Dental Implants: My Decision and Journey

 

Smile from Pexels, Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast




 

Deciding to undergo dental implant surgery has been a long time coming for me. After years of feeling self-conscious about my smile and struggling with dental issues that affected my confidence, I’ve finally committed to getting full-mouth implants for both my upper and lower teeth. Dental care may be a simple routine for many, but for me, it’s been a source of anxiety and frustration. Now, I’m ready to take a transformative step toward a healthier, more confident life.

Note: The image for this post is a stock photo from Pexels.com, not my own. I’m not ready to share a close-up of my teeth, but this journey is all about change.

Exploring My Options

Once I decided that dental implants were the way forward, the next step was to find the right dentist. I consulted several professionals across the country, each bringing a unique approach to dental implant surgery. I visited two major national chains, a regional practice in South Florida, a well-regarded clinic in Boston, and a renowned specialist in Chicago. Each consultation offered valuable insights, and I felt particularly inspired by the Boston dentist who frequently provides free implants to veterans and those in need. Her dedication to improving lives through dental health resonated with me.

Choosing a dentist is just the beginning of my journey, and I plan to share every step with others. Through my Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show, my podcast, social media, and platforms like Newsbreak and Medium, I’ll document this process to help those who are also considering implants feel more informed and less alone.

Understanding Dental Implants

For those new to the concept, dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to restore both function and appearance, unlike removable dentures. They’re composed of three main parts: the implant body, the abutment, and, in some cases, an abutment fixation screw. The implant body is embedded in the jawbone, replacing the tooth’s root, and the abutment connects this to the artificial teeth, which can be crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Dental implants bring several life-changing benefits: they look and feel natural, enhance chewing ability, support oral structure, and require less maintenance than traditional dentures. However, the procedure does have risks, including potential implant failure, which may require additional surgery. Not everyone is a candidate, either—a healthy bone structure is essential to support the implants.

Implants can be tailored to a person’s specific needs:

    Single-Tooth Implant: Replaces a single missing tooth.
    Multiple-Tooth Implant: Ideal for those missing several teeth.
    Full-Mouth Implant: Restores a complete upper or lower set of teeth.

After much consideration, I’m leaning toward full-mouth implants to restore both my upper and lower teeth.

Why I Chose Full-Mouth Implants

Several factors influenced my decision to go with full-mouth implants:

    Appearance: While my radio audience doesn’t see me, I make frequent public appearances. My dental issues have held me back from fully enjoying these events. I look forward to smiling confidently without hesitation and engaging fully in my personal and professional life.

    Health: Oral health is closely linked to overall health, affecting conditions like heart disease and diabetes. By addressing my dental health comprehensively, I hope to improve my overall well-being and quality of life.

    Pain and Comfort: Eating has been a painful experience, making it hard to enjoy meals and affecting my nutrition. Implants promise relief from this discomfort, allowing me to eat without pain once again.

A friend who recently had full-mouth implant surgery has been a tremendous source of support. Her brief adjustment period, especially with speech, reassured me that this could be a smooth transition in my own career.

Looking Forward to the Journey

As I go through consultations, procedures, and healing, I’ll be sharing my experiences—good, bad, and everything in between. I’ll discuss how I reached this point and the fears I’ve faced along the way. By sharing this journey, I hope to help others make informed decisions about their own dental health and feel less isolated in their struggles.

Dental implant surgery is a major commitment, but it feels like the right choice for me. I’m ready to smile without reservation, speak confidently, and live without the pain that has been a part of my daily life. If my journey can provide encouragement or guidance to even one person, it will have been worth it.

John Jay Wiley is a retired Police Sergeant and host of the nationally syndicated Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast. You can follow the show for stories of crime, justice, and life, where we share experiences and talk about the people who shape our communities. Whether it’s on our website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or social media, you can stay up to date.

Attributions

Medical News Today

WebMD

FDA

 

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