Dental Implants

Be careful about putting price before competence. I had some implants botched by an incompetent dental surgeon, and they caused me no end of trouble (and considerable additional expense).

Better to spend the extra for an excellent dental surgeon. The dentist to whom I went after becoming disillusioned with my previous dentist (the one who sent me to the incompetent dental surgeon) sent me to Dr. William Weber, 41 East 57th St., Suite 1204 NYC 10022,
(212) 593-0303. Dr. Weber managed to insert two new implants in the limited space next to the ones which the previous dental surgeon had screwed up (they were put in at the wrong angle, so that the crowns which were inserted into the implants kept snapping off when I tried to chew). That was not easy, and he did a truly excellent job. He was also very pleasant to deal with (although not inexpensive).

Subject: Re: Dental Implants

chachacheech wrote: I am in need of an implant and I am wondering if anyone had one and how
much did it cost and where was it done? I would be willing to travel to save money.

There is a two-fold cost to dental implants. The first is the cost of the implant itself: between $1000 and $1500 per implant. A good surgeon (mine was done by a periodontist) will do the implant first, then wait 6 months for it to take. During this time, you'll have a cheap and cheerful temporary crown. Once it takes, you'll need the porcelain crown - another $1200 or so.

I recommend NEVER skimping on dental work. Most dentists/perios/endos take credit cards or are willing to work out a payment plane. ONLY go to a specialist. You're in for months of pain, expense and trouble having it done by a regular dentist.

You can also check out NYU Dental School. During certain times of year, their student dentists do implants, under the watchful eye of a senior dentist. I know several people who have had this done, and are very happy with their results. I think it's about 2/3 of the price of a regular dentist.

I had an implant done, and again support everyone else's comments. don't skimp!!!

Had mine done by Dr. Kim, who works with Dr. Weber listed above. He was lovely, and I'm a basketcase at the dentist.

Dr. Michael Zidile in Brooklyn Heights does Implants.