So, I don't often do reviews, but because of the stellar treatment I received, I truly wanted to share my experience for others who fear the dentist as I do. I'm a mid 40's male, who, not afraid of many things, but terrified of dentists. I go zip lining, I bungee jumped, I had major surgeries, no biggie. Dentists terrify me. So much, that I haven't been to a dentist prior to coming here in 31 years. Yes, 31 years. After my teeth were looking not healthy, and one tooth was hurting, and the fact that I have a young one and need to be an example, I finally started doing research and vowed to get my teeth done before the end of this year. I have learned about conscious sedation, which basically they give you an oral sedative and supposedly you won't care if someone decides to work on you with a chainsaw. I was sold. I just had to call and find a place closer than Charlotte. Also, no offense to those giant dental chains like Aspen Dental, but I needed reassurance from a local, small office. I loved the fact that there was one hygienist, one dentist, and one assistant. I cannot go to a place that is like a DMV and expect that personal touch. I called around, and I was speaking with Roslyn, in this office. I explained how I am likely the worst dental patient of all time and my phobia. She was very calming and said that the dentist here, Dr. Thorner, practiced in Kentucky for many years, and was a great, experienced dentist who is one of the few who are allowed to do conscious sedation. I even looked up reviews from his Kentucky practice. All good. I made my appointment. I was told to come in on Friday to pick up a prescription for my sedative. It was a generic that I had filled at the local CVS for $3. (I have private insurance and your results may vary). I was told to take 1 pill two hours before my appt started, and bring the other pill in to take when I arrive and MUST HAVE A DRIVER. I recruited my wife to be my driver that day. I was reassured by Roslyn today that I had nothing to worry about, but 1 pill in, I was truly calmer than I thought. I was called in by a woman who took Xrays. So far so good. The thing I hated most as a kid was sticking that instrument in each tooth and seeing if it was good or a cavity because when a cavity was discovered, I almost jumped out of the chair. Not here. The Xrays told the whole story. Fortunately, though I avoided the dentist for so long, I had minimal cavities. He decided before my cleaning, to numb me up and fix the cavity.. He just non chalantly said let me fix this quick before your cleaning. Now I know the pills were working as I basically responded: "sure, sounds good". Non-sedated me would have made a break for it. I notice he numbed my entire mouth, not just the lower section of my left jaw where the cavity was found. I didn't even feel him give me the shots as he was kind of jiggling my cheek as an old grandma would. So, now I'm sedated, completely numb, and I meet he hygienist, whose name was Florinela. This woman was kind, patient, and most of all, an artist. She was meticulous and brought my smile back to life. From what I remember ( the sedative must have had an amnesia like effect as though I was there for a few hours, it felt like only minutes) not only did she use what seemed like a commercial strength water pik, but also that instrument to scrape the plaque. I just sat there in la-la land and let her do her thing. When she showed me a mirror of my "new" teeth, I was in shock. My smile, which rarely comes out due to the embarrassment of my teeth, was actually, nice! She erased over 30 years of neglect in one session. I cannot thank the team effort of Roslyn, Dr. Thorner, and Florinela enough, and that is why I sat down today one of my rare vacation days to spread the word of this amazing office. I have a follow up in a few months. I am no longer afraid and like a kid with new sneakers, I have been trying to keep my teeth perfect as I have been fanatical with brushing, flossing, and using a special Listerine-like wash that is helping with some gum damage caused by my long absence from the dentist.
I doubt anyone reading this will have a fear like mine, but if anyone is even close, please give this office a call. It will change your life like it has mine.
-Rob Sottosanti read more
