Just looking back at the blog and I didn't realise quite how long it had been since I last talked teeth. March, what was I thinking.
Truth be told there hasn't been much to say on the matter, but at the same time a lot has been going on behind the scenes.
The process was always planned to be quite a long one, I knew this from the start, so it is no surprise and also quite a blessing. No rush, no pressure, no shortcuts. Just a well planned, detailed and well explained process from start to finish. Or should I say to this point, we are not at the finish yet.
So, the day of the surgery I had a temporary set of teeth made and fitted. Initial healing was fine, no major issues, and all went well. I had a number of check-ups over the months since, from simple checks, to more detailed stuff. Scans, removal to check healing, and of course the second set of temporaries to get a better fit, and assist with the gum regrowth and sculpting.
Unfortunately I somehow managed to split one of the bridges, resulting in a tiny gap between my front teeth. It was not problematic, but I became aware of air and spit seeping through, affecting my speech, so I contacted the dental surgery. The response was immediate and amazing. New bridge printed, almost immediate appointment arranged and in I went for the new one.
Now Dr Arman is a perfectionist, and I applaud him and his team for this approach. So when the new bridge was not fitting to his liking, a new scan was taken, sent off for a new bridge to be created and a new appointment set. A few days later, back in, new bridge fitted and it felt amazing.
Today I am back in for a follow up appointment, and a scan to work towards my final permanent bridges. At some point this afternoon I will have no teeth for a while, and lots of work going on in my mouth as markers are put in place, and scans are taken. I am sure I will also get an assessment of how my dental hygiene has been, and some pointers for improvement.
I'm not sure how much discussion there will be on colour and tooth shape now, that was all conversations and discussion for the past, and for the temporaries. I am very aware that this may well be the last set I have made, and the finality of the matter, so obviously I wonder about a shade lighter, and if the temporaries have been all I expected. Any lingering "issues" need addressing and correcting before this becomes final. So much going through my head right now, but reality is I will be guided by the dental staff I have grown to trust, and who have treated me so well.
Of course the other scary part is paying the final bill. It ain't gonna be cheap, but if I have learned anything over the past six months, it is that you get what you pay for. While definitely expensive, I cannot say I have any issue with the value for money to date, and have great hopes and expectations for the end result. As long as I have got my sums right, all will be well.
Right, enough anxiety built, I better get on and get ready.
Smile !!
Second fit temporary teeth. White enough?
Actual smile... Lol