I neglected my teeth for years. They were loose and uncomfortable, and my gums and jaw bones were receding. I had some very painful surgery to try to repair some of the damage, but nothing helped.

Over the years, my teeth became too loose to eat properly, so I was forced to get ill-fitting upper and lower partial plates and bonding to strengthen my bite. But that only made things worse. Exposed roots caused a lot of pain and sensitivity, and I had to tolerate excruciating deep root cleanings three times a year.

I was told that my teeth would eventually start falling out, and my bone loss was too severe for conventional dentures.

I was terrified of the possibility of not having any teeth -- I would have to hide away and eat mush! I already felt uncomfortable in restaurants because I would have to keep going to the washroom and removing my partial plates, because food would always get caught in them. My whole mouth was an embarassment to me.

It was recommended that I go to East Coast Dental Centre, and that changed everything. The staff are fantastic. They put me at ease and treated me as a whole person -- not just a mouth. They told me about implant surgery and fixed bridge work, and allowed me to decide what I wanted to do.

The very next week -- on Feb. 8, 2007 -- I walked into ECDC with my own teeth and walked out with eight implants and fixed bridgework in my upper and lower jaws. There was some pain, but the final result was absolutely worth it. Everyone at ECDC was so pleased with the results -- but no one was happier than me and my family!

ECDC made my teeth look beautiful and natural, so no one realizes I have implants. I love my new smile and enjoy smiling for the world to see. I can eat anything I want, and my speech hasn't changed a bit. It brush and rinse just like I always have. My bridgework fits tightly, and food never gets stuck underneath it.

I highly recommend this procedure for anyone who is suffering like I was. The wonderful staff at East Coast Dental Centre listen to you, and help you get to a place where you are thrilled with your smile.

They solved my problem, and now I can just get on with living!

Margaret McLellan