AB (female, aged 51) “a credit to his profession”

My teeth were in very poor health and for several years I had been attending my previous dentist, three times a year for check-ups to try to hold on to my teeth as long as possible. By the time I met Dr. Friel I had been losing a tooth from my upper arch every six months or so over a period of two years.

My teeth were very sensitive, badly discoloured and my gum line receding greatly. One of my front top teeth had started to move and was now noticeably lower than its counterpart; also movement had started on another tooth. I was aware I would lose my teeth quite quickly and was very distressed by this.

My occupation as a Customer Service Manager involves dealing regularly with the public and delivering training workshops to my 150-strong staff; therefore speaking is a great part of my job role. Due to the dreadful state of my teeth I became very self-conscious and couldn’t perform as confidently as I had previously. I also had to be very careful of what I ate so as not to put any further strain on my teeth. I explained to Dr. Friel my adverse feelings about having to wear dentures and asked about alternative treatments. He discussed various options open to me, detailing the treatment involved, the probable long-term outcomes and the cost of each treatment. I opted to have implant treatment for my whole upper arch – a treatment I had never heard of before. Dr. Friel gave me lots of literature on Dental Implants and patiently explained in layman’s terms the whole procedure. Due to my fear of the unknown, Dr. Friel gently talked me through each step he was taking during my operation, which helped me focus on what was happening and not letting my imagination fuel my fear.

My post-operative care was also excellent, with Dr. Friel giving me his private mobile phone number to call him at any time if I was concerned in any way. He even phoned me on the Saturday evening of my operation to check I was OK and to re-iterate he was available any time if I needed him.

The one concern I had after my operation was that when my new teeth were attached to the implants they would be perfect, pure white teeth that would look completely at odds with my mature years. However, Dr. Friel having taken heed of my wishes, had an arch made to look as natural as possible for someone of my years.

I can’t express the difference this treatment has made to me in my confidence and also in my ability to enjoy normal eating functions after so many years. I even find myself smiling much more and the worry and stress of the appearance of my teeth, a thing of the past.

Dr. Friel continues to support me through regular check-ups and makes such a relaxed atmosphere in his surgery that you feel able to ask him anything regarding dental worries without feeling silly or intimidated.

Also the one thing I did learn through this experience, which greatly amused me, was the fact that someone could get so excited and passionate about this type of work. He really is a credit to his profession.