Being on the wrong side of 50 and having struggled with gum disease, failing caps, and loose bridges, I stopped smiling years ago.
This led me to explore the All-on-Four dental implant procedure for a complete teeth replacement.
From my very first visit to Clinic 95, the team was professional and welcoming. My initial consultation with Maria was extremely informative, and even when I had more questions days later, she invited me back, “free of charge” to ensure I was fully confident before proceeding. Given the cost of this treatment, that level of care meant a lot.
I even provided photos of my original “Colgate smile” so they could design my new teeth to match my natural look, a fantastic touch.
The Procedure
The big day arrived: all my teeth were removed, bone grafting was done, and FOUR implants were placed top and bottom. I was lightly sedated, so while I could hear Maria’s voice, I was blind folded, so I didn’t see anything, I felt nothing, an incredible relief.
Nine hours later, temporary teeth were fitted immediately to allow my gums time to heal. These were more expensive than dentures, but I wanted a fixed solution.
However, the temporary teeth pinched the roof of my mouth, making eating uncomfortable and affecting my speech for months. Maria explained they couldn’t be removed without disturbing the implants, so I had to wait it out. Despite the discomfort, the temporary teeth looked amazing, just like my old smile.
The Journey
Over the next year, I had several check-ups. Adjustments were made to ease the discomfort, but there was some relief when my permanent teeth were fitted. They looked incredible. My speech is still not perfect, and I feel some tenderness, dry mouth and pulling when puckering up, but I’ve been reassured this is normal and will improve.
You can eat well with the teeth, but avoid hard foods like pork scratchings as they may crack a tooth. Eat slowly and carefully. In my experience, it’s easy to accidentally bite the inside of your cheek—though that might just be me! Over time, you’ll adjust, but patience is key during the healing phase
The smile is perfect and looks so good, but I don’t feel good inside and am worried the discomfort is going to last for years or get worse, but I know I can always go to Maria should I have any concerns or issues.
Things to Consider
• This process takes time; for me, it was about a year from start to finish, so patience is key, plus it's uncomfortable when the teeth are removed and screwed back in.
• It’s expensive. Turkey offers lower prices, but I chose Clinic 95 for custom-designed teeth and the peace of mind of having aftercare nearby, no flights to Turkey.
• Annual maintenance is required: teeth need to be removed, and implants need to be checked (approx. £400), and the hygienist once or twice a year. (approx. £150).
If you’re considering this procedure, my advice is simple: don’t go abroad, choose Clinic 95 or another UK dentist. The quality, care, and convenience are so much better than getting on a plane.
Conclusion
Would I choose to undergo this procedure again, knowing how I feel now? Honestly, no, but that’s just my personal experience. I’ve spoken to three other people who haven’t experienced the same issues, and I’ve been reassured that everything is fine. Sometimes, with any major procedure, you must expect a few challenges along the way.
One thing I would say: I wish I had looked after my original teeth as well as I care for these now, flossing, using a water pick, and brushing after every meal.
