For Doris, losing her teeth and getting dentures at age 52 had been an unhappy choice she confided in us.
“At the time, I thought it was the least worst decision I could make. I had had trouble with my teeth for my entire life. I was glad to be rid of them. After I got my dentures, I thought I was doing OK with them. It was true that I had to focus a lot of attention on my false teeth. I couldn’t eat what I wanted all the time. And after being re-fitted with new ones, my chewing was easier, but it wasn’t long until my bones had shrunk more and once again I experienced insecurity about being out in public. I really hated that. If felt so confining.
“I had heard about dental implants but thought they were going to be too expensive, so I just tried to get along with my dentures.
“One weekend, I was keeping my little treasure, my three year old granddaughter Tiffany. Sometimes blessings come from unusual places. She watched me putting in my dentures. I could see her eyes get big. She said, ‘Granny, why do you have teeth that you put in?’ I was crushed. I didn’t want this little light of my life thinking about me in any way like that. Plus, I knew I wasn’t eating like I should. That’s when I decided to call you.”
After an examination and complete dental physical, we came up with a plan for Doris. We placed dental implants and made teeth for her that didn’t come out. Doris loves her new smile and the comfort of knowing she wouldn’t have any embarrassing denture moments ever again.
We knew what Doris wanted even if she couldn’t, wouldn’t, and didn’t know how to say what it was.
“When I am gone, I want her and all my grandchildren to remember me as the loving, smiling, kind grandmother – not as the unsmiling woman who took her teeth in and out.
“I am sooooo glad I had this done and I feel better about me. I feel more energized than before. And I am enjoying my food better than I have in years.”
This blog is an excerpt from This Won’t Hurt a Bit! by Dr. Charles Martin of the Richmond Smile Center. For all of your dental needs, contact us at (804) 417-7203 or visit our website online at richmondsmilecenter.com.
