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In reply to the discussion: Has anyone here had a tooth (molar) implant before? [View all]Ms. Toad
(34,069 posts)My tooth resorbed itself so there was a great big hollow space inside - since there were no external signs and it was painless, it was too far gone to try a root canal by the time I got my dentist to look for something wrong (I had told him the tooth felt fragile, but couldn't describe it in a way that triggered anything concrete, and it was just off the edge of the X-rays).
I've got two root canals. I'd prefer to keep my own teeth - but an implant is the next best thing. By now the color is a hair off but otherwise I can't tell it from my own teeth.
The length of the process varies depending on whether you have to have a bone graft. I was lucky enough not to need one, but with bone loss you'll probably need a graft - making it a two-step process for the implant itself. Then more steps for the crown (the tooth-like part).
The extraction was partly covered (if I remember correctly). Because I didn't have bone loss the implant was done the same time the extraction was. The implant wasn't covered (but a partial denture would have been). The crown was covered to the same extent every other crown would be - under my insurance that's 50%.
Not good timing for you, but I was able to spread mine over two plan years to maximize the payment (since there's a pretty low cap on a lot of dental work). I had the extraction in one year & the crown the next.