Debbie: Full Mouth Implant Treatment

In 2008 Debbie had noticed that her gums had begun to recede. At the same time, her two front teeth started to overlap and the two either side had dropped down, giving her a fang-like appearance. It made her feel old, “like someone twice my age”.

At a routine dental appointment, a few weeks later, her Dentist suggested she see a gum specialist and she was put on the waiting list for an assessment with them.

During this time, Debbie’s gums receded further, making her teeth look much bigger. This really started to really affect her confidence. Embarrassed, she would cover her mouth when she spoke, avoided smiling, having her picture taken and eating in public.  A naturally bubbly person, Debbie hated having to hide her happiness and not laughing at jokes.

Eventually, in May 2013, her Dentist referred her to The Implant Centre, to see their Periodontist Sarah Diederich who quickly arranged an appointment to see Debbie.

When Debbie arrived at The Implant Centre, she was expecting it to be a straightforward visit. “I thought they’d clean my teeth, and it would all be ok. Nothing could have prepared me for what I was told”. Unfortunately, Debbie had periodontitis (severe gum disease), and this meant all of her teeth would eventually fall out. It was a genetic condition, and nothing could be done to prevent it.  Debbie was horrified at the thought of losing all her teeth and having to wear dentures.

Debbie then met with some of The Implant Centre’s implant Team, Guy Barwell and Matt Rose.  They spent time with Debbie to go through all of her options with her.  Eventually, they all decided on the right way forwards for her.

In January 2014 started her implant treatment.  She was sedated for the entire procedure “so I didn’t feel a thing”.  When she had her fixed bridges fitted “it was an amazing feeling!

“Now I go back to The Implant Centre every three months to have my teeth cleaned and checked: the aftercare has been brilliant. There's always a risk of gum disease coming back and attacking the Implants so it’s important to have regular checks.

But now I have my smile and my confidence too. They've made me so much happier, and I look younger with my new teeth. I really do like to smile a lot - and now I've got no excuse not to!”