Mind the Gap!
I have been a patient of Dr Guys for close on 10 years. Loyal to the root since I found him. Having a fairly decent set of chompers I wish to keep my 'Pearly Whites' fully intact, and forever smiling, as I grew up with the phrase; "your teeth are your crowning glory, dear." I also like to chew and taste every meaty morsel of my food. Being the losing side of 40 er-ish (wink) a liquid diet is not an option, and I wish to stave off drinking from a straw for a little while longer (please).
But an infected/abscess forming tooth had me literally pre-molaring to Dr Guy's surgery - thankfully, an instant, no hassle, same day appointment - no waiting, no bothersome queues...hmm...timing was on my side. His fully equipped, pristine/dust free surgery - eat off the floor...and the warmth and efficiency from everyone on board at this 'Star Ship Dental Centre' is not only reassuring, but warming as well.
An in-depth symptom discussion, Xray/look-see allowed for precise analysis that was again, incredibly efficient, explaining the options/exploring the possibilities. Tooth dead. Burial options summarised. Financial debates with oneself. Certainly an extraction for me leaving a Terry Thomas style of 'Mind The Gap' proportions was not an option. Vanity having it's way. So, with the other 'less than desirable' and 'not always on a winning horse' outcome with a teetering longevity of a possible root canal and crown alternative hanging out in the stalls, it was a no-brainer to head straight for the finishing post with a decision for a more 'permanent' implant. And this decision did not come straight from the horse trainer's mouth. No Siree.
In the end, logically, for me, weighing up the difference in having a root canal/crown versus an implant, if you are going to pay 'so much' for something that 'may' not even suit your mouth metal, perhaps your immune system is questionable, your tolerance level (I could go on) and then finding after 10 years or sadly, much less you are back in the chair having another financial debate with yourself because the root canal had re-infected. So, where do you then go? Have another painful journey down the Khyber Pass Canal?? Therefore, why not just cut to the chase and spend that 'bit' more (okay, the entire cost isn't cheap, but neither is a root canal and crown) to settle your gums for the next 20 years plus (er, like I say, I'm 40 ish…emphasis on the ish), with the knowledge that you could have a stable tooth (implant) installed for life (or the remainder of) rather than pussy footing around with a cheaper alternative that you 'possibly could' have problems with. Penny wise, pound foolish at the end of the day never saved anyone anything - let alone agony. So, what can I say? I am extremely happy with my decision and my mouth, and needless to say my gums are smiling pretty as well. Thank you for your time and energy.