Ryan Falke, DDS

The general rule of thumb for me and my patients is if you can save the tooth and are able to get at least a few years out of it, that's the route I would suggest. If saving the tooth is not an option or it is likely to fail very soon after restoration, we talk about extraction and implant placement. Implants are the best option only if a tooth has a poor prognosis or cannot be saved. 

Best of luck with this tooth!

There are a lot of things that determinate cost for implants. An image is where to start, in my office we take a CT scan to eval for implants as it gives me a 3D image to evaluate the bone levels and determine optimal implant sizing. If bone graft is required, there is a fee for that. Implants have 3 parts, the actual implant which replaces the root of the tooth, the abutment which attaches the implant to the crown and the crown to replace the tooth. For everything you are typically looking at $4000 - $6000 per tooth. 

I know this is a large investment but keep in mind that an implant is as close to a natural tooth as you can get. If you are taking care of your oral hygiene, not smoking and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and maintenance implants can last you as long as a natural tooth. 

Best of luck!

It sounds like the implant supported crown has chipped. I would recommend calling your general dentist who made the crowns for you and scheduling a follow up with them, they may be able to do a repair on the crown, or they may recommend a new crown is made. Crowns don't last forever so it is possible for it to chip, just like a natural tooth can chip or fracture. 

Good luck!!

The oral surgeon who placed the implant is usually the one who will uncover the implant and place the healing abutment. The healing abutment is in place for 1-2 weeks to allow the gum tissue to heal so you can get the best fitting abutment and crown from your general dentist. I understand the desire to get the crown done ASAP, those flippers are no fun, but it is better to wait 2 extra weeks and make sure it's done right. 

Best of luck!

Typically I allow patients to heal for 4-6 months after surgery before placing dental implants. I do follow my patients closely so I can monitor the healing and we can place implants as soon as they are ready. I recommend having a consultation done by the doctor who will be placing the implants sooner rather than later so that they can help guide you along that timeline. I recommend having implants placed by an oral surgeon or periodontist who is specially trained on implant placements. Your general dentist will be resorting the implants (placing the crowns) for you after the implants have healed. 

Best of luck!