🇪🇸Maria L. · 58 · Barcelona

Maria L. — All-on-4® Confidence Transformation

58-year-old Barcelona woman with 8 mobile teeth and advanced periodontal disease received All-on-4® both arches. Diabetic patient protocol. Master ceramist monolithic zirconia bridges. Life-transforming outcome.

Procedure

All-on-4® Both Arches

Visit Duration

12 days single trip

Total Time

7 months total (final crowns 6 months later)

Doctors

Dr. Mehmet Yılmaz, Maestro Luca Bianchi

Starting Situation

Maria had advanced periodontal disease causing tooth loss across both arches. By age 56 she had only 8 teeth remaining, and they were mobile. She wore partial dentures she hated, avoided social situations, and had stopped smiling in photos for 5 years. Her husband suggested dental tourism after a colleague mentioned WeCare.

Patient\'s Goals

✓
Replace all teeth with fixed permanent solution
✓
Restore confidence in social settings
✓
Eat normally again (especially Spanish food)
✓
Smile in photographs again
✓
Long-term stable solution

Case Challenges

!
Advanced bone loss both arches
!
Sinus pneumatization upper jaw
!
Multiple loose teeth requiring extraction
!
Diabetic Type 2 (HbA1c 6.8%, controlled)
!
Smoker history (quit 5 years prior)

Treatment Plan

Phase 1: Comprehensive medical review and HbA1c verification. Phase 2: Extraction of remaining 8 teeth. Phase 3: All-on-4® placement both arches with bone augmentation upper. Same-day temporary bridges. Phase 4: 6-month healing with diabetes monitoring. Phase 5: Final monolithic zirconia bridges.

Materials Used

✓
Straumann BLX implants (4 upper, 4 lower)
✓
Bio-Oss® bone graft
✓
Geistlich Bio-Gide® membrane
✓
Prettau monolithic zirconia bridges

Outcome

Both All-on-4® arches integrated successfully. Final monolithic zirconia bridges placed at 6 months. Function fully restored. Maria smiles in photographs again, eats Spanish food normally, and has resumed active social life.

"For 5 years I covered my mouth when I laughed. The first time I smiled at my granddaughter without thinking about it — that was when I knew this changed my life. Spanish food again. Tapas with friends. Photos at family gatherings. Everything I had given up came back."
— Maria L. 🇪🇸

Follow-Up

14 months post-final-restoration, both bridges stable, diabetes well-controlled (HbA1c 6.5%), patient highly satisfied. Annual maintenance appointments.

Maria L. is a 58-year-old retired teacher from Barcelona whose adult life was shaped by progressive periodontal disease. By age 56 she had only 8 mobile teeth remaining and wore partial dentures she found uncomfortable and embarrassing. She had stopped smiling in photographs for 5 years.

Initial Consultation

Maria's husband contacted WeCare via WhatsApp after his colleague mentioned successful dental tourism treatment. Maria sent panoramic X-ray and current photos. Dr. Mehmet Yılmaz identified:

Advanced bone loss both arches

Mobile remaining teeth (extraction needed)

Upper sinus pneumatization (bone graft likely needed)

Type 2 diabetes (controlled, HbA1c 6.8%)

Former smoker (quit 5 years)

Dr. Yılmaz proposed All-on-4® approach for both arches, with:

Comprehensive pre-op medical clearance

Modified surgical protocol for diabetic patient

Bone augmentation if needed during All-on-4® placement

Master ceramist monolithic zirconia bridges for long-term durability

Pre-Trip Medical Coordination

Maria's endocrinologist provided:

HbA1c verification (6.8% — acceptable for surgery)

Continued diabetes medications during travel

Cardiology clearance (no cardiac issues)

Detailed medication list

Visit Days

Day 1-2: Mercedes transfer. Hotel check-in. Comprehensive consultation. Sirona CBCT 3D imaging. Final treatment plan confirmation. Photography records.

Day 3-4: Surgical extraction of remaining 8 teeth. Bone preservation grafts.

Day 5-6: All-on-4® surgery upper arch. 4 Straumann BLX implants placed strategically. Bone augmentation in posterior areas. Same-day temporary acrylic bridge attached.

Day 7-8: Recovery, light tourism, hotel rest.

Day 9-10: All-on-4® surgery lower arch. 4 Straumann BLX implants. Same-day temporary bridge.

Day 11-12: Final post-op check. Aftercare instructions. Mercedes airport transfer.

6-Month Healing Phase

Maria continued normal life in Barcelona with temporary bridges. Monthly WhatsApp updates and photos. HbA1c monitored every 3 months — stable at 6.6-6.7%. Implants integrated successfully both arches.

Final Bridge Placement (Visit 2: 4 days)

Day 1: CBCT confirms integration. Final impressions.

Day 2-3: Master Ceramist Bianchi designed Prettau monolithic zirconia bridges:

Custom shade matching skin tone

Tooth size proportionate to face

Natural arch form

Bite optimization

Day 4: Final placement both arches. Bite adjustment. Photographs. Departure.

14-Month Follow-Up

Maria reports:

Eating Spanish food normally (tapas, paella, jamón)

Smiling in photographs without thinking

Active social life resumed

Granddaughter says "Yaya looks happy now"

HbA1c stable at 6.5%

No issues, no concerns

Lessons From This Case

Diabetic All-on-4® patients require careful protocol but achieve excellent outcomes

Both arches in single trip efficient for international patients

Same-day temporary restores function immediately

Monolithic zirconia ideal for long-term All-on-4® durability

Master ceramist work delivers natural aesthetic outcome

For patients with similar circumstances — advanced bone loss, multiple missing teeth, controlled diabetes — All-on-4® offers life-changing transformation. WhatsApp +90 551 086 83 68 with panoramic X-ray for personalized assessment.

FAQ About This Case

Was Maria's diabetes a problem?↓

Manageable with proper protocol. HbA1c 6.8% acceptable for surgery. Modified surgical timing, prolonged antibiotics, careful aftercare. Outcomes nearly identical to non-diabetic patients with proper management.

Why both arches in single trip?↓

Efficient for international patient. Single anesthesia for each surgery. One healing period. Reduces overall trip count. Surgeries done 4 days apart for healing time.

How quickly could Maria eat?↓

Soft foods immediately with temporary bridges. Normal eating progressively over 4-6 weeks. Hard foods (apples, steak) by 8 weeks with confidence.

Will the bridges last?↓

Monolithic zirconia bridges typically 20+ years. Implants typically lifetime. Maria has lifetime guarantee on implants. Annual maintenance recommended.

How much did this cost?↓

Pricing communicated personally during free WhatsApp consultation. All-inclusive package included treatment, hotel, transfers, and aftercare. WeCare provides honest cost breakdown for individual cases.

Has Maria's confidence really returned?↓

Yes — measured by patient self-report quality of life metrics. Increased social engagement, photograph participation, eating without anxiety. Family and friends confirm transformation.

Want similar treatment?

Treatment Page

All-on-4 Implants in Turkey — Permanent Smile in One Visit

All-on-4 places only 4 strategically angled implants per arch and supports a complete fixed bridge of 12-14 teeth — same day. Ideal for patients who have lost most or all their teeth.

Ready to start your treatment?

Free written treatment plan within 24 hours. Send your panoramic X-ray and 5 intraoral photos via WhatsApp.

WhatsApp +90 551 086 83 68