This is our own patented Four Ever Smile™ case in its temporary condition
The patient was anesthetized by a board-certified anesthesiologist and the teeth were removed and implants placed the same day. Two hours later, our lab made a temporary non-removable bridge that we screwed into place. The pictures above show the patient immediately before his teeth were removed and two hours later with a TEMPORARY bridge.
The patient came for a consultation a week ago about his deteriorating dental health. He had several consultations and opinions by various specialists and dentists.
He went to his general dentist because his upper crowns broke and fell out. The general dentist referred him to a periodontist (gum specialist). The periodontist suggested that he treat the gum disease which would require surgery. The periodontist noticed that several of his teeth should have root canal if they were going to be saved. So the periodontist referred him to a root canal specialist (endodontist) who advised him that at least 4 teeth would require a root canal. The endodontist then referred him back to his general dentist to see what kind of bridges or crowns he would recommend.
After a month of consultations and opinions, the patient had received estimates of $5000 for periodontal therapy, $6000 for root canal therapy, and $14,000 for crowns and bridges. The time necessary to complete all phases of treatment was estimated to be between 6 months and a year. The patient was considering finally getting his teeth taken care of and asked his general dentist if that would resolve his dental issues for the rest of his life. The dentist told him that he couldn’t predict that it would last any more than 10 years.
So….the patient went to a reputable implant practice in town and was advised that he could have all his teeth removed and implants placed. He was advised that he would have to wear a denture for at least 4 months and more likely 6 months and then he could have a non-removable bridge made that would look and feel like his permanent teeth once did. The surgery would cost $15,000 and then 4 months later, the bridge would cost another $15-20,000 depending on the material they used.
A television advertisement mentioned our office and the patient came in for a consultation. Because of our experience and specialty in handling these particular cases and because we have our own lab on premises, the estimate to remove all his teeth and make a zirconia bridge (the gold standard in the dentistry) was about half the cost. In addition, we made impressions of his mouth that day and scheduled him an appointment for the following week.
The patient was anesthetized by a board-certified anesthesiologist and the teeth were removed and implants placed the same day. Two hours later, our lab made a temporary non-removable bridge that we screwed into place. The pictures above show the patient immediately before his teeth were removed and two hours later with a TEMPORARY bridge.
Three months from now, when all his implants and gums have healed, we will make him a zirconia (porcelain) bridge which will look outstanding. But for now, in just a few hours instead of 6-12 months, and for a fraction of the cost, our patient left completely satisfied and thrilled.
By the way, with any decent care, the implants should last the rest of his life.
