When Deedee Tubby walked into her local Yukon OK Dentist office, she brought with her a lifetime of resilience and a problem that seemed impossible to solve.
Born without arms, Deedee had spent her whole life adapting to challenges most people never consider. Her grandmother always told her she was special, and in a family of 13 siblings, Deedee had proven it true through sheer determination. But the dentures she wore—or rather, couldn't wear—had become an obstacle she couldn't overcome alone.
The Accident That Started It All
Deedee's dental troubles began on an icy winter day in Oklahoma. Her car door was frozen shut, and in her typical fashion, she was determined to handle it herself. When the door finally gave way, it struck her in the mouth with devastating force, knocking out her front teeth.
"I felt like I looked terrible," Deedee recalls.
A former dentist had recommended extracting her remaining teeth and fitting her with full dentures. It seemed like a reasonable solution, but there was one critical problem: without arms and fingers to grip them, Deedee couldn't remove or insert the dentures independently.
She tried using her feet. Her boyfriend tried to help. But the daily struggle proved too much. Eventually, Deedee stopped wearing the dentures altogether, which affected both her nutrition and her self-confidence. For someone who had always prided herself on independence, needing help with such a basic task was devastating.
Finding the Right Solution
Dr. Fullington was a newer dentist in Yukon, OK. He had spent years serving as a navy dentist performing dental implant procedures and emergency dentistry operations for men and women in combat. With his new dental practice in Yukon, he was looking forward to serving his local community by helping change lives by giving people back their smiles. During the first initial consult with Deedee, Dr. Fullington immediately recognized that Deedee needed a different approach than what she currently had. "It was clear she needed something fixed in place," he said.
He reached out to Zest Dental Solutions to explore options for Deedee's unique situation. The team suggested LOCATOR FIXED, an innovative system that provides permanent teeth that stay securely in place. Unlike traditional dentures, LOCATOR FIXED only needs to be removed by a dentist during routine cleanings every six months.
"At Zest, we're more than a dental company," said George Gibson from Zest. "Partnering with someone as dedicated as Dr. Fullington and helping improve Deedee's health reflects the values we live by every day."
The Treatment Journey
The treatment process took approximately one year, with careful planning at every step. Working together, Dr. Fullington's practice (Redeemed Smiles) and Zest Dental Solutions developed a comprehensive plan. Zest donated all the materials and components, while Dr. Fullington donated his time and expertise.
On surgery day, years of planning came together perfectly. "The procedure went great," Dr. Fullington shared. "The implants were perfect, and Deedee was over the moon, crying and hugging everyone."
The Day Everything Changed
The night before receiving her final prosthesis, Deedee could barely contain her excitement. "I can't believe it's really happening. Today's the day," she said, admitting she had barely slept.
When Dr. Fullington revealed her new smile, Deedee's joy was immediate and overwhelming. "They look real," she said through tears, her voice filled with wonder.
She immediately began talking about all the foods she could eat again—ice cubes and corn on the cob topped her list. These simple pleasures, impossible with ill-fitting dentures, were suddenly within reach again.
Life Transformed
Today, Deedee's life looks completely different. She can eat whatever she wants without worry. She smiles freely in photos. Most importantly, she's regained the independence that means so much to her. The LOCATOR FIXED system stays securely in place, eliminating the daily struggles that had defined her life since the accident.
For George Gibson, who witnessed Deedee's transformation firsthand, the experience was profound. "Sometimes we lose sight of how much our work matters. It's not just about helping someone eat or speak more comfortably. It's also about restoring the confidence to step outside, to smile, to connect with others. It's not every day we get to see that impact firsthand, and it's incredibly rewarding."
A Partnership That Made the Difference
Deedee's successful treatment was made possible through the collaboration between Dr. Fullington's clinical expertise and Zest's innovative technology. But beyond the technical aspects, it was the shared commitment to improving a patient's quality of life that made the real difference.
"The LOCATOR FIXED solution gave Deedee back her independence," Dr. Fullington explained. "For someone who's spent their entire life adapting and overcoming challenges, being able to manage their dental health without daily assistance is life-changing."
Looking Forward
Deedee's story demonstrates how the right dental solution can restore far more than just the ability to chew food. It can restore confidence, independence, and quality of life. Her journey from struggling with removable dentures to living confidently with LOCATOR FIXED serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.
For patients who struggle with traditional dentures due to physical limitations or other challenges, Deedee's experience shows that solutions exist. The key is finding the right combination of technology, clinical expertise, and compassionate care.
Today, when Deedee smiles, she does so without hesitation. When she eats, she chooses what she wants, not what she can manage. And when she wakes up each morning, she faces the day with the same independence and determination that her grandmother always knew she possessed.
To learn more about LOCATOR FIXED and other innovative dental solutions, visit www.zestdent.com. For patients seeking similar treatment options, consult with a qualified dental professional to discuss what solutions might work best for your unique situation.
