João* has always been known for his broad, infectious smile and big heart. Over the years, however, he lost several teeth due to a severe gum infection that destroyed the bone that supports the teeth. This condition affected his appearance, his general health and, above all, his quality of life, making his heart sadder. João, a 65-year-old Olhanense living in Silves and a retired former railway worker, withdrew from his favourite social activities. He stopped taking part in the choir group of the local recreational society because he had difficulty saying certain words, and he stopped going out to dinner with friends because he was ashamed of his smile and had great difficulty chewing various foods.
Realising how sad her grandfather was, his granddaughter, Sofia, started googling solutions for his case and discovered the ‘All on 4’ procedure on the Algarve Dental Implants website. Curious about the promised benefits and the testimonies of other patients satisfied with Dr Cris Piessens’ work, she made an initial phone call and sought more information. Sofia took her grandfather to visit Algarve Dental Implants and consult Dr Cris Piessens, a Belgian dentist based in Albufeira, who specialises in the ‘All on 4’ procedure and has over 35 years’ experience in placing dental implants. Initially reluctant due to fear of the procedure and its potential cost, João hesitated. However, after the detailed consultation, where Dr Cris Piessens and his team clearly explained the process, the long-term benefits and the associated costs, João decided to proceed with the treatment.
The procedure was less invasive than he had imagined, and in just one day, João had a new set of teeth, a fixed prosthesis made up of an upper and lower arch, resting on just four implants. The impact was immediate. He could hardly believe the transformation when he looked in the mirror after the procedure. His smile was once again bright and contagious. The recovery was smooth, and the post-operative care instructions were clear and easily applied.
In the following weeks, the change was reflected in his whole life. His diction improved remarkably, making singing possible again. He could eat his favourite dishes again without discomfort, which brought back the pleasure of socialising at mealtimes. John’s self-esteem was restored; he returned to the local choral group and joined a bridge club.
More than the recovery of function and aesthetics, João felt a renewal of his spirit. He was more talkative and open to new experiences, and he often expressed his gratitude that Sofia had encouraged him to make the decision that changed his life. João even considered getting back together with someone after having been divorced for more than six years.
A year after having the ‘All on 4’ procedure, he organised a small party at home to celebrate his birthday and the new phase of his life, his second chance, with a smile that once again lit up his face and heart!
João’s story is a testament to the power of an innovative solution like ‘All on 4’ to transform lives by restoring dental function and the joy and confidence that come with smiling again.
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* To ensure the confidentiality of our patients, we created João, a fictional character inspired by attributes frequently observed in many of those who come to us. This character symbolises individuals who have seen their lives remarkably improved by the ‘All on 4’ procedure, allowing them to rediscover the pleasure of laughing, smiling, talking and interacting socially, contributing significantly to their happiness.
