Mike presented to us needing help with his stained and mismatched teeth. He had many cavities from an early age and had multiple extractions and repetitive crown replacements over the years. At age 71, he had more failing crowns and decided to seek a better solution.
Mike's case is an example of a monolithic zirconium All On 4 prosthesis. It is a very strong material that is stained to the desired shade by a ceramist. Unlike the conventional titanium and acrylic combination prosthesis, these are metal free.
There are pros and cons for each option, and after discussing these in detail over the few months of the temporization phase of his treatment, Mike opted for Zirconia prosthesis.
This is Mike's journey.
What Mike says
"I had many cavities as a child, mostly due to thin tooth enamel, followed by root canals and crowns into my early twenties. By age 50, the crowns needed replacement and/or tooth extractions which continued in my 60s. At age 71, with still more failing crowns, I decided to stop the endless cycle of crowns, re-crown, extractions, and remaking the partial dentures.
My teeth had become dark and mismatched over the years with sensitive nerve endings. I began researching full arch All On 4 dentures (as much as a layman can). I needed 20+ extractions, 8 implants, as well as upper/lower full arches and same-day temporary dentures. Prior to surgery, 3D scans were developed for implant placement and temporary denture fabrication.
My surgery was a full day of extractions, implants, and fitting the temporary dentures on the newly placed implants. The post-surgery instructions were followed and my healing progressed per normal recovery periods.
Fortunately, the swelling and pain were minimal despite having 20+ extractions. After 4 months, Dr. Haghighat deemed the implants to be sufficiently bonded to bone, and the next phase of developing the prototypes for zirconia arches began.
This required precision fitment; the prototypes were fabricated, placed, and adjusted. They were in place for a few weeks to ensure proper bite and alignment. Once verified, the prototypes were shipped to the lab to be manufactured. Completed zirconia arches were fitted, and I couldn't be happier with them.
My primary goal was for them to feel comfortable and natural, but I also wanted them to be attractive. All boxes were checked. I couldn't be happier with Dr. Haghighat's abilities and precision and the team at Portland Perio Implant Center. Dani, his office manager, has been so helpful with accommodating our special appointment scheduling since we live 2 hours away from the office, as well as becoming part of the family in the process. "
