Good Dentures Equals Good Health

"It was a worrisome year. My father, eighty-ish, usually out-going, gregarious and robust appeared to be in poor health. At family gatherings he was unusually quiet. He ate little, lost weight, and his cheeks took on a sunken look. Private about his personal life, I had once asked him, "If you had a serious illness, would you tell us?" Without missing a beat he replied, "No" and I believed him.


Concerned for him, we became more vigilant. At a family meal while consuming a chicken dish, he commented on the tender meat and the tasty recipe. I began to suspect his teeth. He had the previous year decided to relinquish his remaining teeth and replace them with dentures. Per his usual private determination, after a visit to Mexico, he suddenly appeared with new teeth. It was hard to be pleased for him. It was obvious they were dentures. They were acrylic, bright white and seemed too big for his mouth. One day my mother told me that he was going to see someone about new dentures. My concerns about his teeth were confirmed. He had noticed an ad in newspaper offering a bargain price for dentures. I was suspect and quickly stepped in and convinced him that he should see Dr. Tanaka. When the subject of new dentures would come up, I would tell him things I knew about false teeth. They should look real. They should be made of porcelain. He should be fitted for them by a good dentist, otherwise, his bargain price would become another bargain price and perhaps another set of poorly made dentures.

To say we sailed in Dr. Tanaka’s with eager anticipation would be a stretch. But sail into Dr. Tanaka’s office we did and the good dentist began good work. Dad met with him for a consultation. With great respect and aplomb, Dr. Tanaka began with an evaluation of my father’s health and current pair of dentures.

The removal of his teeth and making of the original dentures had been done on the same day before the gums had healed. The heating process of the acrylic plates had been rushed, causing them to shrink from front to back before they were ever worn creating a poor fit. It got worse. Teeth that belonged on the bottom plate were stuck in the top. The plates didn’t fit top to bottom or side to side. Every aspect was an akimbo, all conditions for misery.

Pleased with professional attitude and presentation, Dad launched into the month long process of measuring, creating and fitting. Dr Tanaka and Dad discovered they had acquaintances in common. The staff’s kind solicitations and ornery humor delighted him. When the new dentures were completed and fitted, my father’s face told the story. Dad’s cheeks filled out with the new teeth giving him a more youthful healthy presence. The look of porcelain, good porcelain gives his smile a realistic appearance. They fit top to bottom and side to side, and front to back. There was one final “Dad Test” unknown to anyone. Lunch was waiting for him on the day he wore them home. He added one item, a crisp crunchy dill pickle, something he had not been able to eat and had missed. His teeth bit through perfectly. Success! My father’s health is vital and lively. His good humor has returned and he smiles. I like my father’s smile."

“Thank you for your special care and excellent work! I show-off my front teeth to everyone! You are such an excellent dentist and I feel so fortunate to be your patient. Thanks again for your sensitive and kind treatment.”

“Just a note of thanks to you and your staff for the exceptional care and attention I recently received.

As you know, I am not a very good patient (you even gave me my very own nose cone for the nitrous) but you, Dolores, and Leeann took the time and lots of patience to ensure my comfort and care during two recent very long appointments. Your top priority is obviously your patients, as I experienced firsthand on my many visits to your office.

I have always been self-conscious regarding my teeth but you and your wonderful staff have over a period of time, changed my attitude about smiling. I now have a new sense of confidence thanks to the dedication and care from your office.”

Dear Dr. Tanaka,
Thank you for your generous and very thoughtful generosity toward me. You mentioned being very grateful for the affiming comments I expressed a few weeks ago. It is all very true about you. I have watched you in your work for several years now. Of all your exceptional qualities and brilliance I learn about kindness most from watching you. That is your greatest quality. I appreciate you.