Hi

First let me start by saying how sorry I am that you have to go through this. I been going through sort of similar dental problem recently and I know how hard it is.
The toughest part is all the uncertainty. Trying to make the best decision, what to do, choosing the right doctors to do it. It’s really stressful - not to mention the fact that you’re dealing with the dental pain.

The fact that you have osteoporosis & I’m not sure what RSD is - may complicate things but this is my experience.

I had a molar extraction and did a bridge. (On my bottom jaw)The bridge was fine for 10 years. Recently one of the anchor teeth developed decay and the recommendation was to extract it. I was told bridges fail, but implants last a lifetime and I probably should have done that in the first place rather than destroy 2 healthy teeth to create a bridge.
Also, to attach a bridge to a root canal tooth makes the bridge more vulnerable in the future because that root canal tooth isn’t as strong.

I have now removed the bridge (my dentist was able to cut it and preserve one of the crowns - saving me $3,000). I extracted the decayed tooth, we did a bone graft there and placed the post for an implant in the place when the molar was (since that tooth was extracted 10 years ago, the bone was strong enough to not need a graft).
It’s a total of 8 month process for extracted tooth . 4 months for bone graft, then put in post and wait 4 more months for post to integrate before putting in the implant. I have no idea what a short implant is - but I’ve met with a number of well respected surgeons (The one I chose also teaches at one of the best dental schools) and they all have given me the same time line. I know of surgeons that have done it in less time - but I was told that this is not a good idea and speed is not what you want - the surgeon may want $ right away without having to wait himself the total 8 months.


10 years ago the cost was very similar for bridge or implant. I was very uncomfortable with the idea of putting something in my jaw so I went with the bridge.
Today the cost here in NY where I live is about $7,000 for the surgeon (1 extraction,1 bone graft, 2 implants+ I elected to have anesthesia which was $700).
The tooth which will be made by my prosthodontist will be another $3,000 per tooth.
My bridge 10 years ago cost me $6,000. Had I done the one implant in the first place it would have cost me less and saved me a lot of aggravation and pain.

The hardest part is assembling your team. You need to find really good people who can communicate with each other so that they create a treatment plan and all you have to do is show up (& pay of course&#128512.

The whole sinus lift thing is something I know nothing about (but it suggests your dealing with the top teeth). But it’s a surgery and you need be sure that it’s absolutely necessary and if you decide it is then you should speak to a few surgeons before you decide on one. I did a lot of research before choosing my dentist and surgeon. This is a big deal that you only want to go through once. The first time was not a big deal - but it’s the restoration that’s the big deal.
I’m 10 years older and you don’t want to have to fix something later on.

Good luck !!!