I can’t even begin to explain how much my life has changed since I had my implants at 1st Family Dental.  I can’t even remember what I was afraid of before I came for my consultation. I hope that if I share my story, someone else who feels like I did will know that there is hope, and they deserve a second chance at having a healthy smile.

I lost many of my teeth at a relatively young age, and in 2000, I decided to have the remaining teeth extracted and have a full set of dentures made. For a variety of reasons, I had a very hard time learning to live with my dentures. I developed sore spots and no matter what I did, my dentures just didn’t seem to fit or feel right. It was hard to eat while wearing them, and they would sometimes even fall out of my mouth when I would eat, speak, or smile. I was insecure wearing them in public or even smiling because of this.

For five long years I tried to live with my dentures, until I finally gave up. Maintaining a healthy diet was impossible without teeth. I found that I would eat foods that were easier to chew, and I gave up on healthy options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Because of this, I developed a painful gastrointestinal condition and had constant problems with my digestion. I prepared myself for a life without teeth, and did not think there was anything that could be done to help me. I expected to learn to spend the rest of my years hiding my smile, and living with my digestive problems – until I found 1st Family Dental.

I visited 1st Family Dental for the first time in 2013 for a checkup, with the encouragement of my wife. I was very anxious because of my previous experiences, and I was afraid my fears about having to live without teeth would be confirmed. From the moment I walked in for my consultation, the staff treated me with kindness and compassion. I saw Dr. Velano for my consultation, and could not have been more surprised when he told me that I was an excellent candidate for overdentures. Dr. Velano said that he could place dental implants in my upper and lower jaws, and have a denture custom made to snap over the implants, which would solve my problems with how my dentures were fitting and feeling.

With more encouragement from my wife and family, I decided to have the dental implants put in. The whole procedure was done the same day and took a lot less time and discomfort than I would have ever thought. The staff and Dr. Velano treated me like family and attended to my every need before I even knew I had it! 1st Family Dental quoted me a great price and helped me to fit the procedure into my monthly budget, and even called me the next day to make sure I was feeling OK. I left the office with my new dentures and a few months later, I came back and had my dentures fitted to the implants. With a few adjustments, I was on my way.

I can’t even begin to explain how much my life has changed since I had my implants at 1st Family Dental. I snap my dentures on in the morning and they stay snug and secure until bedtime. I no longer suffer from digestive issues. I eat healthier and I feel better. I smile all the time and my friends and family have told me I look at least 10 years younger. I can’t even remember what I was afraid of before I came for my consultation, and my regular checkup visits have been great. I hope that if I share my story, someone else who feels like I did will know that there is hope, and they deserve a second chance at having a healthy smile.