Customized Abutments Support New Teeth

In 1983, at the age of 30, Kevin Mosesso found himself at a crossroads with only a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle to his name, feeling directionless as he rode through Daytona Beach.

“Eventually, I had to ask myself, 'How do I build a life like my father's, with a home, family, and steady work?'” Kevin recalls. “So, I went back to school for two years at Daytona Beach Community College, studying building construction technology.

“As graduation approached, my instructor mentioned that a representative from CROM Corp., based in Gainesville, would be visiting to discuss their safe construction of water tanks. He noted they were seeking superintendent trainees and advised me to have my resume ready.

“One thing led to another, and CROM hired me as a trainee straight out of school. Now, at 69, I've spent 37 years with the company, traveling across 10 Southeastern states to build concrete tanks for wastewater, freshwater, and reused water for various municipalities.”

With a successful career, marriage, and a son, Kevin had built a life reminiscent of his father's. However, dental issues marred his contentment for years. “I neglected my teeth when I was younger. I didn't take proper care of them,” Kevin admits. “Once, faced with a choice of a $1,000 root canal or a $25 extraction, I opted for the latter.

“As time passed, more teeth were pulled, and my lack of proper care led to periodontal disease, reducing the bone mass in my jaw. My teeth became loose and started falling out, impacting my ability to chew properly.

“Unfortunately, my dental problems also played a part in the breakdown of my marriage. My missing tooth was a visible issue when I smiled, which bothered my wife. So, in a sense, my dental neglect contributed to the failure of my marriage.”

Despite being fitted with several bridges over the years, Kevin faced a dental emergency this year as his bridges began to fail, forcing him to confront a tough decision.

“My dental situation reached a critical point,” he explains. “It seemed I might lose the rest of my teeth and need dentures. But I was determined to avoid that. Then, while venting about my teeth at the grocery store, a woman mentioned Blossom Dental and Facial Aesthetics in Ormond Beach, suggesting they could provide the comprehensive care I needed. It was like a lifeline.”

Beyond Standard

Blossom Dental and Facial Aesthetics, led by Huda Aljonaidy, DDS, offers comprehensive dentistry services. Dr. Aljonaidy recalls Kevin's case, noting his multiple missing teeth and those needing repair.

"Kevin sought a smile restoration that not only looked appealing but also restored his lost chewing function," Dr. Aljonaidy explains. "However, the complexity of his case required a multifaceted approach, involving various treatments."

In addition to addressing cavities and abscessed root canals, Kevin needed several teeth extracted. Dr. Aljonaidy's plan included reinforcing his remaining teeth with crowns and new bridges.

To ensure the stability of these restorations, custom-designed abutments were utilized. These anchors connect the replacement teeth to artificial tooth roots implanted in the jawbone.

"Standard-size abutments don't always suit every patient's needs," Dr. Aljonaidy elaborates. "Each patient's mouth and tooth structure are unique, requiring tailored solutions. Kevin's case highlighted this variability."

“I feel like I have my original teeth again. I couldn’t be happier.” – Kevin

"Standard abutments wouldn't have met Kevin's needs optimally, so we crafted custom-designed ones for him. These abutments were made wider and angled to evenly distribute chewing forces across his load-bearing bridges, which was a significant improvement," Dr. Aljonaidy explains.

Unlike relying on an external dental lab, Dr. Aljonaidy personally customizes and mills the abutments based on the patient's mouth scan and specific design parameters.

"After scanning the patient's mouth, I determine the ideal design parameters for the abutments," she clarifies. "While various materials like porcelain or gold can be used, we typically use titanium."

Kevin's abutments, made from titanium, were strategically placed within the gum tissue to remain discreet. This positioning creates the illusion that the replacement teeth naturally emerge from the gums.

"Having the restorations emerge from the gums enhances the cosmetic appeal, resulting in a beautifully natural-looking smile," Dr. Aljonaidy observes. "This approach allowed us to achieve both of Kevin's treatment objectives, resulting in a stunning smile restoration."

“Perfect Bridges"

In completing Kevin’s smile restoration, Dr. Aljonaidy created four new bridges, each secured in his mouth by customized abutments. Kevin is thrilled with the results.

“The bridges are perfect. I couldn’t ask for anything more,” he enthuses. “I have a beautiful smile that I make sure to show off every time I take a picture to post on Facebook. I’m proud of my smile. And I have chewing power again.

“Dr. Aljonaidy gave me the confidence to smile and eat anything, within reason. I don’t eat hard candy or anything really solid like that; I don’t want to mess with fate. But I feel like I have my original teeth again. I couldn’t be happier.” Kevin appreciates the dentist who restored his smile and chewing function.

“Not only is Dr. Aljonaidy one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, but she’s also on the leading-edge of technology with the latest and greatest techniques and equipment,” Kevin raves.

“She has equipment that does everything in dentistry, including a machine that makes teeth! Her practice really is a one-stop shop, and I would highly recommend her and Blossom Dental and Facial Aesthetics to anybody who will listen to me.”

Also read this article on "I found my Doctor" here.