adult tooth extraction
I was recently advised that I have a fractured tooth & it needs to be extracted. And then I should either get an implant or a bridge. At this point, I'm inclined towards an implant. Tt sounds like a many months long experience as the tooth has to be pulled, bone grafting may be necessary, then it has to heal, then the implant placed, then a crown after it heals. That's more or less the timeline as I understand it. To complicate things, I'm starting a new job in a few weeks & my dental insurance will chance. Which doesn't cover the oral surgeon to whom I was referred. I was also told some dental insurance may have a pre-existing exclusion for implants. So, although it may not be the best medical decision, I need to defer proceeding until my new coverage starts to begin this lengthy process or I may be faced with a lot of out of pocket expenses. Looking for practical advice & suggestions from others who have gone through a tooth extraction & implant as well as oral surgeon referrals. I'm also concerned I may have to change my dentist because she might not be a provider on the new insurance. So also looking for feedback on Direct Dental insurance & any dentists & oral surgeons that are covered under this plan. I live in Berkeley & will be working in SF. Thanks!
Parent Replies
I just went through this! Please feel free to email me at gretchen_davidson [at] yahoo.com and we can talk.
I faced the same decision 17 years ago in my early 40s. I chose the bridge and never have regretted it. It was fast and nearly painless.
Sorry that you're going through this - been there, I know how painful it is. First of all, I opted to just have the tooth pulled. No implant because I was concerned about rejection of the bone graft and complications (I'm complications prone). Also opted no bridge because that damages the teeth on either side that anchor it. So if this tooth is a molar, maybe best to let it go. BUT if you decide to pursue either of those paths (certainly if it's in the front you'd want an implant), yes, wait til you have all new insurance and provider info. From what I understand, though, insurance will not pay for transplants and only partially for bridges.
I had a tooth implant done a couple of years ago by Dr. Bedrossian in San Francisco http://www.sfimplants.com/ (who was referred to me by my well trusted Dentist). I had a good experience with him, it went routinely - you could tell he does these day in and day out like clockwork. I was a little nervous about the whole thing, but the procedure wasn't that bad. In general an implant is expensive even with insurance though (at least, it was with my insurance). You'd have to call to see if they take your specific insurance. Good luck!
I can recommend Dr. Hany Attia of San Leandro Oral Surgery--He is great! My daughter has had two oral surgeries at his office and everyone there are caring, attentive and knowledgeable. 510-969-8286. 433 Estudillo Ave., #306 in San Leandro.
I recently had a tooth extracted and bone graft done (in the South Bay so I can't help with dentist recommendations). You have to wait between the graft and implant work for the area to heal. I had the graft done in Oct or November and will not have the implant done until March. The issue with waiting to extract the tooth may be infection. I also waited and when I finally had it extracted there was some infection. If possible I would recommend having the tooth extracted and grafting done (it is done at the same time) before you start your new job so you don't risk infection.