5*****+ To any nervous patients out there, please carry on reading!
For the past 5 years, I have been very unhappy and self-conscious with previous work that had been carried out with different dentists. The main issue I suppose was being so nervous, having to have sedation for the slightest of treatment to be carried out. I had even resorted to hypnotism with my fear, with no result. However, I was lacking in confidence and now I had to do something.
This is where my journey started. Around 3 years ago visiting probably every dentist in Warrington, Liverpool and Manchester! The cost of treatment was not my main concern. At the end of the day, it was something I needed to have done just the once, and I needed to feel comfortable and trust whoever it was I was to choose to do my treatment needed.
So, this is where Gavin Laidlaw entered my life! I was so nervous for my first appointment, as with all I had visited. As soon as I walked through the doors to be greeted by the friendly, delightful receptionist, already put me at ease. I was then shown upstairs to the waiting room. This itself was very modern with a very relaxed atmosphere. So different from the hustle and bustle of any other waiting room. After waiting just five minutes, I was called in by one of Gavin's pleasant assistants. The first thing I noticed(Sorry Gavin!) was the beautiful calming view of the canal and boats from Gavin's windows. Again, this also helped to ease my anxiety. I was greeted by Gavin with his softy, spoken manner.
Again, this was very calming and reassuring for me. I was very fearful of getting up on the chair, Gavin himself I could tell sensed this. Therefore, Gavin let off a sympathetic, attentive vibe, putting me so much more at ease. At the end of a thorough consultation, Gavin was very professional and honest, in what would be his plan of treatment. I decided there and then, it was Gavin I wanted to help me to achieve my confident smile back.
So then my 3-month journey began. Let me mention though, it would have been quicker if I hadn't already opted for sedation. That was for the prep, then the permanent result at the end. I was so nervous, I could never attend alone for any of my appointments. Yet, as time went on, back and too, my fears and phobias started to ease. Yes, I got in the chair, a jIbbering wreck! Again, Gavin made me feel so much more relaxed. The prep work took 3 hours, but I was under sedation! The next day, I had lots of questions from the previous day(as I was sedated). I rang the surgery, and within minutes, Nikki was there to speak to and ease my worries. She was so understanding, along with Kelly and Janet who took many of my calls on reception. I felt that I really mattered, and that meant so much to me still, with my fears. Forever being reassured.
My appointments between the prep work, and the final results helped my confidence with each appointment. I was starting to relax. This, I know, was also because I had really come to trust Gavin. His work mattered. Was important to him. Which makes him as skilful as he is. When it came to the last hurdle, it would take 1 1/2 to complete. I was booked in for sedation for this. But with each of the follow-up appointments between start to finish, Gavin would try his very best to get me to do the last hurdle without sedation! Now, this did scare me! But with Gavin's softly spoken reassurance, telling me how far I had come, really did boost my confidence. So I decided to beat this and to go without the sedation.
Naturally, on the day I was very nervous. The whole of the surgery knew how bad I came to this point, but each and every one of them would go above and beyond to ease my fears. So, there I lay, for 1 1/2 hours! The tv above was a great distraction. Gavin was very attentive, explaining everything he was doing. That also put me very much at ease. Before I knew it, it was done!
The end results were far better than what I could have ever imagined. Would I look different? Talk different? Look like Rylan?
With Gavin's skilful, professional work, they couldn't have looked any more natural! I actually cried with happiness! I was so proud of myself, with Gavin and his amazing team's constant reassurance, I had got to the point I had where it came to the dentist. Never would I have thought I would have achieved what I have. Gavin's caring ways even beat the hypnotism I had!
I cannot begin to thank Gavin and his amazing team, to get me to where I have. The constant reassurance, the calming surgery, every single person who works there - you have all been amazing. Doing my research certainly paid off. I now have the smile I had only dreamt about.
Thank you all so very much.
