I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done for me this week. After having horribly painful experiences with an incredibly condescending dental provider almost 6 years ago, I allowed several of my teeth to decay and even break, because that pain was less than what I was subjected to by my former dentist. Once, I was even refused a painkiller because "we're here to fix teeth, not create drug dependency." My jaw was so swollen from a wisdom tooth that I could not even use a straw, but [my former dentist] insisted on painfully shoving e-ray film in my mouth, causing excruciating pain and bleeding. And finally, he told me the only way I would get pain medication was if I allowed him to pull the tooth immediately. I was completely alone at this point in time--no friends or family in the office with me.
Last week, I discovered an abscess above one of my broken teeth, and when it hadn't gone away after several days, I knew it was time. I live in Clintonville, and had often seen your sign advertising "comfortable dentistry." I took a deep breath and stopped in.
Everyone, from the receptionist, to the hygienist to Dr. Hadi, was incredible. You arranged to see me immediately, listened with care to my concerns, did not berate me for neglecting my dental care, and helped me make peace with almost immediate extractions. The news that you would work to save the majority of my teeth that were in good condition was uplifting and reassuring.
And finally, the extractions: I'm not going to lie, the past 24 hours haven't been comfortable, but they were nothing like the pain I experienced at the hands of my former dentist. I was offered a hand to hold during my IV sedation, promised that work would stop if I felt any pain, and that things would be over "before I knew it." No one seemed bothered or perturbed by my ceaseless questions about the procedure, and even my finance said the staff was wonderful to him when he came to pick me up.
Dr. Kvitko, Dr. Hadi, and all staff: I just can't say thank you enough. In spite of being a bit bloody and swollen, my six year old fear of the dentist is gone, and I am actually eager to continue the process of getting back to completely healthy teeth and gums. THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU!
