João was always the centre of attention at family gatherings. With his infectious laugh and warm personality, he was known for telling the best and funniest stories. Christmas had been his favourite time of year since childhood. It was a special occasion for the family to come together, share memories that brought tears of joy, and enjoy the traditional delicacies that filled the table.
In recent years, however, something has changed. The periodontal disease started as a discreet nuisance but got worse over time. By the age of 62, João had lost several teeth and, with them, part of his self-esteem. At first, he tried to hide the problem. Still, as the situation worsened, he avoided smiling and stopped participating in the conversations he loved.
Last Christmas, João made a valiant effort to blend in as the family shared laughter and toasts. His discomfort was palpable, but he tried to hide it. The traditional Christmas dishes, once a source of joy, now felt like a painful challenge. His avoidance of family photographs did not escape the notice of his siblings, children, and grandchildren.
João felt he was missing out on essential moments until he shared his concerns in a conversation with a close friend. It was then that he, who had also suffered from tooth loss, told him about Dr Cris Piessens and the All-on-4 procedure, which had completely transformed his life: ‘João,
I was like you, avoiding smiling and feeling older than I am. Dr Piessens changed everything. Getting my smile back was like gaining years of life,’ said his friend, trying to motivate João.
Still doubtful but encouraged by his friend’s words, João booked an appointment at Algarve Dental Implants. When he entered the clinic, he was greeted in a cosy atmosphere by friendly staff who made him feel comfortable and at ease.
Dr Cris Piessens, with over 35 years of experience in implantology, listened carefully to João’s story and explained in detail how the All-on-4 procedure worked. With just four implants per jaw, it was possible to fix a complete prosthesis, restoring functionality and a natural look to the smile. Moreover, the procedure was quick and minimally invasive, allowing João to leave the clinic the same day with a new smile: ‘When Dr Piessens explained everything to me, I realised it wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was about recovering my quality of life,’ recalls João.
João decided to proceed with the procedure. On the day of the operation, he was greeted with the same warmth he had felt during his first consultation. Despite his initial nervousness, he felt confident thanks to Dr. Piessens’ experience and the team’s care. João looked in the mirror and saw what he hadn’t seen for a long time: a complete, radiant smile. He was thrilled. More than his teeth, he had regained his confidence and the will to live fully again.
On Christmas Eve 2023, João was once again the centre of attention. He sat at the table, savoured the bacalhau, tasted the fill hoses, and smiled. With his family gathered around the fireplace, João spoke enthusiastically, laughed unreservedly, and posed for photographs, proudly showing off his new smile, symbolising the family’s unwavering support. For the first time in years, he felt free to be himself. His greatest gift was hearing my grandson say, ‘Grandpa, I love seeing you smile!’
For João, the All-on-4 procedure was more than just a dental treatment; it was a chance to regain his self-esteem, eat without limitations, and, most importantly, experience the joy of living. He felt rejuvenated, with a fuller face and renewed energy to embrace life.
