Why I do dental implants...

Two words:

My Parents.

For all those patients who have already had implants placed by me; and for any staff members who have assisted me with implants for the last 8 years: You have heard this story. You do not need to read on.

For anyone else, here goes:

I graduated from Sydney University Dental School in 1992. However, I didn't look into my parents mouths until 1995. Only reason: I worked in a public hospital for the first two years of my dental career. So when I peeked in, with over two years of experience under my belt, I wasn't a bit nervous. The first time I ever attempted to place an implant, however, was a different story.

The first seven years of looking after my folks mouths was easy - mainly because I didn't attempt a whole lot. Cleaning, the odd filling, cleaning, a crown here and there, some veneers, more cleaning; and when the cleaning didn't work, a referral to a gum specialist. When Mom and I walked away from the gum specialist' appointment, she said to me, "You could've done that treatment for me."

This wasn't some kind of indictment on me, by my mother. She actually believed in me, that I could possibly do the work of a specialist. Or maybe, she just wanted me to do everything dentally possible for her.

The next realisation was, that even after specialist intervention, Mom was going lose some teeth. Extracting teeth - yep, I could do that. But I also realised, I did not want my parents to be wearing dentures, of any description. Which made implants the only option to replace the soon-to-be-extracted teeth. Well since Mom wanted me to be her super-dentist, I commenced my implant training.

Four days of lectures; two days hands-on training; six half-days of "over-the-shoulder" training; and I was ready to place my first implant - on my mother.

Cut, drill, place, sew. Done.

Wait.

Test. Impression.

Wait.

Mom's got a tooth, again.

My first look at these photos - taken in 2003 - gives me a tinge of sadness. Mom was 63 at that time, and @ 71, now, the ageing is apparent. Don't get me wrong, my folks are healthy, happy, and I think they still look good. It's just that our memories of loved ones are usually when they are at their best. Dad - when he would bowl cricket balls to me at full pace; Mom - when she would comfort me when I was crying, yet again.

However, the overwhelming feeling from these photos is happiness, because:

• The fact that the implanted teeth will essentially be the same in form and function until Mom passes
• The confidence that Mom instilled in me to get the job done
• I was looking after my Mom, as her dentist.

Mom and Dad: 10 implants over 8 years - smiling and chewing well.

I am their Dentist.