Sue – Patient Report
Overcoming A Phobia For Life Changing Results
When Sue Gill was younger, all of her teeth were extracted. Her upper teeth were replaced with dentures, and a bridge, supported by dental implants, replaced the teeth in her lower jaw. It was later in life, after she had an accident, that the implants required immediate attention. Unfortunately, when her dentist was unable to help, Sue thought the issue could not be resolved -but then her sister recommended Dr Peter Sanders at Dental Confidence.
“My dentist led me to believe that my implants could not be fixed, but miraculously, Dr Sanders told me he could do it.” Said Sue. “His knowledge and skills were very impressive. Then, he began to explain what a difference it would make if I were to to replace the dentures and have implants at the top as well.”
When Sue’s top teeth were extracted, she was originally told that there were roots were remaining, and so removing them would mean hospitalisation, illness, and a long period of recovery. “I thought- I’m never going through all that.”, said Sue. But after a brief examination, Dr Sanders explained that this was not true, and the implants could in fact, be placed around the roots.
Dealing with a dental phobia despite this wonderful news, Sue’s biggest problem was her extreme phobia of dentists, so she was still very reluctant to have the surgery. “My fear of dentistry is enormous. I cannot bear the smell or sight of practices, or anything to do with dentistry. Just walking into a dentist fills me with fear. I have even become so stressed I’ve become ill before going. So, it goes without saying, I was reluctant to say yes to having upper implants, even though I really wanted them! “
It was then that Peter began to explain that I had nothing to fear, that I just needed to make a leap of faith. He didn’t rush me, and after lots of appointments, he took me through every part of the process.
He showed me what was going to happen, explained everything in detail, and gradually took my fear away. His team were wonderful too, they really wrapped me in cotton wool. They looked after me so well, that eventually, I made that leap of faith to have a full upper set of implants. “This was a huge decision for me. I was practically having a nervous breakdown. I can honestly say I don’t think any other dentist would have got me through everything. They were so kind, so thoughtful – they really cared. “The biggest thing that made me go ahead with the surgery was Peter’s confidence. There was nothing he couldn’t do- no problem he couldn’t get around. Everything I asked he answered. He knew his stuff, and eventually I gained complete trust in him. His confidence made me confident.”
During the surgery, the Dental Confidence team gave Sue the care to make her feel at ease. “Tracey, Peter’s nurse, was there all the time, and held my hand - she was wonderful. And, the treatment went really well. The whole service and patient care was outstanding. As well as Pete being a great surgeon, he and his team really helped me get over the psychological barriers I had.”
Life Changing Results Once the dental implant surgery was complete, Sue saw immediate results. “I can’t begin to tell you how thrilled and delighted I was. There’s no other way to say it - the treatment changed my life!”.
“The team took so much care on the colour and the way they look. I have a job where I face people that I’m training. With implants, I speak better and look so much nicer. The effect it has had on my confidence is huge. I can eat what I want and never worry about dentures falling out. I can laugh and smile and I don’t think oh no, people are going to look at my teeth! “
I like to look glamorous but wearing dentures used to get in the way of that. Now, when I’m on my holidays I can act normal for the first time. And, I just have to pack toothbrushes now! No products and equipment to clean the dentures, no putting them in a glass and worrying about dropping them whilst I’m away!
“I can honestly say, I wouldn’t have done it without Dental Confidence. There’s no one else that could have gained my trust like they did. I can’t express enough how much it has changed everything for me. “
“If there’s anyone out there thinking about implants but is holding back because of fear- I was the most frightened person you could imagine- a true phobic. And Dental Confidence made it possible for me - so they can help you too. The impact of having implants will be more than worth it!”