My dental cleanings at Shore Dental Arts are always educational and well worth the trip to Belmar…read more If you have ever been afraid of the dentist, or if you feel self-conscious about your smile, I want you to know that this practice is a safe place to start again.
Earlier this year, I saw Jennifer O., a dental hygienist who joins the practice when an additional professional is needed for preventive care and patient education. She is professional and friendly, and she understands patients who carry a difficult dental history. I am one of those patients.
Many years ago, I was a 21-year-old college student, married to a 24-year-old Mercedes-Benz mechanic, and pregnant with our first child. At the start of our marital life, our dental insurance was limited. During my pregnancy, my back molars began to ache, and the pain became severe. We lived far from my home state, so we went to a local dentist. He took X-rays, said he saw no problem, and told me that because I was pregnant, extraction was the only treatment he would offer. No other option was given to me. One month later I was back in his chair with the same pain, and he gave me the same answer: pull another molar. Looking back, I believe that dentist did what was best for his practice, not what was best for me. That experience left me traumatized and fearful of dentists for a long time.
After a lot of trial and error, I was fortunate to find Dr. Zaidi and his staff. In spring, Jennifer took the time to explain my care, showed me exactly where I needed better flossing, and even recommended a mouthwash that works far better than the brands that get all the commercial airtime. For someone who once felt powerless in a dental chair, being taught and included made all the difference.
This fall, my hygienist was Kasia. She helped me address staining from my frequent use of cinnamon. I never knew that a spice I love so much could dull the look of my enamel over time, so I may be switching to cardamom, because I love the look of naturally white teeth. Kasia made sure any sensitive areas were cared for before and during my cleaning, and afterward she invited me to look over my teeth in case anything still needed attention. That small gesture told me my comfort mattered.
My evaluation was performed by Dr. Bryan Alban, a talented new dentist to the practice. He reviewed my file and X-rays, recognized the steps I am taking to get my smile back, and confirmed that the plan Drs. Zaidi and Reff began for my molar implants. He agreed the steps we're currently taking are the best solution. That kind of consistency builds trust.
If you are carrying fear from a past experience, or you have been hiding your smile, please give Shore Dental Arts a try. This team treats patients like people, not numbers. You will feel safe and understood by everyone on staff, and you will see the difference not only in your smile but in your overall health. That kind of care is rare in healthcare, and it is one of the core tenets of this practice.
They want you to love your smile and to leave with everything you need to know to keep it healthy.
