Yep ONE!

I have one.

This is what I went through:

After spending thousands of $$$ on trying to save a molar (Root canals, crowns, hemisection etc) I decided to have the tooth pulled and go with an implant. I was lucky in that my wife was in the "business".

Off to the oral surgeon to have the gums around the tooth trimmed down (gingivual flap). Not too bad, a few stitches and a couple weeks to heal.
Next it was off to the dentist. She literally used an air drill to drill a pilot hole into the jaw bone. Then a small Ti appliance is inseted into a Ratchet.....yes like the the 1/4 inch jobber in your tool box....no kidding. The double sided bolt (for lack of a better description) is started slowly and increasing force is applied to screw this thing into your jaw bone. I can't tell you how uncomfortable it was to look up as my dentist used all her strength to do this. I was fine until I heard a cracking sound....in my jaw. Fuaaaa. She insisted it was fine. All in all, it wasn't that bad...well except for the cracking. What was that?
So, I go home with a nice bottle of Vicodin in case any pain rears it's head. Next day, fine...like nothing happened. Was I in the clear? Heh heh....the next (2nd) day I felt like I was kicked in the jaw by spiked steeltoes. The throbbing pain was endless. It lasted two or three more days.

In any case I feel this approach is superior to grinding two other teeth to accomodate a bridge. Implants typically last about 20 years and are relatively maitenance free.

Now do you remember when Morton Downey Jr. had his entire mouth done? Ouch!

Wow, Rick . .. very infomative post - thanks!

I'm guessing (hoping) that the "cracking" was a torque wrench popping. (?)

I hadn't thought about what a bridge does to the anchoring teeth . .hmmm.

Also, I thought implants typically lasted a lifetime. 20 years would put me at 59. (assuming the rest of me makes it that far.) . . .hmmm
At that point, (20years later) is "the fix" usually just the replacement "tooth"? It must be. After all, the dental implant anchors are screwed in, and the bone is supposed to grow into the Titanium.

Island,

The tooth part is really just like a Crown with a threaded insert (There may be different attachment styles now). This (tooth) piece can be replaced. It is subject to chipping and cracking just like a conventional porcelain crown, so Lifetime may or may not be accurate.

And hopefully in 20 years they'll be able to "grow" teeth for restoration. I heard they were pretty close to this...who knows. Just like an innoculation for preventing cavities.

Oh, I think the cracking was my jaw bone. :)

Sorry to hear about your 'pain' and loss Tabs. That sucks, especially knowing that it could have all been avoided despite that 'olive'.

I hate dentists. I was actually going to be a dentist; did the pre-school prep, perfect grades, even dated a gorgeous dental assistant. I went in for some 'on the job' pre-training/ work experience program and realized what a crappy job it really was.

I had the "Dr." thing on my mind; so I checked out radiology. Not for me either. So using the education that I'd already achieved, took up engineering. My choices were construction, oil'n gas or forestry. I picked construction. Go figure?

I have 3 personal friends who are dentist. They all hate it. No.1 in suicides of professions. Stare down the mouth all day at people who literally hate you or are scared of you.

Come to think of it; most people I work with either hate me or are scared of me too? Maybe I shoulda been a dentist?

Get well soon 'ol man.

Thanks Everybody...except Rick...geeezus U MEAN I GOT MORE PAIN TO GO THROUGH>>>>Ouuuuuuu I'mmmm gona be sick...Gimme the GAS PLEEEEEZE...

Well thanks Rick for the heads up...better to know ahead of time, than show up and be surprised.

BTW: Thats bin the SOP in my life..better to know ahead of time, than show up and be surprised.

Tabs,
I may be an (extreme) exception as some people have many teeth done with minimal pain. Just remember....Percocet and Vicodin, lots of Percocet and Vicodin. :D

Oh and BTW, I think a tooth implant is far superior to any other alternative. It's worth the minimal aggravation.