My Journey

I went in for an appointment on Monday to try on the bottom molar implant/bridge. It seemed to fit fine, however my tongue wasn’t all that happy with it. (Tongue had free range in there for several months.) They then took more impressions to make the top arch. They were going to see if they could get the top built before the end of the week, since the office is going to be closed over the holiday. (Sweet..)
Thursday I went back for my 1st try on. I could tell before I even looked in the mirror, they were too short in the front (for me). They felt like mini chicklets.. My top lip came straight down, where it didn’t before. The color was ok, a little lighter than my current untouched bottom teeth. That will be just fine since I’m getting new veneers on the bottom.
I left them there at the lab to be worked on. Bigger, longer and more forward for sure.. It was kind of a rush job from Monday to Thursday, but they were trying to get them done so I could have them over the holidays, I think.
It’s funny, I didn’t know what shape, color or look to ask for at first. But, I can definately tell what I don’t want. I guess I’m pickier than I thought.. It makes the Doctors job harder when they don’t know.. That’s on me.
Going back in January. Thanks all.

LAST week I went in to see Dr. Iskandar to see how the implants were coming along. I wasn't really expecting to be healed in 4 months, but I was GOOD to go!!! He explained what the next steps were going to be and the time frame. We could now proceed with taking impressions, that day. After, Dr. Vu came in to chat about color, shape and any concerns about the look I was after. Again, such personal care. I never felt rushed or uncomfortable.
ONE week later (today), I went in to have final measurements taken for another temporary set (#2). After that, I was able to choose the color samples and shapes. Dr. Iskandar and his assistant helped me pick out the color. Then Dr. Vu came in to see if I had any last minute concerns, I didn't. He asked me if I had good close-up photos of my old smile. He gave me his email address to email him a few close up photos. I emailed him the ones I had on my phone. I am impressed they wanted to make me "whole" again. That's HUGE to me.
It takes about 30 minutes to make the temporary new set, so they gave me the remote control to watch Netflicks.. (LOVED that!)
After 30 minutes, I was able to try on the temporary that Dr. Iskandar felt I was asking for. Dr. Vu took photos and asked me to send any close-up pics from different angles for the finals. I left the office after saying goodbye to everyone. I can't say enough great things about the office staff.
So now I'm home.. now I have a chance to eat supper, talk to people, look in the mirror and literally find anything I want to change. What I thought I wanted 6 hours ago is different than what I'm thinking now!! I have one small request, one is to shorten the eye teeth a tad, and I'm good. I can't believe how spot-on this is! I'm attaching a pic. But just know the posts are in for the bottom molars, waiting on the top to be finished, for the bite..
I go back in two weeks...

On July 4th I began to have this irritation in my mouth. (See above..) Well, the dental paste only helps for a very short time. I'm at the point now where it hurts to swallow, because my tongue is rubbing against something very sharp and jagged. I've lost 4 pounds in 4 days, and am feeling very weak, like my knees are going to buckle at any moment. I know it's from not being able to eat. I've been on protein shakes, a tablespoon of scrambled eggs, yogurt and anything soft. Water hurts - only because my tongue moves across that sharp "something". Doc is on vacation for at least another week. In hindsight, I wish I had waited to do this. Not everyone gets them I guess. This is at the bottom molar where 2 posts were implanted for future crowns. I'll call the Doc's office first thing Monday to see what my options are. It has got to be covered with something until he gets back. I didn't even have to take a hydrocodone at all until this happened. Which helps a little, but makes me itch. Fun. There's no way to predict that this will happen. This happened 7 days after my procedure. (The upside is the weight loss, the downside is feeling like crap.)