Hope Regained Through Gangnam Full-Arch Implants

Lee Jang-uk, Chief Director

Hello.

A place that does its best

for a healthy smile

This is Etoile de Seoul Dental Clinic.

An emotional story of one person who escaped three years of pain

Among the many cases I have seen while caring for patients’ dental health over the past 15 years, this is a particularly memorable one. It is the story of Mr. Kim, a man in his late 60s, who completed the Gangnam full-arch implant procedure last month and began a completely new life.

We would like to share the moving journey of how he, after suffering in despair for three years because of dentures, found hope again. We hope this story can offer small comfort and courage to those facing similar difficulties.

We take responsibility for your dental health.

Three years of pain caused by dentures

Last spring, I will never forget how Mr. Kim, in his late 60s, looked when he opened the door to the examination room. Even through his mask, I could sense his deep despair and the careful steps he took. As soon as he sat down, he burst into tears and said this.

"Doctor, I really feel like giving up now. I’ve been living with dentures for three years, and every day is so hard."

He slowly told his story while wiping his eyes with a handkerchief. He said that simply putting in the dentures every morning felt like a battle. Even when he used adhesive, they would loosen during meals, making it impossible to chew properly, and he gradually began avoiding gatherings with friends.

"Every time my grandson asked me to hold him, I felt sorry. I couldn’t even smile properly because I was afraid the dentures would come out, and I was careful even when playing with him..."

At that moment, I could feel how much his heart must have been hurting.

The pain of tooth loss caused by diabetic complications

Mr. Kim said that three years ago, diabetic complications had severely weakened his jawbone, and he lost most of his teeth. At first, he thought dentures alone would be enough, but reality was different.

"I couldn’t sleep properly at night. My gums hurt because of the dentures, so I kept waking up at dawn, and then I was tired even during the day... You can’t imagine how worried my wife was."

His wife also came with him and shared her thoughts. She said that her husband gradually became quieter, stopped hiking, which he used to enjoy, and began avoiding going out altogether.

"He couldn’t eat properly, so he lost 10 kilograms. Even at the hospital, they said he was malnourished... I really didn’t know what to do."

At that moment, I became certain that the Gangnam full-arch implant procedure could be a new source of hope for him.

Precise treatment planning through 3D navigation

In Mr. Kim’s case, there was a significant lack of jawbone, but after a thorough review using 3D imaging, we determined that the procedure could be carried out with four implants without bone grafting. This was made possible by placing the implants at a special angle.

"Is that really possible? At other clinics, they said I would need bone grafting..."

To his cautious question, I replied:

"Don’t worry. Through our 3D navigation technology, we can locate the areas with solid bone and place the implants there. Most importantly, you can receive a temporary prosthesis on the same day, so you don’t need to worry about being without teeth."

That day, I could see Mr. Kim’s expression gradually brighten.

The dramatic difference felt from the day of surgery

On the day of the Gangnam full-arch implant procedure, the surgery went smoothly as planned. It took about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and we were able to place the temporary prosthesis right away.

"Can it really change this much...?"

Those were Mr. Kim’s first words after the temporary prosthesis was placed. For the first time in three years, he had teeth inside his mouth that did not move.

We told him to eat mostly soft foods during the first week after surgery, but when he returned a week later, his expression had completely changed.

"Doctor, I slept deeply for the first time in three years. Since my gums no longer hurt, I didn’t wake up at night."

Small miracles appearing in everyday life

After two weeks and then three weeks, small miracles began to happen for Mr. Kim.

"Yesterday, I laughed out loud and played with my grandson for the first time. I didn’t know it could feel this happy to laugh freely without worrying about my teeth coming out."

A month later, on the day the prosthesis was fitted, Mr. Kim came with his wife. The prosthesis had a natural appearance, with a gum line made of pink porcelain and tooth color made of zirconia.

"It really feels like my own teeth. I’m amazed every time I look in the mirror."

After the prosthesis was fitted, his chewing function improved significantly, and he was able to eat a wide variety of foods.

Hiking again after 20 years and happy time with family

Now, three months after completing the Gangnam full-arch implant procedure, Mr. Kim has become a completely different person. The story he shared during his recent visit was truly moving.

"Doctor, last week I went hiking with my friends for the first time in 20 years. When we shared kimbap at the top of the mountain, I really teared up. How precious these ordinary moments are..."

His wife also talked about her husband’s change.

"There’s constant laughter at home. The grandchildren say Grandpa has become much brighter, and now they even ask him first to play with them."

Another success story,

The remarkable recovery process of Mr. Park in his 70s

Let me share another story of a person who was in a situation similar to Mr. Kim’s. Mr. Park, in his early 70s, had high blood pressure and diabetes, but both were well controlled with medication.

"I was worried because of my age and wondered whether implants would be possible, but I felt encouraged when the doctor said it would be fine."

Mr. Park also regained a new life through the Gangnam full-arch implant procedure. What was especially memorable was the story he shared one month after surgery.

"My daughter said, ‘It’s been a really long time since I’ve seen Mom look this bright.’ Now I make lunch plans with friends first, and I’m also making travel plans."

A change in life beyond restoring teeth

Whenever I hear stories like these, I feel deeply moved as well. It is because I get to see not just their teeth being restored, but their entire lives changing.

The full-arch implant method is technically a way to restore full dental function with 4 to 6 implants, but in reality, I believe it means giving back lost everyday life, confidence, and happy moments with family.

If you care for them every day as you would natural teeth and receive regular checkups every six months, they can be used for a long time with proper maintenance. We also provide ongoing care through a three-year aftercare service.

There may be people reading this who are carrying similar concerns. Those who have lost their smiles because of the discomfort of dentures, given up their favorite foods, or avoided meeting people. But please do not give up. Like Mr. Kim and Mr. Park, you too can surely regain a bright smile. Age is just a number, and there is never a time when it is too late to work toward a healthy life.

Most of all, think about the joy your family will feel when they see your bright expression again. Imagine the day you can laugh and play freely with your grandchildren, and the moment you can share delicious food and conversation with friends.

We cheer on your new beginning, and you are always welcome to visit us with a comfortable 마음. We can help through appropriate treatment.

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