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Ultimate Smile Makeover
TEETH IN A DAY - Page 2

The diagnosis of advanced oral debilitation with many of these conditions indicates that dental implant treatment is an ideal solution. The following is a clinical report of a 31 year-old mother who used the Internet to find solutions for her debilitated dental condition, which affected her general health and self esteem. Megan presented with wide spread decay, severe bad breath, bleeding gums, and fractured and missing teeth. Her poor esthetics and bad breath led to psychological and emotional issues preventing her from effective social interaction and job security. Because of her extensive dental debilitaion, the patient's Chicago area dentist suggested full mouth extractions and the construction of upper and lower dentures. Megan became even more emotionally distressed at the thought of wearing dentures for the rest of her life.

At Pi Dental Center in Fort Washington, a comprehensive evaluation of her medical and dental history was undertaken. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed and the treatment options for improving her smile and chewing ability were discussed. Megan was very excited about the prospects of having permanent teeth. The treatment plan recommended extraction of all of the maxillary teeth with the placement of implants to immediately support a complete maxillary implant reconstruction.

The mandibular posterior teeth were in need of treatment as well. The lower right first molar needed to be extracted and that tooth was replaced with a traditional 3-unit fixed bridge. Four other mandibular posterior teeth were restored using conventional crown and bridge. Two molars needed endodontic therapy.

While Megan was asleep, the maxillary arch was restored using the TEETH IN A DAY protocol immediately following extraction of the severely decayed teeth. Ten implants were placed and a fixed interim acrylic prosthesis was fabricated immediately following surgery. The patient functioned with this restoration for five months, until the final porcelain fused to gold reconstruction was fabricated and delivered.

To enhance the thrill of new teeth, Megan had two separate days of beauty treatment; one following the stage one surgery and one following delivery of the final prosthesis. The beauty treatment included a haircut, styling, makeup, a manicure and consultation designed to renew her appearance and self-esteem. The complete makeover is the wave of the future. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery predicts that in 2004 most post-surgical patients will be referred for make-up, hairstyling, and cosmetic dentistry.

The TEETH IN A DAY treatment cured Megan's bad breath, eliminated her pain, and replaced her unattractive teeth with a charming smile, completely infection free and totally functional. The enormous improvements in her chewing ability resulted in better nutrition and vastly improved her systemic health.

While the esthetic issues were the driving force for this patient, health and function were the prime objectives of the treatment presented. Megan's restored self esteem has enabled her to go for a job interview without having to be concerned about her appearance or offensive mouth odors.

Many people think of makeovers as being purely elective and driven only by vanity and esthetic issues. Reality suggests that the improvement of self esteem is what actually allows patients to enjoy life more fully. Completely restored, Megan is attending the university program of her dreams, exploring the Pacific seas. She has successfully renewed her relationship with an old friend and is on the threshold of a completely positive future.

Making a difference in Megan's life and following her smile through its achievements is the reward of a good dental "team." When the patient is not simply a chart, we effectively communicate both skill and energy. This is an important part of the treatment plan.

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