Georgia’s Story
Georgia came to us at the age of 62. She was just about to retire when she came across some articles on the internet that spurred her visit.
“Doc, I want to live the rest of my life as long as I can with the highest quality possible.
I know that keeping my teeth and getting the bad ones out and replacing them with the kind that doesn’t come out can make a big difference in both years in my life and life in my years.”
Directness again. That is so much better than patients who don’t tell what’s really important to them. It is as if hiding health information or their real motivation is a proper test of my care, skill and judgment. It is not. “Telling all” simplifies things for everyone concerned and makes life easier for both the patient and the dentist.
“Georgia, you are right to be concerned,” I agreed.
We know that people will need their teeth longer. Over half of those living to age of 60 will live to be in their 90’s or longer. And with the strides being made in genetics and genomics, life spans over a hundred are likely. Chances are, you’ll need your teeth longer.
Georgia nodded her head in agreement. “I didn’t know that, but I do now. I don’t plan to retire in the traditional way of my parents. No rocking chair and old folk’s activities for me. I plan on being very active in my retirement. I’m going to need my teeth.
“I plan to travel, finally, as much as I always wanted to, and I will volunteer. Who knows, I may even start my own business.”
“I want to be able to enjoy my food. You know eating is one of life’s special pleasures as you get older, especially when I am eating with the ones I love. Those are special times. I want my quality of my life to be at its highest possible.”
“I watched as my parents had to be put in nursing homes. I saw how poorly they were able to eat. Orderlies lost their dentures. I don’t want to be like that. I want to be able to live differently from them. I loved them dearly and still miss them. I just don’t want to be forced into a situation where I don’t get to choose. I know one of the best investments I can make today is to get my teeth in good health and keep them that way. That’s why I’m here. I’m ready,” She finished.
“Georgia, you are right. You have obviously been looking at this for a long time. I appreciate how you feel.”
“Is there anything else I should know?” I was asking because I know that often patients will think of more to say. I want to ensure I cover all of their concerns and answer all of their questions.
“Just this, I know that it will cost a lot. I am in pretty bad shape. I just don’t look at it as an expense or unnecessary expenditure. To me, getting my teeth back in good health gives me a second chance. I’ve denied myself for years for my family. It’s time for me.”
Georgia was right. And like so many others, she had denied herself for years for the sake of her family.
She continued, “I know that by doing this for me now, I am also doing this for them in the future. I’ll be around longer, feeling better, setting an example for them. They don’t have my problems. It finally dawned on me that those who don’t have problems like mine can’t appreciate or even understand why it is so important to me or why it would be this big of an investment.”
Georgia had done her homework. Her insights into human nature and the love of her family were obvious. She also realized that no one else could understand her problems like she could. She lived with them every day. She wasn’t a complainer and so it was natural for them to question her about doing something now. She didn’t tell them all. It was just easier that way, she told me later.
Her family and friends think her new smile has made her look fifteen years younger.
She had lost her husband four years ago. And while not looking for another man, she said she wouldn’t mind the companionship of a male friend. After she had her work done, he found her. They have been together now for nearly five years. Robert, her new man, told me, “She is just so alive, so upbeat. Her smile says it all. We are really enjoying these years together. She had lost her husband and I had lost my wife. Both died from cancer. Now, together we volunteer for cancer research,” he said with pride.
Georgia made a decision for a new smile- it seems it sparked a new life. I can’t say that will happen for you, dear reader, but it is a common result.
