Our patient Lindsey has been managing the consequences of severe gum disease as long as she can recall. Gum disease affects nearly half of the population over 35 years of age. If left untreated, it is the leading cause of tooth loss. In its severe form, it leads to marked bone loss, tooth mobility, and migration. Loss of supporting tooth structures and receding gum line creates a long-in-the-tooth appearance.
Lindsey presented to us to explore her options for restoring her smile. She wanted to be able to smile again without feeling embarrassed. She had all the destructive hallmarks of longstanding severe periodontal disease with marked shifting and migration of her front teeth and extensive calculus buildup that essentially were holding her mobile teeth together.
"If left untreated, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss."
DR. KAMRAN HAGHIGHAT, B.D.S., M.S., P.C.
Periodontal disease also causes bad breath and generally, she had lost her self-esteem. Other than its local manifestations, It is well established that there is a strong connection between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, as well as respiratory issues.
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition caused by bacteria within pockets around teeth that can cause tooth and soft tissue loss. Periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs and begin new infections and chronic systemic health issues.
Unfortunately for Lindsey, the late presentation and extensive damage from her periodontal disease meant most of her teeth were non-salvageable. This necessitated a plan that would include teeth replacement. Given the poor prognosis of her dentition, we decided that the most suitable treatment would be the All On 4 dental implant solution. With meticulous planning using preoperative CBCT and intra-oral 3D imaging, we managed to remove her diseased teeth and place all her implants, 8 in both arches, with a fixed temporary bridge attached to the implants in one day.
Immediately the transformation was evident. Over time her general well-being improved as the infection and chronic inflammation from the mouth had been eliminated. After a 5-month healing phase, the final All On 4 prostheses were fabricated and delivered.
She literally has a new lease on life and no longer feels embarrassed and shows her new smile without reservation.
What Lindsey says...
"I am so happy that I finally made the decision to get dental implants. For years I battled with periodontal disease and when I came to Dr. Haghighat my mouth was in bad shape. I was in pain every day, which was having an impact on what and how I ate as well as my self-confidence. I hated to smile anymore.
I am glad I chose Dr. Haghighat to help me with my teeth. I felt welcomed by him and his staff. Dani is the best! She is very patient and is so nice! I never felt judged by them, only felt the want and desire to help me get a new, better smile and a healthier mouth. I am pain-free now and have a brand-new smile.
Thank you Portland Perio Implant Center for bringing back my self-confidence and making me want to smile again!"
