All on Four Implants - Dallas, TX

My story is like most others... debilitating fear of dentist and dental work. I did tons of research and if you've written about this procedure on this site, guarantee you that I've read it! I wanted someone as local as possible, did not want a "big box" providing my care so as I started narrowing my options, I came across Archpoint Implant Dentistry located in North Dallas. I also did thorough research on Dr Hadley Hall and Dr Micheal Oppedisano prior to contacting the Archpoint office.

From the initial contact, the staff was nothing but professional and first class. The office is very "North Dallas" which was very comforting to me personally. The receptionist is a beautiful young lady that is just an absolute doll and makes sure to address you by name. Something small that makes such a memorable impression. My initial appointment was with a gentlemen named Nick who is the "salesperson." This usually would irritate me because honestly, I'm not buying a car, but I understand the need for him. Very nice guy and professional. My next appointment was for the moldings, etc. Dr Michelle Newby was my provider for this appointment and what a precious soul she is. (I have never said that about any dental provider!) I had the craziest anxiety kick in and her ability to calm me, reassure me and still get the work done, was top notch.

Day Zero- surgery day 2/13/2017. Truly the first day of the rest of my life! I arrived a little before 7am and was greeted by Dr Hall and Gloria, his nurse, Dr Hall is nothing like I expected. I anticipated a very formal surgeon (the guy is brilliant by all accounts) so I expected a stuffy brilliant surgeon. Not..even... close! I got the brilliant surgeon, no doubt, but I wanted to grab a drink with him and belly up to the bar so we could chat! Totally down to earth yet a commanding force that you knew you could trust. I know that sounds corny but is what it is :) My surgery lasted about 4 hours. I did remember waking up at some point when they were working on extracting my lower right wisdom tooth. It was severely infected so I can only imagine the mess they were working with. I recall the dr saying something to the anesthesiologist and I was back out and remember nothing until the surgery was complete. They wheeled me to my recovery room where I spent most of the day recovering. I'm a sleeper so I slept most all day but do recall numerous visits from doctors and nurses checking in on me. Never for one minute did I feel afraid, anxious, or fearful that day. Towards 5pm, they said it was time to insert the new teeth. I was so excited but ouch- that's a little painful. It actually only hurt on that bottom right side (where I was awoken during surgery) so feel sure it had something to do with that. The dr came and numbed up that side again and all was well. I was blown away by my new smile. Tears running down my face kind of blown away. Holy wow!!! This picture below is literally minutes after they inserted themselves I had to my kids a pic! I had bitten my lip and I was drooling but who cares- look at these teeth!!

Day 1 and 2 post-op were pretty much hell. I don't remember a lot because I slept majority of time. I woke up only when the pain became so bad that I needed more pain pills. Very long days and nights. Not for the weak but then again, I'm pretty weak when it comes to dental pain so this is such a huge feat for me, in so many ways. Day 3 was a little better and it's steadily on the upswing. Tons of swelling but that's starting to subside. The worst part of this entire thing has been the roof of my mouth hurting. It feels like I scorched it but after reading others experiences with it, sounds like it might be nerve damage from the surgery. We shall find out Tuesday at my post-op visit. As for the teeth, wow... I am still just amazed at how close they were able to get to my "originals." If you're thinking about doing this, be sure and send them all the pictures you can with your teeth. I've no doubt it really helped them rebuild the originals.

Other than the fact that I would KILL for a taco, things are going great! Much further along than I expected to be. I had my one week post op on Tuesday and everything looked great. The issue with the top of my mouth is just a reaction I'm having to the bridge and isn't uncommon. They recommended I try a light layer of Vaseline and wow- it works! Of course as soon as I drink or eat it's pretty much gone but it's definitely helped me during the night. Another thing I discovered was that taking half a Xanax before bed is better than any pain med. my jaw has been feeling tense and this relaxes it and let's me sleep at least 3-4 hours, something I haven't been able to do. Other than the fact that I'm SOOO HUNGRY, things are great. I never knew how many taco, pizza and cheeseburger commercials there are until I couldn't have one!!