A Fresh Start with Dental Implants
All-on-4 implant-supported bridge with pink porcelain to restore complete harmony
Treatment Plan
- Extraction of gum disease-affected teeth with poor long-term outlook
- Placement of 4 dental implants using All-on-4 protocol
- Custom implant-supported bridge with pink porcelain gum reconstruction
- Color matching to blend seamlessly with natural posterior teeth
When Patchwork Isn't Enough
Sometimes the kindest thing a dentist can do is recognize when conventional treatments will only prolong inevitable failure. This patient came to us with significant gum problems caused by periodontal disease, and her previous dentist had attempted to salvage the situation with a 6-unit bridge. Unfortunately, this approach made things worse—the result was an uneven gum line, long asymmetrical teeth, and a bridge that was aesthetically compromised. She had lost all confidence in her smile.
The fundamental problem wasn't just the bridge itself. The teeth supporting it didn't have a good long-term outlook—meaning they were unlikely to remain stable and healthy due to the bone loss and gum recession caused by the disease. Continuing to build on this compromised foundation would only lead to repeated failures and frustration.
"Dentistry isn't about filling holes or patchwork. It's about restoring the patient to a beautiful state that is also functional."
The Decision to Start Fresh
After careful evaluation, we recommended a comprehensive approach: extract the compromised teeth and start fresh with dental implants. This wasn't taking the easy path—it was taking the right path. Dental implants would provide a stable, permanent foundation that wouldn't be affected by the periodontal issues that had plagued her natural teeth.
Why Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone to create a foundation as strong as natural tooth roots. Unlike bridges that rely on adjacent teeth, implants stand independently and can last a lifetime with proper care.
The All-on-4 Solution
We chose the All-on-4 dental implant protocol for this case. This technique uses four strategically placed dental implants to support an entire arch of teeth. The posterior implants are angled to maximize contact with available bone, often eliminating the need for bone grafting and allowing for faster treatment.
But the real artistry came in the restoration. With severe gum recession, simply placing teeth on implants wouldn't create a natural appearance—she would have unnaturally long teeth with visible gaps at the gum line. This is where pink porcelain became essential.
Pink Porcelain: Reconstructing the Gum Line
The implant-supported bridge was designed with pink porcelain that beautifully reconstructs the missing gum tissue. This allows us to:
- Create teeth with proper, natural proportions rather than elongated shapes
- Establish a harmonious gum line that frames the smile
- Match the color precisely to blend with her natural teeth in the back
- Restore complete facial harmony and natural appearance
The Result
After 20 weeks, the transformation was complete. Her smile is beautiful. It looks natural. Most importantly, she smiles with confidence again. The dental implants provide a rock-solid foundation that will serve her for decades, while the pink porcelain creates the illusion of healthy, natural gum tissue.
This case illustrates a fundamental truth about restorative dentistry: sometimes the best solution isn't trying to save what's failing—it's having the wisdom to recognize when a fresh start with dental implants offers the only path to lasting success. When we stop treating symptoms and address root causes, we can achieve results that truly transform lives.
"Her smile is beautiful; it looks natural; she smiles with confidence."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are All-on-4 dental implants?
All-on-4 is a dental implant technique that uses four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of teeth. The posterior implants are angled to maximize bone contact, often eliminating the need for bone grafting. This allows patients with significant tooth loss to receive a complete, fixed restoration with fewer implants and faster treatment times.
What does "poor prognosis" mean for teeth?
When dentists say teeth have a "poor prognosis," it means the teeth are unlikely to remain healthy and stable long-term. This typically occurs due to advanced gum disease (periodontitis), severe bone loss, extensive decay, or structural damage. In such cases, attempting to save the teeth often leads to repeated failures and escalating costs.
What is pink porcelain and why is it used?
Pink porcelain is specially crafted ceramic that mimics natural gum tissue. It's used in implant restorations when significant gum recession or bone loss would otherwise result in unnaturally long teeth. The pink porcelain reconstructs the appearance of healthy gums, allowing teeth to be designed with proper proportions while maintaining a natural appearance.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution. The titanium implant posts typically last a lifetime when properly cared for. The implant-supported bridge or crown may need replacement after 15-25 years due to normal wear, though many last much longer with excellent home care and regular dental visits.
Is this procedure painful?
Modern dental implant procedures are performed under IV sedation or local anesthesia, ensuring comfort throughout treatment. Most patients report that recovery is easier than expected, with manageable discomfort controlled by prescribed medications. Dr. Mehdizadeh is certified in IV sedation, providing maximum comfort during complex procedures.
Dr. Kiyan Mehdizadeh, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine
Unlike corporate dental centers where you'll meet multiple providers, Dr. Mehdizadeh personally handles every aspect of your treatment journey—from initial consultation through final restoration. This continuity of care ensures exceptional results tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
With advanced training in implantology, bone grafting, and prosthodontics from institutions across Europe and the United States, Dr. Mehdizadeh brings a comprehensive perspective that corporate chains simply cannot match. His boutique Beverly Hills practice focuses on quality over quantity, treating each case with the attention and precision it deserves.
Education & Credentials
- Mastership in Implant Dentistry, Loma Linda University/gIDE Institute
- Advanced Implant Therapy and Grafting, UCLA/gIDE Institute
- Certificate in Guided Bone Regeneration & Ridge Augmentation, gIDE
- Certificate in Sinus Elevation and Augmentation, gIDE Institute
- Master Program in Fixed Prosthodontics, Fradeani Education, Italy
- Certificate in IV Sedation, University of Alabama, Birmingham
- Certificate in Periodontal Micro-surgery, Huerzelr/Zuhr, Munich
- Doctor of Dental Medicine, Boston University (Cum Laude)
Begin Your Transformation
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