I have had a busy week so I am just getting a chance now to thank you for everything since my first visit to you a few weeks ago. Only a few weeks ago, even the thought of walking into a Dentists or saying the word sent all sorts of fears through me. I was totally uncomfortable in any conversations about teeth, dentist etc, and I could not bear to look at my own mouth. It sounds so irrational but it was (and still is to an extent) a huge area of fear and embarrassment for me.

I don't really know where I plucked the courage from to come along on the first day but I am glad that I did so. Considering the fact that I struggled to look in my own mouth, I was really uptight about letting someone else see my teeth, and I knew that simply even talking about it was going to be difficult. But thankfully, after meeting you I began to feel a little bit more at ease, I realised that you were very genuine. For me having someone who can understand where I am coming from and who will take the time to explain things is very important. I like to know what is going on and be fully aware of everything, I began to realise things could be like that and I started to feel a bit more comfortable that I could ask questions. I think I portrayed the idea that for me knowing what is going on and having control of it is important.

I don't think many people understand and appreciate what it is like to be afraid of something, that, for the majority of the population is normal. In the past I have put up with terrible pain from my teeth but I preferred to suffer in silence as I simply couldn't bear speaking to anyone about it. Even my closest friends and family had no idea how I was feeling.

I am glad we did the sedation and the extractions. It was no-where near as bad as I had imagined. I actually remember quite a bit of it, and in some respects I am glad that I do! My only foggy moment is how you managed to get me to open my mouth in the first instance. As you know this was a huge issue for me, and in many ways it still is. It wasn't so bad afterwards, a little bit sore but certainly nowhere near as bad as some of the toothaches I have had.

I counted up a few days ago, and it has been 13 years since I was at a dentist, and in all honesty there have been times in the last few years were I resigned myself to the fact that I would never go. You asked me before the sedation if I trusted you, well I have never before told someone that I trusted them, but I didn't feel fully comfortable with the procedure until I actually realised that yes I did trust you to do it. That was quite an important point for me. I feel that I have taken a huge step in the right direction, there is still more work needed, but I definitely feel a bit better about it although I still coundn't bear to let anyone look in my mouth except you. You have really helped me to come a long way, in a short space of time! And, I now feel more confident that my goal of having a healthy mouth is now a lot more achievable than it was a few months ago.

Thanks again for your patience, help and understanding. It was a thoughtful gesture to call the on the evening I had the sedation, and it was very much appreciated. Also cheers for being able to see me early in the morning to fix my filling. You have made a huge difference.

Thanks again.