DENTAL IMPLANT CASE STUDY

Patient cried with happiness after dental implant treatment

Dr Gordon Pate

Wearing conventional dentures can cause real problems for some people. They can be uncomfortable and become loose due to bone loss in the jaw. This leads to difficulty eating, speaking and smiling. In this case study, one woman’s loose dentures become a thing of the past thanks to a full-arch bridge supported by dental implants.

A 47-year-old woman suffering problems with a loose denture was referred to Dr Gordon Pate, by her general dentist. Most of the patient’s teeth had already been lost as a result of gum disease. She had just three front teeth left in her top jaw. She was very unhappy with her denture and wanted a fixed and permanent solution for her missing teeth.

    

The patient decided the best treatment option for her was to remove the three remaining teeth and have a new, full arch bridge secured by dental implants. Six dental implants were placed in the patient’s top jaw. She was given a denture to wear temporarily, while her implants integrated with the bone and her gums healed.

Twelve weeks later the patient returned to the clinic. Everything had healed well and her new teeth were fitted to the dental implants. The patient was delighted with the result. She said, “When I saw my new fixed teeth I cried with happiness. They looked amazing, and instantly I felt right about myself again.”

Six months on, she reflected, “I have had countless compliments about my teeth. It just makes me smile even more.”