To begin with, I'm a difficult patient. Seriously, I.Am.Difficult. To start with, I'm a 20% coward,…read more20% hypochondriac, and 70% just plain introvert (I'm also horrible at math). Dr. Yallourakis and his staff were lovely and incredibly patient with me.
My scale of going to the dentist is from 1 to 'bring a tractor and chains 'cause you're gonna have to drag me there'. I had been to multiple dentists and oral surgeons before Dr. Yallourakis. No one, and I do mean no one, would help me with the pain I was in. I'm pretty sure part of the reason is because as soon as they pick up an instrument, my eyes start to water. Some may call that crying, I call it a horrible allergic reaction to metal in my face.
Anyway, I read the reviews and was really nervous. I expected to deal with someone, well, you read the other reviews, you know what I expected. I couldn't have been more wrong. Dr. Yallourakis was kind and very matter of fact. He was also incredibly caring about my previous dental experiences and reassured me that I wasn't over-reacting and my 'metal too close to my face allergy' was fine. He looked things over, told me what needed to happen and gave me a plan to make it happen. It didn't hurt my paranoia that his office is in the hospital. I reasoned that I was at least close to serious help if something went completely sideways (sorry, Doc but I didn't know you then).
As far as the wait time, they told me beforehand that I would be waiting a while for the first appointment. After seeing him and how thorough he was with me, I know that I would want that same treatment for others. I'm okay with waiting because I know he's providing all of us with a quality consultation. If he was rushing me out, I probably would not have gotten him to do my procedure. The day of the procedure and the follow up were right on time and even a little early.
His staff were kind and so considerate, especially after I told them that I would rather be thrown into a live volcano than come back to have my teeth pulled...yes, multiple teeth. They assured me that it wouldn't be as bad as I was thinking and I don't have a passport to get to a volcano anyway.
The day of the surgery, it was so smooth and easy. I went in, the ladies comforted me with small talk (I was not a good conversationalist...sorry ladies). Dr. Y came in and I was out. I can't tell you how easy the whole process was. The anesthetic didn't make me sick and, as they poured me into the car, I don't remember much before, during, or immediately after. I do remember someone telling me to open my eyes and me asking, "Why?". She said so that they would know I was okay. I told her I couldn't sleep anyway because I kept snoring and waking myself up. Did I mention that I'm like a cultured pearl or a delicate flower?
My recovery was with over the counter meds (he offered something stronger but I refused) and my follow-up was just as welcoming and pleasant. Everyone was, well, just nice. It really doesn't get much better than that. I even have pleasant, although fuzzy, memories of the care I received after the surgery.
So, overall, a great experience for what it was. A fantastic oral surgeon that I felt cared about what the experience was like for me, and a staff that were concerned and personable. I already asked if they could come and do my anesthetic for any future surgery I may have to have. If I break a leg and need bolts and things, I'm requesting Dr. Yallourakis' office people to come put me out. I'm serious about this.
Don't go by what people say online...even me. Find out for yourself. Dr. Y is blunt and forthright but he's not mean and he genuinely cares about your procedure and your recovery. His office staff and assistants are fantastic and if and when I become toothless, Dr. Y and his staff will be the ones sending me and my naked gums out into the world.
