After years of pain, infections and antibiotics, it was time to face the truth: End of the line. Something has to be done. Spent weeks researching, reading and checking all options. Locally, not much was available. 6 different dentists, identical sad conclusions: teeth have to come out. Some said they can try to a total restoration, which included several implants, partials , braces and countless root canals/ crowns. The cost was ranging from $12000.00 to $50000.00. Time frame from 2 to 4 years. Dentures, snap on or not didn't match my active life style and work...Started looking at all on 4 implants and after much study I ended calling Golpa dental. The closest to me was the Dallas location. It meant flying there from the gulf coast of MS and stying there for few days . It was a big step, one very much needed, and hopefully would be a life changer.... flew to Dallas Monday July 29th, surgery planned for Tuseday... for once in my life, I was about to do something for my self.
The day of the surgery, extractions (22 I think) and 10 implants, 4 top and 6 bottom went by like a blink of an eye. I could hear and see everything, but felt nothing. That night I slept toothless for 12 hours. Came back the next day, and was fitted with the permanent set, it did take 2 sets to get the bite right, but left feeling weird and happy... the swelling peeked on the third day, with slight pain and discomfort. Only took Advil and it was managed. 7 days now, no pain, just some tightness and pressure that seems to be declining with every passing hour. I'm able to eat and speak, sounds little funny, but a lot better than I was expecting....I had or 2 people make the observation that the uppers looked a little big, but having forgotten what my smile looked like, I don't have a comparable reference .. will be going back in 6 months, if everything holds, and by then should have a better idea... so far, no regrets ...
Updated on 7 Aug 2019:
Updated on 10 Aug 2019:
Updated on 11 Aug 2019:
After hearing so much about the expected swelling and bruising post surgery, I decided to grow a beard prior to surgery , to help minimize and hide the appearance of both in case it does come true... Did have some swelling for about a week, but thankfully no bruising. Beard shaved now. I noticed my relaxed smile is a little off to one side, and after doing some research, I found the reason. Having no bottom right teeth for over 2 years, forced chewing on the left side only, causing a weakening in the right jaw muscles. Luckily the fix is easy : Start using both sides for chewing, now that I can, and for even faster results, use the right side more often. Also found some facial exercises that will help along the way... Feeling great and thankful for the second chance.
Updated on 13 Aug 2019:
Swelling, pressure, and any discomfort all but disappeared. Cleaning becoming a little easier, with water pick and flossing, now that there is a slight gap allowing it...Talking is almost back to normal. Eating is the easiest and most enjoyable part.
So far, no biting cheeks or tongue . Trying to chew and use both sides is slowly happening. Very encouraged with results after only 2 weeks.
Updated on 14 Aug 2019:
Updated on 19 Aug 2019:
Healing continues, most stitches dissolved or gone, gums feeling normal, no pressure or pain. Lowers feel like a part of my mouth now, the upper getting there. Speaking is almost back to normal except for one or two letters (S). Was told I had good bone structure, so could eat anything, but stay away from chewing ice or hard candy for three months. Have been mostly on soft food, but yesterday decided it was test time. Went to one of the Casinos on the coast, and had an all you eat meal. Included for the first time on a long while, a tender small well done steak, cut to bite size pieces, crab legs, breaded fried fish and shrimp, boiled shrimp, pizza and every desert ever made. Full taste and control, and 100% enjoyable..Swishing ice tea helped keep any food particulars from getting under the arches, and it was a great start. When I got home I was curious to find out how much food was still stuck, so did the full cleaning, water pick and all. Very small amount was there, mostly from the breaded fish and shrimp, but over all, a total success..
Updated on 27 Aug 2019:
Getting back to normal, BUT with teeth and a smile. No major issues so far. Eating becoming easier and talking is coming along( a slight problem with the letter (s) remains. Full Cleaning takes about 5 minutes and is done twice a day. I do brush and gargle after each meal. Confidence is replacing embarrassment and fear. Bye Bye abscesses, you wont be missed.
Updated on 1 Oct 2019:
All is going well. Eating is back to normal. Talking is coming along, still have some issues with certain letters, hopefully with the six months check up it will be fixed.
Updated on 25 Feb 2020:
Implants in great shape. Set cleaned and realigned.. Remaining speech issues all but eliminated. The staff wonderful as usual. This has been by far, the best thing I have done for myself...
Updated on 26 Feb 2020:
Updated on 9 Feb 2021:
By far the best decision I ever made. Talking normal took a while, chewing on both sides, had to be relearned. Only regret is waiting and hesitating for years to have the procedure done .