Am running this thread separate to my HNR that I’m planning, as I know it is a very specific issue that only interests a select group of people.
With enormous thanks to Fame here on TA, I contacted Dr Sucipto’s rooms from home via email on many occasions, asking about best treatment options etc. I also consulted my dental surgeon and my dentist at home in Geelong. I emailed Dr Sucipto a scan of an x-ray of the problem area – so he and I were both well prepared for my dental plan.
Vincente, in Dr S’s rooms, responds to all emails and makes appointments for you. His English is very good and having met him myself this week he is as delightful in person as he was on email!
So – on Wednesday I had my first check up with Dr S (and thank goodness Fame warned me about the dodgy street, dodgy building and dodgy reception area – my husband was ready to run a mile!). So through the doors into state of the art treatment room, more modern than my dentist at home! And met Dr S...what a lovely man!
He listened to my concerns about the “lying down” aspect of the procedure (I hate it....feels like I’m suffocating) and he worked out that since my implant was a molar on the lower jaw he could do it with me sitting almost upright...sounds like such a small thing but I was so relieved. Then he did an x-ray saying that he could see my jaw bone was very good and would not need the CT scan (so saved myself AUD100 there as x-ray was included in total quote). He was very happy with the density of my bone and said it was rare to see such a good strong one....shame my teeth aren’t as good! Lol!
He gave me 2 X anti-biotic tablets to take 2 hours before the procedure (which was yesterday – Friday), and due to my increased anxiety also gave me 1 X Xanax tab to take one hour before. Left his rooms feeling very confident.
So on Friday took tabs as instructed and by the time I got to the rooms I was feeling very relaxed (that Xanax is good stuff!).Into the treatment room right on time, and met by smiling faces that put me immediately at ease. Into the chair at the angle we agreed on, he explained that my face would be wiped a number of times with antispectic wipes, and then he would administer the local injections...this was done so gently, with him taking his time between each injection that I didn’t even feel them.
Once I was all numbed up the procedure began – seriously...I was beautifully “spaced out”, sitting up and feeling no pain. Over the next 15 minutes or so, he would drill a bit, small rest, drill a bit more etc. It wasn’t that really bad dentist drill noise either, more lower toned (and those who hate dentists will appreciate this info!!), there was pressure as he drilled down, but no twinges – nothing! He then asked if I would like to look at the implant before he put it in – it’s just under 1cm with half sheer and half with screw “thread”. Then in it went – he must have stitched me up but I kind of don’t remember that bit, and within 45 mins I was back out the door!! I was given anti-biotics (amoxycilllin sp?) and mouithwash but I had my own painkiller so didn’t need theirs.
I have been following his instructions, just had gelati for dinner (shame about that!), did an ice pack for 20 mins before bed and then had an early night.
Some blood on pillow this morning – but am feeling surprisingly “normal” – had cup of tea in which I dunked biscuits, had tabs and all is well. Am so happy and relieved today – can’t tell you how pleased I am!
Cost in Australia - AUD5000.....total cost with Dr Sucipto USD1700. I have paid a USD1000 deposit and will pay the rest when I return in late April to have the tooth made and attached to the implant.
Dr Sucipto is located at the Bali International Dental Centre, Jl Diponegoro 150, kompleks genteng biru A-32, Denpasar. His office phone is +62 361 222541, his office mobile is +6281338 466 585. The email is sucipto_angga@yahoo.com
I hope this report helps others – I couldn’t have done this without the help of other TAers, so am herewith responding in kind. Cheers!!
