Thank you all for your posts. I've learned a bunch already. Can anyone advise me how to be a 'smart consumer' when discussing risks with the oral surgeon? What do I want to know? Are there certain implanted devices that heal more easily than others? Is there any good counsel on how to approach the insurance company? or what to have the surgeon approach them with??

Is the ORN risk as high on the upper jaw? I can't really swallow, so the teeth are mostly for appearance. I miss my teeth! (I think the doc who pulled them has an insider deal with the tooth fairy...) Any additional info would be greatly appreciated. Be strong. Tom