SJ CR III

HERE IT IS...FRIDAY MORNING
and I am free of the dental tourism bit.  All I have to do is to comply with the follow-up instructions (pills, mouthwashes, diet rules, and etc.,)  The procedure went really smoothly, and was much easier than I had anticipated.

I had my first implant done by my brother who, until several years ago, had been the first Professor of Prosthodontics at Sydney University School of Dentistry, and was largely responsible for the introduction of implant practice in New South Wales, Australia.  That was 28 years ago and that single implant has given not trouble through all that time!  He must have been OK at it as he recently received one of the high honors from the Australian Government for the work he has done with Veterans in this area. Certainly, not just by doing that work but by keeping me up to date with his professional interest, I have great confidence in this aspect of dentistry.  Much thanks to him!

So I knew generally what to expect but things went even better.  Dr. Wong, the oral surgeon, did not however sing to the music although he did hum along occasionally. Also, he took some nice photos and sent two on to me.  If you do not mind looking into my mouth, here they are.

Implants 

This one shows the three implant about to be screwed down into the holes drilled into my jaw.  Dr. Wong did this using a surgical guide to ensure accurate position.  The drilling requires several passes, each a little wider, using a slow drill irrigated with chilled water.  This to prevent heating and destroying the surrounding bone.  Once they are fully inserted the bone will begin to heal around them, treating the titanium of which they are constructed as if bone.  The surface of the implants is specially treated to encourage this process so that, in about four or so months' time, each implant will have become integral with the surrounding bone.  Very cool indeed!

Healing Caps

Once properly in place, he then screwed on healing caps to protect this process. In December, I will return for the final work.  This involves removal of the caps, attachment of special abutments means of screws. Crowns, to make it all look like regular teeth, will then be glued to the abutments.  All I have to done is to take good care of the site to ensure no infection of the wound.

I had thought that it would have been two implants and a bridge. However, the local oral surgeon surgeon who extracted the tooth next to the incisor had done such a good bone graft that good bone density was assured. Although the extra implant adds a little to the overall cost, I consider that this will be cost effective and a sounder restorative approach.

So there you have it. I am forced to confine myself to eating icecream, yogurt, smoothies, and the like for today and soft solids tomorrow.  No alcoholic drinks until tomorrow evening (had to forego the Jamesons last night), so that is when I will truly give thanks.  In the meantime, many thanks Costa Rica Dental Team.