Telford Mother's Dental Implant Nightmare Leads to Facial Hole
Leanne Abeyance, a resident of Telford in Shropshire, embarked on a journey to Turkey in May 2024 to replace her aging veneers with dental implants, hoping for a smile transformation. However, the procedure resulted in devastating complications that have left her fearing she may lose her lips entirely.
Cost-Driven Decision Turns Sour
Motivated by significant cost savings, Leanne opted for treatment abroad, where the same dental work would have cost her £40,000 in the UK. The Turkish clinic quoted her £8,000, with an upfront payment of £3,000 and the balance due upon completion. Following dental advice, she underwent extensive surgery, including a sinus lift and bone grafts, to place eight top and seven bottom implants after having her teeth extracted.
Severe Health Complications Emerge
Initially pleased with her temporary teeth fitted two days post-surgery, Leanne's situation deteriorated rapidly. She began experiencing severe headaches and sinusitis, prompting a private dental scan that revealed two implants had penetrated her nose. This has sparked fears of potential lip loss, with a hole already forming under her top lip and onto her gums.
Leanne described her ongoing ordeal: "I'm scared that I'm going to have no lips left. It doesn't stop leaking and bleeding. I can't even eat properly anymore because it's so sore and painful. And the fact that I have to keep the gauze on, I can't breathe." She reported constant discharge of "thick gunk" from the wound, leading to multiple hospital visits and antibiotic treatments that provided no relief.
Emotional and Physical Toll
Beyond the physical pain, Leanne faces emotional distress from hostile online comments and frustration over delayed medical care, as her condition falls into a "grey area" at A&E. She is currently awaiting a GP diagnosis for possible osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection that causes inflammation, pain, fever, and swelling.
Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope: Leanne has contacted her original surgeon in London and secured an appointment in the coming weeks. She urged others in similar situations: "Please go private, do not leave it. Do not accept no for an answer." Addressing online trolls, she added: "Start being kind to one another, we are all human, and there's only so much one can take."
If you are struggling with mental health issues, call Samaritans at 116 123. In emergencies, dial 999 immediately.
