Jason came to us with a failing dentition and decades of untreated oral health issues—driven largely by deep-seated dental anxiety and emotional stress. His teeth were breaking down, both functionally and aesthetically, and he struggled to accept treatment despite wanting change. What finally made the difference? A conversation with another patient who had undergone similar treatment—a human connection that helped Jason take the first step. Through digitally guided planning and a supportive, phased approach, we achieved the following outcomes:
This middle-aged patient, presented with terminal dentition and a history of significant dental neglect, primarily due to chronic emotional stress and severe dental anxiety. While he was deeply embarrassed by the condition of his dentition and motivated to seek treatment, the idea of a full-mouth rehabilitation initially felt overwhelming, leading him to decline intervention.
Recognising the depth of his anxiety, we arranged a peer-to-peer consultation with a previous patient who had successfully undergone similar treatment. This patient-led conversation was instrumental in building trust and helping Jason accept the proposed plan.
In cases of heightened dental anxiety, patients often find reassurance not in clinical explanations alone, but through shared experiences with others who have faced and overcome similar fears. This approach can be a critical turning point in helping highly anxious individuals engage with necessary treatment.
The patient achieved full functional and aesthetic rehabilitation with a fixed solution which is what the patient desired. Post-operative follow-up shows excellent soft tissue stability, implant was sound with a high level of and patient satisfaction—both functionally and emotionally.
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
The patient presented with generalised tooth loss and structurally compromised dentition, warranting full-arch prosthetic rehabilitation. A comprehensive clinical and radiographic assessment informed a dual-arch restorative approach, optimising both functional and aesthetic outcomes based on residual hard and soft tissue anatomy.
Maxillary Arch
The upper arch demonstrated sufficient bone volume and favourable soft tissue contours, particularly in the aesthetic zone. This made it an ideal candidate for an FP1-type fixed prosthesis supported by five dental implants.
An FP1 prosthesis replaces only the clinical crowns and is retained by implants placed in a ridge with minimal vertical bone loss. This type of restoration allows for excellent emergence profile design and soft tissue integration, provided there is adequate tissue volume for contour development.
Mandibular Arch
In contrast, the lower arch exhibited greater ridge resorption, particularly posteriorly, with compromised vertical and horizontal tissue dimensions. To address this, a combination approach was implemented:
This differential approach allowed for the most appropriate treatment designed based on site-specific anatomy, preserving existing structure while optimising prosthetic contour and hygiene access.
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Trust Dr. Arman Barfeie to transform your smile with expert dental implants, stunning cosmetic treatments, and thorough, personalized care. Enjoy a warm, patient-focused experience that guarantees your comfort and delight at his premier Forest Hill dental practice.