Smiles that Never Cease
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Before
After
This patient sought our assistance with great dissatisfaction regarding her deteriorating teeth. Her smile had been increasingly affected by periodontal issues, which had caused her upper teeth to shift outward, leading to an incompetent upper lip (difficult to close). Additionally, severe gum recession on the lower front teeth was the result of a high frenum muscle attachment that was pulling the gum away from the teeth.
To address these concerns, we carefully devised a comprehensive treatment plan. Our goal was to clear the upper teeth and provide a lasting solution for the patient. We designed a temporary immediate loading implant bridge, supported by four dental implants, using intraoral scans and CBCT scans superimposed on each other to ensure precise planning.
On the day of surgery, our implant surgeon, Sam, expertly performed the extraction of all remaining upper teeth. He also placed four implants in the predetermined positions and customized a ready-made temporary implant bridge to fit securely on the newly placed implants. Sam further conducted a frenectomy to remove the high frenum attachment for the lower front teeth and applied a free gingival graft to cover the exposed lower tooth roots.
After allowing the implants to integrate with the jawbone for a period of 5-6 months, we initiated the process of taking impressions once the gum and bone had healed into a stable state. This was the first step in preparing for the fabrication of a new implant-retained bridge, supported by the four implants and the lower teeth were restored with a partial denture.
While the entire process, including planning, surgery, and the final prosthesis, took just under a year to complete, the ultimate result was exceptionally satisfying. We, as a dental team, and the patient were thrilled with the outcome. This case exemplifies the transformative impact of well-planned dental procedures in restoring oral health and aesthetics, ultimately leading to a patient's enhanced quality of life.
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Patient Background:
The patient had significant dissatisfaction with her failing teeth.
Periodontal issues had caused the upper teeth to shift outward, leading to an incompetent upper lip (difficult to close).
Severe gum recession on the lower front teeth was attributed to a high frenum muscle attachment pulling the gum away from the teeth.
Treatment:
The treatment plan involved clearing the upper teeth.
A temporary immediate loading implant bridge supported by four implants was designed using intraoral scans and CBCT scans superimposed on each other.
On the day of surgery, Sam extracted all remaining upper teeth and placed four implants in predetermined positions.
A ready-made temporary implant bridge was customized to fit securely on the implants.
A frenectomy was performed to remove the high frenum attachment for the lower front teeth.
A free gingival graft was applied to cover the exposed lower roots.
After 5-6 months of allowing the implants to integrate, impressions were taken once the gum and bone had healed into a stable state.
The upper teeth were restored with a new implant-retained bridge supported by four implants and the lower teeth with a partial metal denture to achieve a pleasing smile.
Outcome:
The planning, surgery, and final prosthesis took just under a year to complete.
The result was highly satisfactory, leaving all parties exceptionally pleased and thrilled.
This case highlights the successful restoration of the patient's smile and oral health through a comprehensive approach that addressed periodontal issues, gum recession, and the placement of implant-supported bridges. The result significantly improved the patient's aesthetic and functional aspects, contributing to a higher quality of life.