Veteran gifted a new smile from Conroe dentist

On the morning of Veteran’s Day, Cooper – a U.S. Army Reserves veteran – was the recipient of a new smile courtesy of Dr. Talya Mintz at her Affordable Dentures & Implants practice in Conroe.

His procedure included a “snap on” denture that is anchored to Cooper’s jaw with implants placed by Dr. Mintz.

“I’ve always been the guy people come to for help and I’ve never had someone do something like this for me,” said Cooper who, like all military veterans, in order to qualify for full VA dental benefits, must be 100 percent disabled, have been a prisoner of war or have developed a dental condition during their service.

Michael does not meet these requirements. He had let his dental health go and was paying out of pocket for service.

He was in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1982 to 1988. On Aug. 6, 1986 he was in a severe accident which had lead to health problems the remainder of his life.

He was honorably discharged on Dec. 12, 1988 and went on to work for 24 years in the oil industry. At times he was on oilfield rigs for months at a time.

He pulled three of his own teeth while out on oil rigs.