What it's like to live with
Many people with failing teeth are told, or tell themselves, that only dentures are left. And many grown-up children quietly worry about a parent who has stopped eating the food they love.
The question that mattered
Was there enough bone, in safe places, to hold fixed teeth in both jaws?
What we looked at
A CBCT (a 3D X-ray) of both jaws. On the lower jaw, the nerve is traced in orange so that every implant was planned to stay clear of it. Some of the upper implants are long and angled, to reach firm bone.
What we decided, and why
Implants in both jaws, each jaw carrying a full fixed bridge of teeth. Fixed teeth stay in. They don't come out at night like a denture.
What we did
After the implants, the new teeth were designed on a computer. A metal framework was tried in first to check the fit, then a set of trial teeth to check the bite and the look. Only then were the final teeth made.
What you see now
Fixed teeth in both jaws, sitting on the implants.
What this means for you
If you've been told "only dentures", ask for a 3D scan. It shows whether fixed teeth are possible for you.
Every mouth is different. Your plan depends on your own scan.
These photos were taken during surgery. Some show blood.
Questions people ask
Can you get fixed teeth if most of your teeth are failing?
Often, yes, if the scan shows enough bone. The scan decides.
How do you know where the nerve is?
It is traced on the 3D scan, and the implants are planned around it.
Can I see the teeth before they are made?
Yes. They are designed on screen and tried in as trial teeth first.
Talk it through with our doctor
Bring your parent, and your questions. Sit with our doctor, Dr. Varsha or Dr. Rajesh, at Kondapur or Vizag. If you live abroad, you can join the consultation on video. No treatment on the first visit unless you choose.
Kondapur: Dr. Varsha Reddy. Vizag: Dr. Rajesh Kumar Y.
Treated at Smile Super Speciality Dental Clinic (Kondapur, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam).