Dental Implant - Yay or Nay?

[HearMeSnore]

Backstory:

I have a cracked molar. Went to get it filled last week and was in a lot of pain afterwards, much worse than you'd expect after a filling. Went back to the dentist, who suspected there might be more damage below the gum which wasn't visible on the X-ray. She did an OPG scan but couldn't give me the result then and there so sent me home with amoxicillin and an appointment to go back the next day. She warned that I might need a root canal, or possibly an extraction.
Went back the next day to learn that the OPD showed both roots are fractured sideways. Root canal is not an option - it has to come out, and because the tooth is in bits it needs to be a surgical extraction with the senior surgeon. Couldn't be done immediately so I was sent home again, this time with metronidazole to take alongside the amoxicillin. And just because nothing is ever straightforward, I've been advised that if I'd like an implant to replace the tooth, I'd be much better off getting it done at the same time as the extraction (I don't know when that will be yet).
Now, I'm swaying towards an implant to avoid future problems with my bite alignment, the upper tooth dropping etc... but given that I never seem to have a straightforward time of it I'm nervous about complications. The implant nurse is very confident that it won't cause me problems and this is the best way to go... but then she would say that, wouldn't she?

Also, despite all the antibiotics and all the OTC painkillers I'm allowed, I'm still in considerable pain...and now I'm having some horrid side effects (D&V). I could really do with this whole episode being over ASAP.

So, I'm after some advice from anyone who's had implants. Is it worth it? Do they cause any problems? If I can get an earlier appointment for the extraction if I don't have the implant, I'd be tempted. But I'm told if I change my mind in future and want an implant it'll be a much bigger undertaking- I don't have a lot of bone to play with in that area and there'll be even less once the tooth is gone and it heals over. We're talking a major bone graft (not to mention having to remortgage!)

Will be calling the surgery as soon as they open today.

The only thing they might do at the first session is put the screw into your jaw - it has to then ‘bed in’ for six months before you get the actual tooth so you’ll have a gap (although I’ve heard you can have a temporary bridge I think if you want - I didn’t though).

Mine is great and causes me no problems. The whole procedure cost about £1300 (incl sedation etc)

They can’t do anything about an implant for 3-6 months after the extraction. I’ve just had the bone drilled and the ‘root’ put in. Now I have to wait three months for the gum and bone to really heal before the next stage. None of it has been painful. I have friends who have implants and they are all very pleased with them. However, you are correct, they cost a fortune.

Which tooth is it? Can you see the gap when you smile? Is it in the middle of two teeth or at the very back?

It's at the very back. It doesn't show when I smile. From an aesthetic point of view I'd happily do without it, but I suspect the feeling of there being nothing there will be disconcerting. Also, I'm concerned about the tooth next to it moving once it's gone, and the tooth above having nothing to bite down on.

If you already have bone loss, it may be a waste of money. Do you have periodontal disease?
Bone loss is an ongoing thing and won't stop because you have an implant, it will just make it harder to treat.

If it's at the back and you can't see it then just leave it. I have 2 gaps at the back due to crazy roots on a wisdom tooth and I haven't had any issues in 20 years.

Thanks for the advice. Have spoken to the surgery and the tooth is coming out today. I've said I'd like the implant at the same time if possible. The surgeon is going to assess the situation once the tooth is out and will go ahead with the first stage of the implant only if the bone is up to it.

I will not be heartbroken if it can't happen. Right now my big concern is getting the bugger out. Last night I was close to taking a chisel to it.

Following because I'm in exactly the same situation as you. I really hope your appointment went well today and you're in less pain. What have you decided to do next?

I love mine. It took around 9 months to a year to complete (including removal of a broken tooth, bone graft, peg and implant, but it was totally worth it. I had a temporary tooth so no gap for months.

All done. The bone was fine so he went ahead and put the implant in. Still numb at the moment so I'm enjoying some pain free time before the anaesthetic wears off. At least when it does I'll know the pain is all in a good cause this time!

I had an extraction and implant done in one session, the oral surgeon checked that the bone looked ok and there was no infection and then proceeded to do the implant. It was fine, quite a long session but no problem. I have not had any problems at all, if feels very natural.