There are too many stories in the news about politics and division. Sometimes we need to take a step back and simply appreciate people — especially those who have fought for our country and given us the freedoms we enjoy.

When one of my veteran patients was referred to me for extractions under IV sedation, he came holding a pair of brand-new dentures a local dentist had just made for him. The moment I saw them, I knew they wouldn’t last. They were paper-thin, and with his strong bite and powerful facial muscles, he would crush them the instant he tried to eat.

Already confined to a wheelchair, I couldn’t bear to see him handicapped even further — or worse, left feeling depressed because the VA hospital couldn’t provide him with implants. At that moment, I knew I had to do something different. Something special.

I reached out to my representative at SIN Dental Implants, a Brazilian manufacturer with U.S. offices in Arizona, to ask if they could help by donating four implants and abutments for his case. They generously agreed. With their support, my team and I decided to give this veteran a full-mouth rehabilitation with fixed implant bridges.

The process wasn’t quick — it took about four to six months from start to finish. First, we performed the surgery under IV sedation, so he never felt a thing. Then came the healing period. Finally, using our in-house dental lab, we designed and delivered his permanent zirconia bridges — strong, metal-free, and natural looking.

When he received his new smile, everything changed. Each time I see him now, he’s grinning from ear to ear, full of confidence and joy. The transformation has been incredible, and for me, it was an absolute privilege to be part of his journey.

None of this would have been possible without my amazing team. I want to especially thank:

• Ivan, our talented digital designer from Serbia, who planned the case virtually
• Will, our skilled nurse anesthetist, who ensured the sedation went smoothly
• Mel, my right-hand surgical assistant, who was by my side every step of the way
• Sammie, our esthetically driven lab tech, who crafted the final zirconia bridges with artistry and precision
• Zamie, our dedicated office manager, who explained the treatment in simple terms and “babysat” the case through six months of care
• And of course, SIN Dental Implants, whose generous contribution made this rehabilitation possible

As dentists, we’re in a unique position to change lives. And sometimes, that means stepping up when no one else can. He once served us, and this was my way of serving him in return.