J. M. | Implant Restorations - continued ...

It seemed that I was always doing patchwork, attending to the immediate problem until the next one became prominent. Finally everything was failing. My bottom teeth had collapsed inward rendering me with almost no bite; my top teeth completely covered my bottom teeth. My crowns were coming loose due to decay and had been recemented after the decay was drilled away. They were again coming loose to the point where there was no tooth left to hold them and the root tips had to be extracted. The deterioration of my teeth began to affect my appearance. Not only did I try to avoid smiling but the space between my nose and chin was getting smaller and my facial structure was beginning to collapse.

My dentist directed me to a periodontist to determine the condition of my gums. After the periodontist's evaluation determined that major reconstruction was needed, he further referred me to Dr. Mark Samani. Dr. Samani, after a complete examination and consultation with my periodontist, presented me with a comprehensive dental plan. His dental plan comprised of complete extractions, implants and over-dentures. This was something I was not prepared for. I knew my teeth were in poor condition and reconstruction was definitely needed but complete extractions had never entered my mind!

The decision to go ahead with this treatment plan was a very emotional one for me. Why do they think my teeth are that bad; I always brushed them twice a day and I am not a candy eater or gum chewer. Logically, I knew the professional proposals were the best plan for me. I didn't want to continue putting money into my teeth as I had in the past, with the same negative result. But, they were my teeth. All of a sudden I felt a possessive bond with them. Emotionally, it was a hard decision. Guilt over came me as I tried to justify spending a significant amount of money on myself. I thought about what I might be taking away from my family. I put off making the appointment for the extractions. I would stand in front of my bathroom mirror looking at my teeth; were they really that bad? Of course I knew the answer but I was looking for reassurances.   < Go Back     •     Next Page >