I found Bupa Dental Care Hove a few years ago when it was called Oasis. Finding this practice changed my relationship with dentists. The practice is caring and empathic from reception desk, through hygienists to dentists. Its also very professional, and expert. They didn't expect me to conform to a model of perfect looking teeth, but encouraged me to develop good hygiene and preventative maintenance. They saved two of my teeth that two other dentists wanted to extract. I know they can provide the 'perfect teeth' look, but that's not what I asked for, and they listened to my requests for a natural, maintenance-based approach. I like and trust my current dentist, and my hygienist. My visits feel more like empathic therapy than physical ordeals of old. I'm over 50, and have grooves in my molars which are vulnerable to decay, leading to fillings, which led to further problems. My then hectic lifestyle led to poor maintenance and gum problems. Previously, I had bad experience with dentists whose work caused me pain, or seemed to lead to further complications, or were annoyed by my requests that we repair broken teeth. Some dentists seem to prefer extraction and dental intervention and a model of aesthetic perfection over careful maintenance! I found myself a little traumatised and losing trust in dentists. At Bupa Hove, my dentist listened carefully, explained options,and allowed me to keep some teeth (broken to 'shards') that other dentists wanted to extract. Instead, she repaired where possible (extracting one), advising me of choices and possible consequences, and handed me over to an excellent hygienist in the practice, whom I visit three times a year. I actually look forward to these visits. Some of these 'shards' have lasted ten years, with careful cleaning, and are useful teeth today. A couple had to be extracted, but still, I have avoided the implants and gum surgery other dentists tried to persuade me to have years ago. My dental hygiene is now rated 'excellent', though historic tooth damage and age continue to be issues. Injections and fillings used to be a painful thing, but now I can endure them without fear. In this practice, I have had several large fillings, and this month, a second extraction. These hare performed painlessly and elegantly. I regard my dentist as a 'tooth sculptor' because of the ease with which she performs complex fillings.
Original Comment Report...