dental implant experience - molar replacement

Lost my back molar because of a failed root canal that cracked the tooth. Had to get it extracted and then decided on an implant rather than a bridge.

First up - they extracted the dead tooth and let it heal for 3 months. Just had a gap back there. Annoying but whatever.

Then the implant surgery. They drill a hole in your jaw bone (sounds terrifying, I know) and screw in a titanium post. Local anesthesia so I was awake but couldn't feel anything. Just lots of pressure and drilling sounds. Took about 45 mins.

Healing after that was like... fine? Sore for a few days. Couldn't eat on that side for a week. Took ibuprofen. Not that dramatic honestly.

THEN you wait ANOTHER 3-4 months for the implant to fuse with your bone. So yeah this whole process takes forever. During this time I had a healing cap thing sticking out of my gum. Could feel it with my tongue constantly which was annoying.

Finally after that waiting period, they attached the crown (fake tooth). Took impressions, made the crown, screwed it on. Done.

Now I have a tooth again. Can't tell it's fake. Chews normally. It's been a year and no issues.

The whole process took like 8 months from extraction to finished tooth. Long journey but worth it for a permanent solution.