Dental Implants: My Decision and Journey – Part 2

Making the decision to get dental implants wasn’t easy. For years, I wrestled with the idea, going back and forth, weighing the pros and cons, and contemplating how such a big surgery might change my life. After all that reflection, I’m finally moving forward. This is a journey I never thought I’d share publicly, but here we are in Part 2 of my story.

Two Treatment Plans: Which to Choose?

In my last visit to the dentist, I was presented with two treatment plans: one that involved saving my remaining teeth and rehabbing my smile, and the other for full-mouth dental implants. Both options were significant, both in terms of time and cost. However, to my surprise, the dental implant option turned out to be nearly $20k cheaper than the extensive work required to preserve my existing teeth. But even with that in mind, my decision wasn’t driven by finances alone. I was more focused on long-term health, comfort, and finally solving my dental issues for good.

My Long History of Dental Challenges

My dental problems started early in life. A childhood accident left my two front teeth on the upper arch broken in half. Root canals were done on both, and crowns were placed to restore them. But that was just the beginning.

As a teenager, I had braces and had several teeth extracted to make room for proper alignment. Unfortunately, medications I took during that time caused my teeth to stain. Add to that years of adult habits, and the staining worsened. On top of it all, I’ve always had a thick jawbone and extra bone growth that disqualifies me from being a candidate for dentures. These weren’t just cosmetic issues—they affected my confidence, my health, and eventually, my overall well-being.

As my dental challenges grew, I developed a phobia of visiting the dentist. This isn’t a simple fear; it’s a quiet, building anxiety that starts well before an appointment and lingers long after. I’m sure many people can relate to this feeling. Over time, I lost the crowns covering my two front teeth, and things took a turn for the worse. At that point, I knew I couldn’t hide it any longer, though I tried. I even grew out my mustache to conceal what I call my "Snagglepuss" teeth. It worked… kind of.

The Tipping Point: Time for Action

The final push came when the pain and condition of my teeth became unbearable. Two molars were cracked beyond repair, and I knew the extractions were inevitable. After discussing it with my wife, I decided to confront my fear and visit the dentist. I was open about my phobia, and they responded by laying out two treatment plans for me.

The first plan was extensive—it involved saving as many of my remaining teeth as possible, a process that would be both long and costly. The second option—full-mouth dental implants—offered a more permanent solution. Although the upfront cost was higher, it would save me from further dental procedures down the road and ultimately improve my quality of life. After weighing the options, I realized that implants were the better long-term choice for me.

Why I Chose Dental Implants

After years of struggling with dental issues, I’m ready for a permanent solution. Here’s why implants were the right choice for me:

-Appearance: I regularly make public appearances for my nationally syndicated radio show, Law Enforcement Talk, and my smile has always been a source of insecurity. I often find myself hiding behind my mustache or avoiding photos. With dental implants, I can smile confidently again—something I haven’t done in years.

-Health: Poor oral health can have serious effects on your overall health. Research shows that gum disease is linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. By addressing my dental issues now, I hope to improve my overall well-being.

-Comfort: Chewing has become painful. The cracked molars and missing crowns make eating difficult and uncomfortable. Dental implants will restore my ability to eat without pain and allow me to enjoy food again.

One of my primary concerns was how the surgery might affect my speech, given that my career revolves around radio. Thankfully, a friend who recently underwent full-mouth dental implant surgery reassured me. She experienced only a slight adjustment in her speech for a few days post-surgery, but it quickly returned to normal. This gave me the confidence that I could continue my work without any major disruptions.

What’s Next?

I’ve already scheduled an appointment to have my molars extracted and to replace the crowns on my two front teeth. In the meantime, I’m exploring the best dental group to perform the implant surgery, and I’m continuing the conversation with my dentist about the next steps.

This isn’t just a personal journey for me—it's one I want to share publicly. Through my radio show, podcast, and social media platforms like Linkedin, I plan to document every step of this experience. I know I’m not alone in facing these decisions. Thousands of people are currently considering dental implants, and by sharing my journey, I hope to offer insight, comfort, and solidarity.

Understanding Dental Implants

For those who may not know, dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They provide a long-lasting, stable solution that feels more natural than traditional removable dentures. Each implant consists of three main components: the implant body (which is surgically placed in the jaw), the abutment (which connects to the implant), and the artificial tooth, such as a crown, that attaches to the abutment.

While implants offer many advantages over dentures, like better appearance and improved function, they do come with some risks, such as implant failure or post-surgical complications. However, with a healthy bone structure and proper care, dental implants have a high success rate and can drastically improve a person’s quality of life.

Looking Forward to the Journey

As I take the next steps in my journey, I hope to help others who are facing similar dental challenges. You’re not alone. I’ll be documenting each part of the process—from consultations to the final results. My hope is that sharing my experience will empower others to face their dental struggles head-on and make informed decisions about their oral health.

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue on this path to a healthier, more confident smile.

Follow along with my journey on the "Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show", available on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. I’ll also be sharing updates on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and other social media. If you’re considering dental implants or just want to stay updated, join me as I take this next big step toward a healthier, happier smile.

Attributions

Lalane Dental

WebMD

FDA

Medical News Today