By Leanne.
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I was in my late 50s and had been anxious for years about how to ‘fix’ my nonexistent smile and remaining teeth. They were failing one by one. I had worn a partial denture since I was 20 years old and hated it. Over the years, it had expanded from four teeth to six and then finally seven. Finally, living with painful recurrent abscesses, continual antibiotic cycles and shifting loose, ugly teeth, I knew I had to do something.
After being fitted with my first partial denture, I had a traumatic experience sitting as a guest in a corporate box at the MCG. I took a bite of a snack and felt a ‘crack’. I knew immediately that my partial plate had cracked down the middle.
Horrified and embarrassed, I didn’t take another bite of food and barely uttered a word for the rest of the day for fear my plate would completely break in half and fall out of my mouth.
Just my luck, this happened on the weekend. The following Monday, I phoned around for a dental technician that could see me that day. Through my anxious tears and embarrassment, he told me he could temporarily fix my partial (A) but that it would ultimately have to be replaced (apparently, 25-year-old partials are not a good thing).
I was measured for a fancy and sleek new cobalt chrome partial (B) that day and got my upgrade about 2 weeks later. This lasted another 15 years until I started losing more teeth, which brings me back to the beginning of my implant journey.
After hearing a radio ad for the All Teeth on 4 procedure of ‘teeth in a day’, my interest was piqued, so I emailed the advertised clinic to register for their information night. I subsequently had a follow-up consultation and specialised Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan to confirm my treatment suitability.
A plan was offered to me that I found to be very rigid. 4 implants with temporary and bulky acrylic bridges that would be placed the day of or after extractions and implant placement surgery, depending on the swelling involved.
I would then have to wear these temporary bridges for 6 months and attend multiple try-in appointments before transitioning to my permanent acrylic bridges. I was also informed that the only material considered suitable for 4 implants was acrylic and that other materials were too ‘heavy’. This didn’t ‘feel right’ to me, and I ultimately held back from signing on the dotted line.
In search of more information, I joined several online dental communities that were both support groups and educational resources. I learned that many people were unhappy with this traditional and uncomfortable approach, and new technology options were available. I was relieved to discover I had other options for my full arch replacement.
After further research, I contacted an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in my area. This led me to the innovative All at Once® implant bridge solution. My next appointment was with a Prosthodontist who would oversee the restorative aspects of my treatment. He answered my many questions and developed a personalised treatment plan that would require minimal visits, gave me choices in the materials used and the number of implants placed (6 per arch), and enabled the placement of my final implant bridge at the time of surgery.
I felt much more comfortable and empowered with this approach; however, it did take me a few months of rationalisation and ‘what if’s’….to commence treatment. Another dental abscess and tooth removal were enough to seal the deal, and I finally committed and booked the date.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this platform, including text, graphics, and images, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For specific dental concerns, it is crucial to consult with a qualified dental practitioner. They will be able to assess your individual circumstances, provide accurate diagnoses, and offer appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs
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