DENTAL IMPLANT CASE STUDY

Implant-supported tooth restores patient's confidence

When one of your front teeth is missing, you need a replacement that will leave you smiling with confidence. In this diary, a patient of Dr Anthony Bendkowski recalls how her front tooth was restored painlessly with a dental implant.

Consultation
During my consultation with Dr Anthony Bendkowski I was given all the time I needed to listen to proposed treatments, ask questions and understand exactly what was going to happen. My preferred treatment was explained clearly with diagrams and videos so I felt completely at ease with the process. The benefits, as well as the possible complications, were well explained. I felt reassured by the consultation and very happy to proceed with the proposed treatment.

Surgery
I was slightly nervous about the surgery itself. On arrival I was again made to feel at ease and comfortable about what was going to happen. The procedure was not as bad as I thought. It was definitely not as bad as having a tooth taken out, even though it took longer. The procedure really was nothing to be worried about and I felt relieved to be one step closer to the final result.

Review and suture removal
This was only a short appointment, two weeks after surgery, and it was good to have the stitches out. I was pleased to hear that Anthony was happy with the healing process so far and that everything was going to plan.

Implant uncover and healing cap
Ten weeks later I was back to have the implant uncovered, in a minor procedure carried out using local anaesthetic. The bone had healed very well. A healing cap was put on and a couple more stitches were put in. The gum was then left to settle ready for the next stage.

Impressions
Having the impressions taken was completely pain free. This was the penultimate appointment, and I was starting to look forward to seeing the end result. During this appointment I helped choose the colour of the tooth and looked at any characteristic markings I wanted incorporating. I was really pleased to be able to have input into this. Because I had a say in the appearance of the final tooth, I felt at ease and confident that I knew what to expect.

 

 

Final appointment
I was really looking forward to seeing my new tooth. The final restoration of the implant was a lot quicker than I expected and seemed to be done in no time at all. I couldn’t believe the end result – it looked absolutely fantastic! Anthony said that the gum contour would continue to improve but to be honest I was happy with how it looked already. It felt incredible and after thirteen and a half years with a troublesome tooth, I felt quite emotional that the journey was finally over.

Conclusion
If I was to speak to anyone who was considering an implant, I would say do it. I have ended up with a tooth better than I have ever had in its place.

Looking back at the treatment process, I only have positive feelings about the whole experience. I can’t recall any real pain associated with the procedure or the subsequent healing. Throughout the whole thing I felt at ease. I was reassured along the way and I felt in control at each stage and understood the procedure. This is so important because it led to a fantastic result and a very happy patient.

I am so grateful to Anthony Bendkowski and his team for all their hard work. I can’t thank them enough for giving me my tooth and self-confidence back.