"I cannot speak highly enough of the dental staff"

Just before covid I cracked two teeth and then during covid the 2 fillings fell out. Then every so often I would lose another part of these teeth. Got to the point I was in so much pain I had to go to the dentist. As someone who has a phobia of needles and a fear of dentists, I was in that much pain I had no choice. I remember getting an emergency appointment and when I turned up, I was shaking and had tears in my eyes due to the fear. The dentist gave me antibiotics  to help relieve the pain. There was not much else she could do due to my fear because if I’m awake, I will not allow a dentist near my mouth. Luckily they referred me to King’s Cross dental department, Dundee.

My fear started at a young age. My parents used a dentist that they called “the butcher”.  I hated going to see him, he wasn’t kid friendly at all.  All through 2023 I suffered on and off with an abscess. Getting a dentist appointment is nearly impossible. I just needed antibiotics to get rid of the abscess until my appointment for surgery come through. I suffered to the point I was on a liquid diet of lukewarm things. I couldn’t chew, couldn’t eat or drink hot or cold items. I would sit holding my face most of the day to try to ease the pain.

In autumn 2023 I had to go to King’s Cross for a pre op discussion. The dentist and the dental nurse were amazing. Sat me down in a regular chair rather than the dentist chair, even a simple thing like that makes a huge difference. As we spoke, I actually felt that they understood my fear and phobia, which I felt was a first!. They were very calming and reassuring. I walked out of King’s Cross with a bit of hope.

Then earlier this year I was in so much pain, I had to call up and ask for my op to be brought forward. Luckily the dental nurse was able to get a date set for the following month. I was nervous but ecstatic! I will soon be pain free. 

My mouth surgery was to happen at Stracathro hospital. On the day I got the train up, I was slightly nervous. I was only slightly nervous because I knew the dentist understood my fear. If I didn’t have a pre assessment with the dentist last year, this would have been a different story. Once at Stracathro hospital the staff were fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble for them.

Once in my room, all my checks were done, all paperwork filled in. The nurses were fantastic, always checking up on me.  The anaesthetist came in and discussed what they were going to do. I was kept up to date with everything that was going on. Once again I felt that they understood my phobia and fear. They were all very comforting and reassuring. 

Once I received my medication, I could feel myself calming down. Then an hour later I was transferred to another room, this time I was given gas and air. This sent me to sleep. Next thing I know I am waking up in my room again. Nurses come in to make sure I was ok. Once I felt a bit more awake, the dentists came in and I was able to chat to them. Then I got ready and was driven home by my dad. I suffered no pain after getting 2 teeth out and didn’t have any pain at all in recovery! 

I cannot speak highly enough of the staff at Stracathro hospital. Every person I met was fantastic. I am so so grateful for the compassion and understanding of Nikki the dental nurse and Dr Ballantyne that day in Kings Cross Dental hospital back in the autumn. I felt my fears were not ignored, they were actually understood. I would probably still be sitting here in pain just wanting antibiotics if it wasn’t for how they made me feel. Not only have they sorted my teeth, they have given me more confidence, my diet has completely changed, my energy levels have changed, I have a new zest and I’m just so happy to be able to smile again. Words cannot express how grateful I am to Dr Ballantyne and Nikki.