Many of us only make an appointment to see a dentist when we can’t stand toothache anymore, or when we have a problem that needs solving. And dentists themselves admit that many patients tend to postpone this visit – some because of unpleasant experiences and others because of financial problems.
This is what happened to Maria (name changed), a patient at Papadent Dental Clinic. After a long delay in replacing her worn-out dental plates, today the elderly woman confidently says that her successful dental treatment has given her back her desire to smile, socialise and even to be beautiful.
“There are often cases in practice where patients arrive far too late. For example, if they have lost their teeth for one reason or another, they delay their visit to the dentist, thinking that it won’t change their quality of life. However, the absence of teeth leads to other problems: the person finds it difficult to chew, and no longer wants to smile or talk to others. This causes constant stress, and eventually the jaw starts to wear down. This is what happened to Maria. She was already a different person after the upper jaw implant procedure, and when she left the clinic after the lower jaw implant procedure, she simply could not stop smiling. It is a common case when patients do not even realise how much their life is determined by the possibility to simply smile,” says Tomas Stumbrys, dentist and head of the Papadent dental clinic.
According to the specialist, the earlier patients turn to specialists, the easier it is to help them. In some cases, dental implants can be placed within a day, but if the situation is complex and jaw implants are needed, it can take several months or even longer. However, T.Stumbrys says that it is not worth delaying the time, which is paid for by daily stress.
PATIENT EXPERIENCE
- Kaip susiklostė, kad Jums prireikė abiejų žandikaulių implantacijos?
- About 10 years ago, I started wearing dental plates. However, eventually they started to stick, move other teeth and became very uncomfortable. I knew it was time to replace them, but these services are expensive. Later in life, I had cancer and after chemotherapy my teeth started to fall apart. I only had seven healthy ones left. That’s when I started thinking about dental implants. I realised that I couldn’t enjoy life otherwise.
- How did you look for a clinic you could trust?
- When I started looking for a clinic that would perform such procedures, I did a lot of research, reading and information gathering, because I wanted the best option. And I found the Tomas Stumbris dental clinic in Vilnius.
- What procedures did you have to undergo to enjoy a beautiful smile again?
I had both jaws implanted. It was the first time I had undergone such a procedure. Initially, I had a maxillary implant. I was nervous, but I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out to be a completely painless procedure. The very next day, the clinic fitted me with dentures and I was able to enjoy my new teeth! A week later, I came to the clinic for flossing. I knew that that was it, I could smile with confidence because I had my teeth. Some time later, I also had a lower jaw implant. I decided to do this after I realised how much joy having teeth brought to my life.
How has your well-being and daily routine changed after having both jaws implanted?
It’s now a month and a half since my last procedure and I can share my experience of how it has changed my life. First of all, I started getting up every day with a smile. I can afford to eat a variety of foods without pain. The bad breath that used to plague me has also disappeared, and I can now talk to people with confidence, and I go to work not with stress, but with great joy and a desire to communicate. I have a renewed desire to dress up and paint my lips (smiles). I can safely say that my life has changed completely. I am extremely happy about it!
