Thanks. Most of the Implant & Crown package deals that I've seen in my local newspaper (For ~$1500) are being offered by general dentists (DDS) and not oral surgeons (FACS). I've read that some general dentists (DDS) can perform the operation if they take special classes (Beyond their undergraduate level dental school training) but that level of education and experience is a poor second compared to that of an oral surgeon (FACS) who has to attend (Residency) years of graduate level dental surgery school in order to perform the operation in the best possible way and to be able to handle any complications that may arise ->
http://thedentalimplantguide.org/den...-a-specialist/. The oral surgeon that my dentist referred me to is also an associate professor at the Columbia University School of Dentistry - She is knowlegeable and skilled enough to teach other dentists. That would explain her high fee ($2000 just to perform the implant surgery alone with no crown included - My regular dentist (DDS) will take care of making the crown for $1000). Now I have to weigh both sides of the dilemma - Spend more money ($3000) to get the entire thing done right or spend half the amount ($1500) and take a chance that something goes wrong (During and/or post operation in the years to later come). I have to come up with a decision soon, as any delay will adversly affect my oral health (I still have a big gapping hole in the right side of my mouth!
BTW - I found an interesting video that shows what is involved in an implant operation (Warning: Graphic details involved) ->
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04ZpA9vWE8w
