For the last 15 years, my mouth has been a mass of broken teeth and painful infections. Some bad dental experiences in my youth put me off the dentist and the situation steadily became out of hand. The tastes and textures of food had long since been off the menu for me and it was as I visited an emergency dentist for another round of antibiotics, when I was only 36 years old, that I decided enough was enough. I was losing weight, losing confidence and, most tragically, losing my sense of dignity.I found the Parrock Dental practice online and decided to take the plunge. From the very first call I made, I knew it was the right thing to do; the reception team were incredibly professional and so genuinely sympathetic. I was booked in quickly for a consult and it was clear very early on that the team were honestly committed to helping me overcome my dentistry fears and to helping me rebuild my smile in a way that worked for me. A few simple appointments later and I had a date for my procedure. I underwent a complete mouth restoration, having both the top and bottom all-on-four processes done in a single day.The procedure was completed by Dr Rik, who is the principal dentist at the practice, and it was simply effortless. He coached me through the whole process, extinguishing the fires of dental anxiety I had been keeping ablaze for decades through his considerate approach and impressive knowledge. I had heard a lot of good things about Dr Rik and I can honestly say that nothing can accurately describe how magnificent he is as a dentist and as human being – supremely understanding, unquestionably kind and confident in a way that only a master craftsman can be.The procedure was done in a day, 7 to 8 hours of sitting down and I was out into the world with a full set of new teeth - no pain, no discomfort and no panic. Nothing. Every ounce of fear and apprehension I had ever harboured was finally laid to rest in the dental chair that day and I was home half an hour later, watching TV. I had a week of soreness, remedied by Paracetamol and that was it. The horrible, frightening thing that had been lurking at the back of my mind was overcome in a flash and I cannot explain how easy it was.A few months later, I had my final teeth fitted and they are simply sublime - perfectly shaped, very natural looking and extremely good at chomping things. I went from having the worst teeth in any room to having the best and the people that know me are truly shocked at the transformation – and possibly a little jealous, too. The feeling of chewing food whilst out at a restaurant where I can order anything from the menu or smiling whenever someone yells ‘Photo time!’ or talking without holding a hand awkwardly over my mouth brings such a sense of freedom. I face the world – and my loved ones - with such confidence now and the team at Parrock Dental are utterly responsible for it.And the service did not stop there. Dr Rik and his team continue to offer their expertise and support and they have made it very clear that they are here for the long run. It was a journey, yes, but one akin to travelling a long-haul flight in first-class: ultimate comfort, supreme ease and a sense that I was receiving the very best service available. There is a dedicated What’s App number that will answer any questions in an instant and my treatment coordinator, Jacqui, has shown such deep empathy and care for my case. She is always overjoyed to see each stage of my journey completed and I will be eternally grateful for her support and her unshakeable happiness.I left the surgery last month with my final teeth fitted, and I left behind all the unfinished meals, the countless courses of antibiotics and the crippling social embarrassment of having terrible teeth. Then I ate a big steak - you should have seen me smile!
