G-Mac:
I can feel your pain...I go in for the installation of my posts (I"m getting 2 implants side-by-side) next Monday. Mrs. Double-O had her own implants (2) done earlier this year. Our Oral Surgeon is very good, and very up front about the options available. I briefly considered the bridge, but when he said that it would be clipped to the tooth with the crown, well, that did it for me as I did not want to risk any damage to an already compromised tooth. If money is an issue, many dental schools offer reasonably priced dental care that is performed by students under their teacher's supervision. I've known more than a few people who went that route and were very pleased with the results. Also, here in the Great State of Texas, many go south to Mexico for more reasonably priced dental care, and again, I've never heard of anyone who was dissatisfied. While Mexico may be a stretch for you travel wise, how about Canada? Would that be a viable option for you?
Best of luck,
Dave