations? Turns out it’s a licensing thing that the oral surgeons can’t hold the two licensed required by the Manitoba Government to perform both type of work. Other provinces can, but not in Manitoba.
Step 5
On 2023/12/18 I’m back at my dentist’s office and they take impressions to send off to the lab to have my new tooth created. Impressions are made by biting into those huge metal trays filled with goop like play-doh except it hardens quite quickly and while this is happening you try to not choke. 🙂
Step 6
On 2024/01/09 the tooth is back from the lab, after an unexpected 2 week delay due to a parts shortage, and it’s time to install the finished product. And here it is!
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a photo from the top of the tooth where you would see a hole going straight down into the silver metal part. This is where they will insert a bolt and torque the tooth to the post. At this point there is another X-ray to ensure that the tooth is seated properly.
At this point things are looking good and the top of the tooth where the bolt went in is covered with dental material to finish the install. Some buffing and polishing and I’m done and the tooth is ready for use immediately.
It’s good to have it completed. A procedure that should have taken 9 months was extended due to my other health issues to 18 months. Steak dinner tonight. 🥩