Patients Stories

  • client in waiting room

‘Dental implant treatment gave me my life back’

patient-story-main

Caroline smiles and laughs a lot.  To anyone who meets her now, she is an outgoing, confident lady.  Until recently her bubbly personality was overshadowed.  For more than eight years she suffered the pain and embarrassment of a failing front tooth.  This is her story in her own words:

I  became more and more conscious of people staring at my tooth. I was very embarrassed and didn’t want to talk to anyone about it.

“I was on holiday in the USA with my family when I developed an abscess on one of my front teeth.  I put up with it, as I didn’t want to spoil the holiday.  But a gap grew in between my teeth and it was very painful.  By the time I was home, the abscess had gone but gradually the tooth started to drop, until it became quite noticeable.

Everyone I worked with knew I had a problem, but they were discreet and acted as though they didn’t notice.  However, I work as a secretary and have to face new people every day.  I became more and more conscious of them staring at my tooth.  I would tighten my lip to avoid it showing.  I was very embarrassed and didn’t want to talk to anyone about it.

– I wasn’t confident to smile and so I would look serious, which isn’t me at all!

I couldn’t eat properly as the tooth was very painful.  I had to push food to the back and sides of my mouth to bite and chew.  I didn’t want to go out for meals or to friends’ birthday parties.  If I had to eat in a public place, I would make excuses and find somewhere out of the way to sit.  Having my photo taken was horrendous – I wouldn’t smile and would look serious, which isn’t me at all!

I researched Jatin on the internet – I was seeking a dedicated expert

Eighteen months ago, I decided enough was enough, I had to do something.  I researched local dentists and found one or two I thought might be able to help.  My boss had been treated by Dr Jatin Desai at Gipsy Lane Advanced Dental Care.  He was enthusiastic about his experience, so I decided to make an appointment.

Immediately I felt relaxed and in very safe hands

I was impressed by the practice – everyone was friendly and welcoming.  Dr Desai put me at ease, and was thorough and professional.  I felt I could trust him, and I felt very relaxed. Having examined my teeth, Jatin recommended I see a specialist periodontist colleague.  She would confirm whether I could have a single implant to replace my front tooth or whether more treatment was needed.

After consulting his colleague, Jatin told me that he could remove the infected tooth and replace it with a single implant.  But I would need some bone grafting, as the infection had destroyed some of the bone in my jaw.

The surgery was completely pain free- No pain killers!

At my next appointment, Jatin removed the tooth and cleared away all the infection.  He grafted the bone and put the implant in at the same time.  The treatment was painless and, although I had a little swelling the next day, I did not need any painkillers.

The implant was left to heal for three months.  In the meantime I had a temporary bridge.  I was amazed how even that looked so much better than before.  The pain had gone and I felt different already.  I could smile again but, if I smiled too much, the bridge showed it.

I cried with joy when I received my final crown – I was delighted.

After the healing period, Dr Desai took x-rays to check the grafted bone, which he was happy had taken well.  I had a trip to the laboratory in Newbury to colour match my final crown.  Then, just before Christmas, I had the final fitting.

When Jatin handed me a mirror and I looked at my tooth and I was so delighted, I cried!  I then hugged him and his nurse, Jenny!  I just couldn’t believe it and words cannot explain how I felt.  Now I can smile, I have no pain and I am back to normal.

I realise that, through all those years, I couldn’t be me, but now I have my life back!  I have just celebrated my wedding anniversary and I was so excited about going out for a meal.  I could relax and enjoy myself at last.

To anyone who is thinking of having dental implants I would say: Don’t hesitate, go and speak to a dentist.  There is always something that can be done.”

Before dental implant - Gipsy Lane Advanced Dental Care
After dental implant - Gipsy Lane Advanced Dental Care

My Journey to Dr. Desai and Implants

It started when I broke my bridge and I went to my National Health dentist who could only suggest a full top denture. He also suggested he could get an implant specialist to give me an estimate for implants. I arranged to meet him but at the initial appointment he was 2 hours late! Although he said he could do the work for me it would mean going between Reading and Oxford and using the NH facilities in Reading.

Then I went on the internet and discovered after much browsing Dr. Desai of Gipsy Lane. I was so impressed with what I read I made an appointment immediately. Since meeting Dr. Desai for my initial consultation, I have never looked back. Every aspect was excellent, including the scanning, modern and up-to-date equipment showing exactly how he was going to fit my implants.

I first had my teeth removed in November with Dr. Roy the anaesthetist who was so nice, kind and I did not feel a thing – highly recommended!
Then I had a break of 3 months with a new denture.

Secondly in April the next procedure was started by inserting the screws for the temporary implants which were fitted on the same day. A long procedure without Roy (sadly) but with another anaesthetist.
All went well and I was amazed that the following day I needed no painkillers and felt wonderful. I had so much energy I decided to play
18 holes of golf.

Now I await the final day in late July when all will be completed and I know I shall be thrilled with the result.

I cannot praise Dr. Desai and his staff enough, including Phil the technician, for all their help and you will now have me for a permanent patient for ‘aftercare’.

Thank you all so very much and if any new patient wishes to speak to me I will be only too willing to help in any way I can.

Very gratefully

Deirdre Batchel

dierdre_beforebefore
dierdre_afterafter

All Our Services

From simple dentistry to full smile makeovers, Gipsy Lane Advanced Dental specialists provide excellent dental care alongside the very latest technology for all the family.

women getting treatment

Orthodontics Reading

Our Clinical Expert Says “We understand that choice is vital for...

Read More
Dental light

Specialist Dentistry

Our Clinical expert says “Multi disciplined and all under one ro...

Read More
periodontics

Periodontics

Periodontics, Reading (Gum Disease) Periodontal disease does not just ...

Read More
specialist cosmetic services

Cosmetic Dentistry Reading

Where advanced technology meets a personal service Here at Gipsy Lane ...

Read More
family dentistry

Family Dentistry

“I Absolutely love this practice and all the staff. As an extremely ...

Read More
patient in chair

Dental Implants Reading

https://www.gipsylane.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Copy-of-dental-...

Read More