At our Urbandale dental office, we have the privilege of forming lasting relationships with our patients. One special patient has been with us for over three years. Her journey has been one of perseverance, resilience, and transformation—both in her health and her smile.
A Journey of Strength and Determination
This patient’s story is one of unwavering strength. Throughout her treatment, she faced significant personal and health challenges, including the loss of a loved one. Despite these hardships, she remained patient, kind, and appreciative. One of the things that makes this patient truly special to Dr. Lawson is her selfless nature; she always asks about Dr. Lawson and her family before speaking about herself. It has been an honor to not only restore her smile but also to build a genuine friendship with her.
Overcoming Oral Health Challenges
This patient initially came to us struggling with severe gum disease due to years of tobacco use, osteoporosis, and the side effects of medications. For years, she wore ill-fitting partial dentures that were uncomfortable and limited her ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. After making a commitment to improving her health—including quitting tobacco—she was ready to explore better options.
Her treatment plan involved:
- Full upper teeth removal and immediate implant placement with oral sedation and laughing gas
- An “All-on-5” implant-supported bridge (hybrid prosthesis) for a stable, natural-looking smile
- Retention of multiple lower teeth with a temporary bridge for function and aesthetics
- Innovative problem-solving due to implant rejection related to osteoporosis and medications
Navigating Unexpected Challenges with Creativity
Her treatment was not without obstacles. Despite successful healing, her body rejected a lower implant, likely due to osteoporosis medications. Given her small bone structure and immunocompromised state, Dr. Lawson and her team worked closely with skilled laboratory technicians to find the best solution.
Instead of additional surgeries, they developed a creative approach:
- The upper implant-supported prosthesis remained stable and functional, even after the loss of one implant.
- To preserve bone and reduce surgical risks, Dr. Lawson performed root canals on lower teeth instead of extractions, allowing for a snap-on lower partial that functions similarly to an implant-supported denture.
A Life-Changing Transformation
Today, she enjoys a functional, comfortable, and esthetic smile that has significantly improved her quality of life. She no longer has to remove her teeth, struggle with ill-fitting dentures, or deal with food getting stuck. Restoring her bite also improved her TMJ stability, since the missing teeth had left her facial muscles unsupported and pulling on her joint. Most importantly, she can smile confidently, attend social events without worry, and enjoy meals with ease.
This patient’s case is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovative dentistry. It has been an absolute privilege for Dr. Lawson and the team to be part of her journey, ensuring that every challenge was met with creativity, problem-solving, and a commitment to her well-being. To this special patient, we would like to say: we are honored to know you and call you a friend!
Contact Lawson Dentistry Today
This patient’s story is a great example of the kind of transformations that are possible when you put your oral health in the hands of the experts at Lawson Dentistry. If you’re considering restorative dental work and would like to discuss possible treatment options, please contact our office today at (515) 278-4366, or click the button below to schedule an appointment and start your smile journey.
