My husband has had many dental problems over the 8 years since his treatment ended, in particular with the bottom teeth. They would break off at the gum or just completely fall out, despite constant visits to the dentist. So, last year, he had approx $15,000 in work to replace the bottom teeth with a bridge, anchored by the remaining 5 teeth on the right side, because the left side of his jaw is a titanium implant with no teeth. It's a year later and the bridge is no longer stable in his mouth. It's hanging on by a thread because the supporting teeth have deteriorated under the gum.

His restorative work is done at the University of Miami, in the same office as the surgeon who did his mandibulectomy two years ago (by Dr Marx, a top surgeon in jaw surgery). This week, Dr. Marx and the restorative dentist agreed that now he will have the remaining 5 teeth removed and get 4 implants to support a new bridge. They tried to avoid this, but there is no other option remaining. He has already had over 80 HBO "dives" for prior treatments, so Dr Marx said he won't need or benefit from more. Hopefully, all that HBO will allow the bone to hold the implants.

They are going to insert the bridge just a few days after the surgery, which is scheduled for Oct 17 (my husband won't have anyone else but Dr Marx, and that's his first available date). They will using an acrylic bridge.

They believe this will be successful for him because he eats a relatively soft diet anyway. They said that Medicare will pay for the implant surgery, but we will pay for the new bridge.

My husband wanted implants all along,. but they always said "no", so he is looking forward to this. Hopefully, it will end his constant dental work. I'll let you know how all this plays out.