I Want to Fix my Smile -Federal Way, WA

It's been so long since I've updated. I fell behind on my treatment plan due to my busy schedule. I should have been done 6 months ago but I'm still going through the process. My gums healed fine and a few months ago my periodontist placed the implants in my gums. That surgery was a breeze compared to the first one. Of course the sedation and anti-anxiety pill helped a ton. It was another $4500 so total cost right now is $7500. I've also been referred to a prosthodontist who will place my final bridge. Today I had my implants uncovered (lasers opened up my gums and doctor pulled the implants down and put metal caps on it) and immediately went to the prosthodontist to have an impression taken for my temporary provisional. This temporary bridge will be placed in two weeks to allow my gums to settle in so the doctor can get the best fit on my final bridge. I guess this step is necessary to get the best fit since the teeth are in front of my mouth -- no hiding anything there! I'm still wearing my flipper but it's been adjusted to fit my mouth better since the last update. I don't mind it but can't wait until I never have to wear it again!

It's been a month since the first surgery. I had 2 teeth and the bridge removed and had a bone graft. Not fun. There wasn't much pain but a lot of discomfort and a ton of swelling. The whole right side of my face was swollen like a ballon for about 4 days. I started to forget what I really looked like and had to keep going back to other pictures to remember that I wasn't normally so swollen, lol. Other than the first day, I only needed prescription strength ibuprofen. The first day I took something a little stronger, mostly so I could sleep comfortably.

Last week the dentist pulled out the gortex membrane that was holding the bone graft powder in. It was a weird feeling, tons of pressure but it didn't really hurt. They say I'm healing fine but it will be a total of about 5 months before I'm healed enough for the next surgery.

I hate the flipper. It actually doesn't look bad - in fact, it's the first time my teeth have looked so straight in the front. But it's super uncomfortable and it's difficult to talk. They said my bite was so tight that it was challenging to get the flipper to fit well so it sort of hangs down and makes my speech impaired. I hate it but am hanging in there. I'm going to pick up an Essix retainer tomorrow with the partial built in and I'm hoping that's a better option.

Anyways, I'm encouraged so far by the progress. I feel like (I hope) the worst part is over. I do still feel like there is a long road ahead but I'm feeling optimistic. Total spent so far approx $3k. I have another $3k (approx) left for the next surgery and then the cost of the crown and whatever else the other doctor will recommend. I'm sure there will be more cost than I anticipated.

I'm just a few days more to go -- yikes! I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I only have one day off after the surgery so I'm hoping I'll be ok enough to go to work on the second day. I'm uploading my before xray photos. The 3 teeth circled in red is the home of my future implants.