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Enhanced Dentistry

S

Surreyvwphobic

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 1, 2010
Messages
236
Location
In dental heaven
Hello to everybody on this site. Many of you will have been following my journey from phobia to freedom under the title "Smiles Better".

Much though I loved that place, it was a train ride away and getting appointments quickly with a specific person was difficult (although those that read this thread will see that I struck lucky when I most needed to following a recent disaster). I have remained on the books of this wonderful practice in case of further unforeseen emergencies and will be forever grateful to all of them for their love and support that enabled me to get from phobia to freedom in 8 months.

Thanks to these recent positive experiences and new found confidence, I finally decided to bite the proverbial bullet and register with a very upmarket practice in Ely (UK) which luckily is but 5 minutes and a few hundred yards walk from my front door, so no transport or expensive escorts needed.

My first experience was in fact superb; the reception staff were very welcoming and, having referred to an email I sent then some while back set me up with a lady called Megan.

I first saw Megan last Wednesday (August 15th 2018 AD) and, much like Sameera from "Smiles Better" was simply lovely! She was a very tender motherly character that straight away resolved to make sure that my well being and comfort was paramount. I am also delighted to report that her nurse was equally attentive and played a much more hands on part than so many nurses do, and this clearly bodes well for the future if and when I have to face anything sinister.

I had joined at this slightly earlier stage in the year due to a mishap that I have mentioned elsewhere; in brief, an interdental brush had snapped with half of it getting stuck between my rearmost molar and it's neighbour, so this was the main concern of the session.

As before, the usual first exam took place; this time dental charting occurred without so much as a murmour with no discomfort or worry anywhere, and the score was now down to mostly two with the odd three (due mostly to the incident) and I was deemed in otherwise ideal dental health. So good news there.

However, the x rays taken (one each side) soon showed that all was not quite well; a part of this fateful brush was clearly visible, and it was going to take some effort to get this out!

Megan started the usual options; going through with explorers, various types of floss and even larger types of brush, but to no avail. In the end, we had to give up as the clock beat us and we had ended up inconveniencing quite a number of following patients, so had to rebook, the next appointment being set for Monday 3rd September (just under a fortnight away). Despite all the pulling and poking around, this lady did not hurt me! Bless her, she got quite upset at the fact she was unable to get an outcome that day and her thoughts were simply with looking after me and minimising suffering. A kindly hand supported many times by both Megan and her nurse (cannot remember her name at this stage, but she was equally motherly and very attentive), along with soft encouraging words as the session progressed.

The facilities were very impressive; the x rays taken were the latest digital low dose type that mean both dentist and nurse can remain with you and not run out of the room; the chair again was very comfortable with very sumptuous padding and lumber support and a very nice attached neck pillow which made for a very comfortable experience. Although both ladies wore masks, they were semi opaque, so one could in fact see faces through them, and like "Smiles Better", they wore black tunics that were more akin to a hairdressing salon. Indeed, with the name "Enhance Dental Spa", one would reasonably anticipate that this sort of approach would be taken to give a positive and mostly pleasant patient experience.

Like Sameera, Megan was acutely aware of past dental trauma and, having worked in orthdontics and hospital settings, understood my situation perfectly and was empowered to give me the loving ongoing care I seek for the rest of my days. She was the first to actually diagnose me with "Dental Fatigue", basically recognising when a patient has become overwhelmed with the difficulties of routine care coupled with past dental trauma and in my case, dental abuse with that nasty orthodontist in my teenage years.

I loved her to bits from first meeting and know she will do her utmost to give me a good long term dental experience. She will be shocked (but undoubtedly delighted) when she learns about my tale of managing to cope and thrive with the successful removal of the snapped brush yesterday (Thursday 16th August), as we had discussed what might happen next following the initial failure and I was still contemplating sedation again if it looked as though the removal was going to end up being too traumatic at that stage. This was a good learning experience for all of us though, so will readily pass on to Megan how we achieved success with all aspects of the procedure for future reference.

So, after all of the trials and tribulations of yesterday, the next review with Megan should be a breeze; I am going ahead with this, as it gives us to chat more about how future care might pan out, and of course it will give her peace of mind that all has settled down after my operation (and the chance to do any remedial work if it should be deemed necessary). As I write at this moment, the only discomfort I seem to have is the aftermath of bruising which is inevitable after two shots and masses of poking pulling and washing, regardless of how gentle and considerate the procedure clearly was.

My civil partner also attends this practice and speaks very highly of them after he too, was rescued by them following some botched work to his roots at an NHS practice nearby. I had also read a very complementary article about this place by someone else on this site that like me had progressed from phobia to freedom back in 2010 (I believe). They used a lady called Esther who is on my radar as an alternative to Megan if she were to leave or otherwise be unavailable when needed.

The practice I am now writing about is called "Enhance Dental Spa" and are based in central Ely (UK). They do have limited parking and easy ground floor access for those with mobility issues and although quite a stiff walk, is near enough to a railway station although it is quite a steep uphill walk getting there.

Their address is 68 St Marys Street Ely Cambridgeshire (UK) and their telephone number is (01353) 666895. They do have a website, though I have had difficulties displaying it. The address if it will work is www.enhancedentalspa.co.uk
They do provide on request a very useful card wallet with full details of services prices and staff crucially with pictures, so good for phobics as one can see what a given person looks like with no surprise of the unknown for first meet. Oddly enough, when I met Megan, she looked younger and more attractive in real life than in the picture (I think due to not enough light in the exposure), although some of the others I noticed in passing looked identical enough.

As before, will update after this next appointment.......

From dental heaven with love. Simon ;)
 
A week to go and this time I cannot wait, as opposed to dreading! I have suffered a minor setback, this time in a completely different place. Clearly my osteotomy of 1994 has reacted to all the recent and intense dentistry work and this needs solving urgently. Having settled that annoying back molar down really nicely, I now find a front eye tooth nagging me. I think I may have injured it in cleaning attempts, so am going to take the sensible option and let my new lady look and advise as necessary. I am so disappointed this has happened, as the progress we had made was nothing short of miraculous. Megan (my new dentist) has in fact already conceded on our first meet that we are walking down new territory together, with my procedure being very pioneering at that time and side effects not known or considered. This is the biggest fault of our otherwise wonderful NHS (this is in UK); the much needed aftercare is simply non-existent! No wonder so many of us out there have all these problems and illnesses. Much more needs to be done to address this.

Anyway, my appointment is on for Monday 3rd September 2018 AD and as before will detail how things went as I have done previously. It should be a useful session, as I have 30 minutes of basically chat time at our disposal but will obviously get these two teeth reviewed as well during our chat and hopefully get some useful support for setting up ongoing care. Watch this space........ Simon XX
 
Simon,

Wow. so glad you found Megan, she sounds lovely, great communication skills and compassionate and competant as well as seeming to really get dental anxiety!! Wow.. just happy for you! and look forward to hear of your continued journeys at the new dental place! Hope your appt on Sept 3 goes well and you can get a plan for those teeth! This is just an awesome testimony of great care!
 
Simon,

Wow. so glad you found Megan, she sounds lovely, great communication skills and compassionate and competant as well as seeming to really get dental anxiety!! Wow.. just happy for you! and look forward to hear of your continued journeys at the new dental place! Hope your appt on Sept 3 goes well and you can get a plan for those teeth! This is just an awesome testimony of great care!
Thanks for your kind words; today I finally realised my life long ordeal is finally over. My next part of my story follows for all to see. Love Simon XX
 
Hello folks. As promised, here is the next account of my ongoing journey in my new dental home.

As I thought and hoped, today (Monday 3rd September 2018 AD) was indeed a breeze; nothing really untoward showed up on this review appointment, although isn't it typical that a problem always seems to clear up at the eleventh hour and so go undiscovered??!! I mentioned an aching eye tooth a few days ago; today all was well and there was nothing to report from either side on this. There was an issue with my recent injury though; I still have slight gum puffing and hence bleeding following the operation to remove a broken brush a couple of weeks ago. Megan cleaned this area out again and otherwise cleared me as dentally fit again. All I was advised to do was to reinstate cleaning to this area and hope for the best until my next cleaning session. At first, we feared that a piece was in fact still stuck, but a further x ray soon confirmed that indeed all was well finally.

So, finally in a dental resting place after all these years! Megan, her nurse Lisa and all at Enhance Ely (UK) are simply lovely people, and it is fair to say that the loving spiritual baton has been successfully passed on to them from "Smiles Better".

My next appointment is booked for 16th October (2018 AD) and this time a nice morning appointment so the rest of the day is left for any recovery time needed. This time, Enhance have got it spot on in allocating me a decent 45 minute slot for my session. Bravo! At least this gives me time and space to breathe pause and rest and absorb the session in complete comfort. At least I can now look forward to some serious pampering instead of years of punishment and torture!

Today really did spell the end and finally close the book on far too many years of ordeals and teenage flashbacks. I am eternally grateful to all at "Smiles Better", "Enhance Dental Spa" and indeed all on here who have enabled me to reach this happy space. You are all amazing!

From dental heaven with love. Simon ;)
 
Simon,

I'm sure they all enjoy it when you walk in the door. YOu are a beautiful positive person and I"m sure they really appreciate your energy wherever you go :)..
 
Simon,

I'm sure they all enjoy it when you walk in the door. YOu are a beautiful positive person and I"m sure they really appreciate your energy wherever you go :)..
Bless your heart! What lovely words, so much appreciated. I have to say again how I have never in all my born years seen so much love in a dental practice; these two places are themselves an inspiration and a superb ambassador for the industry. All other places worldwide could learn a few very simple yet very valuable lessons from these recent experiences. Lots of love Simon XX
 
Hello to everyone again. Just a couple of days now to my first cleaning at the new practice. Happy enough but a little apprehensive of how things will go for a first time, especially as I had an ongoing issue with a back tooth following emergency surgery to remove a piece of brush from it some weeks ago. Fingers crossed!!
Update to follow shortly, following this upcoming appointment. Love Simon XX
 
Simon,

wow.. getting close ....if its anything like the last appt there hopefully be really encouraging and trust building.. You are an amazing part of the dental team and I" sure the energy you bring will brighten up the office even if you are a bit nervous.. as all us good dental phobics can be :).. well.. we grow and learn and you are amazing.. HOpe all goes well with this cleaning and all is good report ! You totally have got this !
 
Simon,

wow.. getting close ....if its anything like the last appt there hopefully be really encouraging and trust building.. You are an amazing part of the dental team and I" sure the energy you bring will brighten up the office even if you are a bit nervous.. as all us good dental phobics can be :).. well.. we grow and learn and you are amazing.. HOpe all goes well with this cleaning and all is good report ! You totally have got this !
Bless you! Thanks for your kind words. Will write again on Tuesday. Love Simon XX
 
Hello everyone. Sorry this has come a couple of days late, as I have regrettably been under the weather for the last couple of days (though this is not in any way connected to my recent dentistry), but slowly on the mend.

Well, the first proper cleaning session happened on Tuesday 16th October as planned, and was a resounding success. People reading this will not believe this, but I actually enjoyed it! Yes, for the first time ever in my life, fully awake and no pain killers in sight - I enjoyed my cleaning.

"Enhance" have certainly lived up to their name of being a "spa", as I was treated like a babe in arms by the lovely tooth fairy Megan and her nurse Lisa. The scaling was extremely gentle, measured and calmly paced and the following polishing deliciously indulgent. Also, this equipment was significantly quieter in use, so I was able to hear the soft encouraging voices of my pamperers. What with Lisa mopping my mouth lovingly at frequent intervals, I was truly pampered and got the "hairdresser" experience I have sought for so many years! Also, the generous time slot allowed for me to rest for a few minutes after the session and the lovely lady in reception offered me sitting space afterwards if I had needed it, but the session was so easy and comfortable, that I did not need to and walked merrily home soon afterwards. For the first time ever, I floated out of the surgery room on a big high! Importantly to add to this, I had no jaw pain after this session, as these wonderful people are unusually able to work with a mouth less open, so I was able to absorb it all without needing any undue breaks (although they were offered, and the usual option to stop as always, was in place).

So, I am indeed in a very happy and safe place with my teeth and now look forward to my regular sessions of much needed indulgence. I am next on to see them in late February 2019 AD, but this is four months away, so might decide to squeeze in a sneaky extra clean in early December (possibly optionally at the other place if needs be) if I feel things are getting out of control.

The only thing now is dealing with the emotional fallout of everything that has gone on after all these years. I am mentally exhausted after all the procrastination and heartache of getting here, but delighted to at last have found a solution to this and a place of safety for my needs.

My thanks once again to everyone at "Enhance Dental Spa", "Smiles Better" and all on here and in my local community in Ely (UK) for your help and support on this long journey. You are all wonderful and very special people.

From dental heaven with love, Simon XX:love:
 
Simon....

Omg. this is so lovely... and I love your location.. ha.. in Dental heaven .. this is awesome.. what a great team you have.. ! And I am sure they love your presence just as much!

What a beautiful testimony to kind and great human care!
 
Simon....

Omg. this is so lovely... and I love your location.. ha.. in Dental heaven .. this is awesome.. what a great team you have.. ! And I am sure they love your presence just as much!

What a beautiful testimony to kind and great human care!
Thanks so much for these words; yes, as I have mentioned so many times before, it really is down to the right person at the end of the day. Seeking a dentist is really no different to the search for a partner or a trusted builder; once you find them, the rest will usually fall into place perfectly. As before, happy to help anybody in any way who asks.

From dental heaven with love. Simon XX :grin:
 
Hello everyone. Hope this note works this time as it seems to have disappeared despite only being posted a couple of days ago.

An update on a couple of teeth that had been bothering me; as a result of my recent illness, I have discovered both the cause of my problems and the cure for (or coping methods of addressing) it. Basically, I have discovered that it is in fact sinus related and have been able to stop the pain by gently tapping the outside of my lip and face around the affected area, as demonstrated by a lovely osteopath that used to look after me when I used to live in Surrey (UK). This is all again connected with the years of relentless surgery I had to reconstruct my jaw, nose, lip and palate, and one of the side effects of such work is sinus blockage, with the foreign mass presumably pressing on nerves near the affected teeth. At least I can now manage it!

Anyone who wants any insight on this, feel free to write and will advise where possible.

From dental heaven with love. Simon XX
 
Wonderful!

You are the best.
 
Hello folks. Its been a while as there has been a lovely quiet space with my teeth. However, I made an oversight at my last visit and having duly booked my next appointment for late February 2019, realised that this was a period of over four months and in my opinion far too long to go in between sessions in order to keep up my current good dental health, given my past difficulties.

So I have decided to sneak in an impromptu extra cleaning to tide me over until then. I am seeing a different lady this time; a young dental therapist called Cara who I am assured is very kind and follows the same ideals as Megan. This is for half an hour and hopefully should be straightforward; will write and tell all as usual after the event. This is for next Wednesday (12th December 2018AD). A slight uncertainty of the unknown again, but happy enough and certainly will not be falling apart over it like I was just a year ago.

From dental heaven with love. Simon XX :cool:
 
Simon,

I hope it goes just as well as it did with Megan! You will bring such energy and joy to wherever you go. I"m sure they are so glad when you walk in and will totally rock your appt.. sending all positive thoughts and energy your way. Let us know how it goes!
 
Many thanks! Will write again on Wednesday. Oddly enough, quite looking forward to it XX
 
Hello folks. As promised, my update following yesterday (Wednesday December 13th 2018 AD). This was simply sublime! Another very pleasurable session, despite being with a completely new person. As this was another significant event in my dental story, I will elaborate further in a separate, one-off journal under the section "share your success story"; after that all further yarns and conversations will continue on this thread.

In brief, the session was faultless and comfortable and well measured as it was last time. After the session was over and I had paid, it was lovely to unexpectedly meet my usual nurse (Lisa) in reception and share big hugs on my way out! What a lovely way to end an extraordinary year in my dental life. Roll on February 2019 and my next pampering session.........

My thanks again to all at "Enhance" and "Smiles Better" along with everyone on this site for transforming my life; you are all angels and look forward to flying with all of you into the coming years ahead.

From dental heaven with love. Simon XX
 
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