My Amazing Smile Makeover

Posted: Thursday 6 January 2011 11:15am

Teacher Lea Samson was devastated to be told at the age of 49 she was headed for dentures. Refusing the accept the prognosis of two dentists that she had no other alternative to her profound dental problems, she researched online and found the answer – a revolutionary new implant procedure called All-On-4™. It was performed by Dr Sandra Short of dentArtistry in Double Bay, Sydney. Lea says the treatment has changed her life.

After a check-up at my local dentist a year ago, I was told my teeth were becoming loose and “drifting” and I would soon need dentures. I was absolutely horrified! The situation was attributed to poor dental hygiene over the years, smoking and previous bad dentistry.

This had never been mentioned to me before and so I sought a second opinion from another dentist, who confirmed I would need dentures.

I enquired with both practitioners about dental implants and various other treatments as an alternative to dentures but was told I didn’t have enough bone, the procedures would take a long time and cost me a small fortune.

They were not at all helpful and did not want to even discuss anything but complete removal of all my teeth and replacing them with traditional dentures. (These dentists are the same ones who removed teeth over the years that could have been saved and removal of these teeth actually contributed to bone loss and drifting).

As I was only in my late 40s at the time I did not want to go down this route. I was absolutely devastated at the thought of having no teeth. The emotional distress was like nothing I had encountered before.

Plus, I had heard all the stories about dentures being uncomfortable and falling out when least expected (or wanted). I just couldn’t cope with the idea of false teeth. I refused to go out for dinner in case one of my remaining teeth fell out. It was a horrible time.

I started researching dental implants online, as I was aware these were the next best thing to real teeth.

I was looking for an expert, and was lucky enough to happen on Dr Sandra Short’s website which described a procedure I felt was exactly what I needed – All-On-4 (click here for more details). It involves having a whole row of new, permanent teeth fitted on only four implants on each jaw (just upper or lower, if you prefer) that look, feel and function similarly to natural teeth. And I would have a new smile in just 3-5 days.

I emailed Dr Short, explaining who I was and what I had been told. I was surprised to get a response from her personally within 24 hours. She told me I was probably a very good candidate for the procedure I was after, what would be involved and gave me a ball park figure on cost. This surprised me as I have found most medical professionals to be quite cagey when it comes to cost – her honesty was refreshing to say the least. At the first consultation with Dr Short I knew I was in good hands. She was professional and friendly, which immediately put me at ease, and very informative.

I immediately felt good about going ahead with the procedure – this wonderful lady actually cared.

She also took into account the distance I had to travel when organising the procedure, as I am from country South Australia and her clinic is in Double Bay, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

At the initial consult I asked Dr Short how soon she could do the procedure as time was running out, my teeth were rapidly getting worse – one of my teeth actually broke off that night! She was able to schedule my procedure within three weeks.

I didn’t consider looking any further for another opinion, I immediately trusted this lady – sometimes you just know.

I had the procedure done October 2010 and it went without a hitch, which was very impressive considering Dr Short also had to do a fair amount of bone grafting for me. I had absolutely NO PAIN at all, and was quite surprised at how soon it was all done. Dr Short and her nurse kept continually asking me if I was okay or if I needed a break. I was fine emotionally, because I knew not only would I have lovely new,

next-best-thing-to-real-teeth, but that I was in the hands of a true professional.

I was without teeth for a very short time – three days. On Day 2 I was quite miserable, for no other reason except I didn’t have teeth. I knew I would feel like this.

The rest of the time was good, I had no pain and I felt well within myself. I had a small amount of bruising and swelling. Dr Short explained this to me before the procedure, so I wasn’t at all worried.

I healed very quickly, and the small amount of bruising and swelling was completely gone within eight days

As soon as Dr Short fitted my teeth on Day 3 I saw immediate and fantastic results. I was so pleased to have teeth – beautiful ones – I couldn’t stop smiling. My teeth look and feel like real teeth. When I praised Dr Short for the wonderful job she had done I found her to be extremely humble, saying she had a great team.

The procedure was quite expensive and at first, before getting it done, I felt quite vain at spending such a large amount of money on my teeth. But then my husband and family reminded me there is no price that can be put on the fact that I feel so good about myself again, and now I will get old, but healthy, instead of getting old and sick because I can’t eat properly.

I never questioned the cost though; I am aware of the cost of intricate programming and technology.

Since the procedure I smile more and don’t cover my mouth. I forget they aren’t my real teeth. I have lost a few kilos due to eating a softer diet four the first four weeks – fish, chicken, soft bread etc.

I look better than I ever have, because I feel better than I have for 10 years. I am the person I used to be, carefree and happy again. It really has changed my life – it’s hard to put into words.

I didn’t expect to feel quite so pleased when others tell me how great I look – this hadn’t meant so much to me before. I have always appreciated my own uniqueness and I have always believed everyone has something really special about them, but the difference I feel now that I have a great smile again is indescribable.

I am more conscious of looking after myself – prior to this happening I considered teeth to just be a tool.  I now know better.

I consider myself to be extremely lucky to live in a country where amazing technology and such a wonderful surgeon are available to ordinary people like me.

by Jenni Gilbert

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