SM (female, aged 57) “I now have a beautiful smile”

Since the age of 13 I‘ve had to wear a partial denture, which I hated, both for functional and cosmetic reasons. I never felt comfortable smiling and I am a person who loves to smile. I would also like to add that my primary history of dentists was a fairly negative experience, both due to their dental skills and chair side manner.

I first visited Dr Friel because I wanted quick treatment for a broken tooth, I knew this was a private practice, therefore wouldn‘t have long to wait. I had never been to this practice before or met Dr Friel. The first thing that struck me on entering his surgery was, his friendly engaging manner, he was also extremely confident, completely relaxed and had a beautiful smile. I immediately felt safe, relaxed open and able to communicate. While examining my broken tooth, Dr Friel gave me a full dental examination asked me if I‘d like to get rid of the denture. I was totally taken aback, one because I didn‘t know it was a possibility and two he made it sound as if it was the easiest thing in the world. To me it sounded like a miracle.

I was actually terrified to have this work done but after Dr Friel explained the whole procedure in detail and reassured me, I went ahead with it. The work was long and complex; requiring a total upper reconstruction, i.e. several dental implants, bone grafting, sinus lift and several crowns. Lower work was also carried out, to complete the whole effect.

But I would like to say that neither the education about dental implants or the reassurance from Dr Friel were the deciding factors in having the work done. What gave me the courage to have this done was, that I sensed from Dr Friel, his complete and total confidence in himself and his abilities. I knew from this that everything would be exactly as he said, and it was.

Another very pertinent factor was, that at no time was there any pressure on me to do this, and it was merely offered as a service to me – and as a very appealing option.

I am so glad I walked into the surgery that day. I now have a beautiful smile and rid of the horrible denture. I feel so much better in every way, both from a functional sense and cosmetically, all these factors contribute to ones self esteem and quality of life. I can truthfully say that I would never have had the courage to go through with the procedure, or allow anyone to do it.

It all happened because of Dr Friel‘s manner, which encapsulated his confidence and expertise coupled with his down to earth and friendly approach, his ability to see and offer you what you would probably love but maybe couldn‘t perceive of never mind verbalise; all of which he imparted to me on that first visit to his surgery. I would describe Dr Friels standard of practice as excellent!