Patricks and Ingrids Diary of their Dental Vacation in Greece

My two new dental crowns were completed from start to finish in less than two weeks. And I still had 99% of my time to soak up the healthy Cretan cuisine, sunshine, sea, sand and scenery. It really was a dental holiday, and I was a very happy to be a first-time dental tourist with GDA in Crete.

“Thank you Giorgos “George” Antonopoulos DDS for incredible service at Gentle Dental Abroad in Crete”

My name is Patrick, I’m from the UK and a recent patient of Gentle Dental Abroad.

As a teenager neglected going to the dentist for many years due to anxiety. I eventually overcame this, but needed quite a lot of work to restore my smile.

In the following years one dentist or another said that an original crown now needs replacing. As they reached the end of life, one by one all were updated by a string of different dentists. The result was serviceable teeth, but each was a slightly different shape, size and colour from the original harmonious array. The Americans call this process “single tooth dentistry”. They also call an arch of misshapen teeth an “English mouth” That doesn’t say much for our lack of emphasis on dental aesthetics, and only focussing on function.

Just a few months back I visited Gentle Dental Abroad in Crete. What a wonderful experience it had, but now I’d like to let you know how I became a dental tourist.

So let’s set the clock back a few months earlier.

You never know when a day will turn out badly.

And the white crusty bread roll in front of me did not look like a deadly weapon. I picked it up and bit into it, then crunch. I felt a searing pain from one of my upper front teeth. As I took the roll from my mouth, I could see a crown and metal post embedded in it. Actually, it was half of the metal post. I was later to discover that the other segment was still embedded in the root. My female dentist glued it back in with the warning that “it won’t last!” Front teeth or more properly called incisors take a lot of pressure and leverage as they cut our food. My dentist advised me to avoid crusty bread and anything similar. As I returned to the receptionist, I was handed a bill for £60

Her prediction was spot on.

Just a couple of months later, and for no apparent reason, I felt the same tooth dislodged in my mouth. As I was it work in London, I called a city centre dentist for an emergency appointment. He re-glued with a similar warning that the stability had been compromised. He joked that if I wanted to keep it, then a diet of liquid food or soup alone would be the order of the day from now on. His bill was a little more at £100.

The same thing occurred a number of times after that, always at precisely the wrong moment. Radiographs confirmed that there was indeed a fragment of the post still in the root of the tooth. None of the dentists would attempt to drill out the debris so that a new crown and longer post could be fitted.

However, they did suggest extraction and a bridge to span the gap, or a very expensive implant. UK prices for these are several thousands of pounds. More worrying was the timescale from start to finish.

Your front teeth are the most visible and have the greatest effect on clear speech.

A broken post and a poorly executed repair in Stockholm, lead me to seek a permanent solution in Crete

Given limited options I continued to periodically have the loose crown glued back on. The latest time in 2015 was in Stockholm Sweden where more of my wife’s family live. The result was a really poorly executed repair with the tooth completely out of alignment with the one beside it. It looked terrible, and cost a small fortune to fix too.

My wife laughed out loud when she saw it, and joked that I should have gone to IKEA.

It was now at the stage where I had to find a permanent solution. I didn’t want to add up, or continue to pay for unreliable repairs. It was time to do a little research. On our return to home, my wife and I visited a specialist implant centre here in the UK. The estimated cost would be the equivalent of a small car!

I had read about dental services in various EU countries such as Hungary, and Poland, and even outside in countries such as Russia and India. Using the internet I contacted several to see how much and how long.

It was obvious that “dental tourism” was the result of very expensive UK dental fees and that I was not alone in trying to save money!

I received glossy brochures, follow up phone calls and many emails informing me of excellent services in Budapest and Prague. I could see they had helped many patients from the UK, Scandinavia, Germany, the Low Countries, and Ireland. All had sought better value and first class treatment.

I’m not sure why medical propaganda suggests that British dentists are superior, they absolutely aren’t. I think this is an attempt to control their very lucrative market.

Last year (2015) my wife and I planned to visit family who had a holiday home on the island of Crete. Closely following this, I was just about to book a separate dental trip to central Europe solely for dental treatment.

Then I had an inspired thought.

“I wonder if dentists in Crete treat tourists, and if prices are competitive compared to here in the UK.”

Out came the laptop computer and I zoomed to the Google page, typing in “dentists Crete.” Up popped three of four at the top of the results list and I sent an email to each. Naturally I added the details of our stay duration (just over two weeks) and a brief account of my problem. I knew our flight landed at Heraklion, so concentrated on this part of the island.

I could see from pricelists on the pages that charges were generally even lower than Eastern Europe!

Browsing around Cretan dental websites, I saw a few that were amateurish and home-made and a few others were very professional. I read the testimonials from previous customers avidly. The phrase for this is “social proof” and much like restaurant recommendations on Trip Advisor, I now take the greatest notice of these real customer reviews.

It wasn’t too long before the replies from Cretan dental practices popped into my mailbox. By this time it was just a few days before our departure.

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The response that really caught my attention was from Eri the practice manager at Gentle Dental Abroad in Hersonissos. It came very quickly with a very positive tone, excellent English and a request for a couple of photographs. I also had a closer look at their very attractive website.

My wife snapped the photos and I attached them to my next email. Hours later their lead dentist Dr George Antonopoulos wrote back to me personally saying he had studied the photos carefully and he most likely could drill out the remnant of the broken post, and fit the new crowns. The treatment could be completed within ten working days. Time was of the essence, and the schedule was ideal.

I may not have told you earlier, but I decided on having both upper front incisors updated at the same time to give a balanced result.

It was our very first trip with Aegean Airlines via Athens. I have to say here that they are an excellent carrier with an impeccable in-flight crew.

On arrival we stayed in Heraklion at the lovely Lato Boutique Hotel overlooking historic harbour, the buffet breakfast was the best ever at any hotel. I feasted on real Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.At 9am promptly my pre-arranged taxi driver Kostas arrived in a gleaming Mercedes to take me to the clinic. We chatted all the way along the beautiful coastal route.

Only pausing the conversation as he pointed out and let me take in the stunning scenery. My first real impression of Crete in the early sunshine was breath-taking.

Twenty minutes later he arrived at our destination.He asked if I wanted a return trip, and I naturally said I wasn’t sure when. He said his sister lived here in Hersonissos and that he would drink coffee with her until I called.

I thanked him for the ride and the business card, as I looked at the exterior of Gentle Dental Abroad.

The premises of Gentle Dental Abroad were modern, well branded and even had an open seating area outside. I later discovered they were located moments away from the main street, bars, restaurants, hotels and the golden beach. Perfect!

I opened the door into the reception/waiting area with about ten minutes to spare, it was decorated in a very contemporary style. I felt instantly at ease, and especially when the lead dentist who I had corresponded with, stepped over and introduced himself with a friendly handshake and a broad warm smile.

“Hello Patrick, I’m George” he said. “Welcome to Gentle Dental, I’m sure I can look after you.”

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I felt instantly at ease, and especially when the lead dentist stepped over and introduced himself with a friendly handshake and a broad warm smile.

I told him about my excellent ride over and highly courteous driver. He proudly told me that all of the Cretans are hospitable, friendly, honest, and loved seeing visitors fall in love with their island. He explained that he, his wife and family had moved from the Athens for those precise reasons.

I answered the usual questions about my previous dental and medical history, and he said we would start with an x-ray. So into the sparkling treatment room we went. When they were developed he scrutinised them and said I can see the post segment and with a little effort I will remove it.

I found out that Dr. George is a big music fan and we chatted about favourite songs and performers. First impressions count, and I really liked his manner that combined humour, warmth and professionalism.

He revealed that he had first become a specialist in dental prosthetics, then taken a further DDS degree to qualify as a dentist. His English was perfect, and of course this made me realise that I didn’t speak a word of Greek.

“I’ve kept the next couple of appointments free, if you want me to start now?” he asked. “I know the beaches are waiting and you want to enjoy every moment of your holiday”

He was right and I gave the go ahead. I was so relaxed that I almost drifted off to sleep in the dental chair.

“There!” he said with a delighted look on his face “the bit of post is out, and I can fit a new post in its place and also a new crown”

Not a single previous dentist has tried this avenue, and I had instant proof of his technical skill and integrity. “Wow!” I said “That’s great news”

He continued with the methodical unhurried preparation of both teeth ready for the fresh new crowns. This involved a little work to re-profile the above-gum stumps of my now naked natural teeth, fitting a brand new post and taking impressions.

Just then a new face appeared in the room. “This is my dental technician” said George. They both asked me questions about my desired outcome and shape, size and colour of my new crowns. Then worked at length to decide on every detail.

I have never actually seen a dental technician in a dental surgery before. I told George this fact and he said it’s normal here. He also said

“They know I’m very exacting and demanding in every aspect, because that was my background too”

At my UK dentist the impressions are dispatched only with written notes. How great it was to meet the technician face to face and be absolutely clear about the details.

George informed me that there would be a fitting of the “carriers” in a few days. These are the metal cores of the crowns, before the porcelain is added. I can’t ever remember having this intermediate stage in the UK. He assured me that precision and adjustment at this stage meant a perfect outcome.

This was another indication of high attention to detail at GDS. Saving money did not mean cutting corners.

Unlike dental appointments back home I felt that I was not on a production line at a factory. I was the star of the show and George checked and rechecked every detail. There was no rush or pressure to be in and out so that the next patient could jump in the chair.

It was a long appointment, but the time flew by as we chatted. There was no pain at all

Soon I was sitting in the taxi heading for Heraklion with driver Kostas. He didn’t take any payment on the way over, and on our arrival at the hotel asked for exactly twice the single fare. I tried to give him an extra tip, and he protested “Thank you, is enough!” His fare was 5 Euros less than the hotel said I would pay for the complete journey.

I met my lovely wife in the bar. “How’d you get on?” She asked enthusiastically. “I can’t fault anything at all. The treatment from Dr George was first class and 5 star. What a great guy, he was so careful” I said.

My first experience of being a true dental tourist had been nothing short of excellent

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My lovely wife asked: “How’d you get on?” “I can’t fault anything at all.

That night my wife and I ate in the rooftop restaurant of the Lato Hotel. We enjoyed a superb meal looking out over the sea and before bed, took a walk in the night air of old Heraklion.

Next day we took the road out of town in our little hire car and headed towards our relative’s place near the seaside town of Rethymno. The road clung to the coast and every corner produced loud wows from us as we caught views of idyllic scenery. Miles of blue water, rugged rocks, golden sand and everything drenched in sunshine. Our eyes feasted on the detail, and we loved every inch of the journey. We stopped for a delicious Greek mezze lunch at a picturesque little bay aptly called Bali.

The journey took us an hour in total. Our relative’s apartment was located in a complex call Pigi Paradise. It was designed by a Norwegian architect, and the owners were almost entirely from Norway. The residences on two levels forming a near circle, and there was a large swimming pool in the centre. We made it our paradise for the next few days and enjoyed the company of Odd (Ingrid’s cousin) and his wife Kari.

A few short days later I was back in Hersonissos, where George greeted me with a broad smile.

“How do you like Crete?” He asked. “We are absolutely loving it” I said. We had already spent hours on the spotless beaches, eaten at lovely restaurants, and taken trips into the mountains for visits to historical Minoan sites. Never having visited the island before, we were so impressed with the friendliness of the people and variety of the scenery. (I have to add here that hotels and eating out is very inexpensive.)

The truth is that we had fallen in love with the place, and had already vowed to come back in the very near future.

George showed me the little metal carriers and then removed my temporary crowns. He explained that these would be adjusted to fit exactly over the stubs of my prepared front teeth. This process only took a few minutes of very careful trimming. George told me that precision would mean no gap at the margin between my gum line and the new crowns.

At the very same time, his dental technician arrived. Once again they conferred about the colour, shape and size of the soon to be made additions to the metal carriers. The real art was now ready to be performed as the technician would add, shape and kiln fire the ceramic in many stages to create my new smile!

Once again the process was carried out with the utmost care. There was no pain or discomfort and I received nothing less that VIP treatment.

Before I could return to holiday enjoyment, George once again fitted some transitional temporary crowns.

The technician had informed him about the ready date for the final crowns, and we fixed another appointment early in the second week. I was actually getting excited now, as the final stage was in sight.

The weekend went very quickly in anticipation of the next visit.

On Tuesday I made the spectacular journey back along the coast to Gentle Dental Abroad once again.

George asked me to update him on what my wife and I had been doing. Once again I was able to tell him of our marvellous Cretan adventures. We had recently taken a drive through the breath-taking mountains to the south to a coastal town called Matala.

Every inch of the journey had been packed with wows as we drove through incredible scenery to reach our destination.

I’m sure you can do as much or as little as you wish on your dental holiday, but we love to explore. Crete will not disappoint you in any way

The appointments did not get in the way of any of our trips, relaxation periods and excursions.

Now I was back in the clinic for the final try out of the finished crowns. George showed me the prosthetics sitting on a plaster mock-up of my upper arch. After removing my temporaries, he tried each one of the two in place, then two together. I could see him smiling as has made a few minute adjustments.

I think he used a little removable adhesive to fix them as he handed me the mirror to have a quick look. They looked excellent, and for the first time in many years both teeth aligned properly and were the same shape and colour!  George asked me if I was happy with the look, before they were permanently stuck in.

He was keen to know that I was 100% happy, or the teeth could be shortened or lengthened at the lab.

I couldn’t fault anything. By then, the technician had arrived for possible instruction for any revisions.

As I was entirely happy, George applied the permanent cement and fitted both crowns side-by-side. Once again handing me the mirror for a final look. The new teeth looked great.

Looking back, each appointment had been easy and I was so impressed with the way that Gentle Dental Abroad had solved my problems. George is a master of putting people at ease and perfect dentistry. He really cares about your comfort and of course giving you a beautiful aesthetic result.

Practice Manager Eri, who I had spoken to and corresponded with over the course of setting up the treatment was on-hand to receive my final payment. She said that the final cost will be a little less than the suggested price, as I didn’t need crowns with ceramic shoulders. (This is because my upper gum line is not at all visible when I smile.)

As it was now quite late in the day, I made a decision to stay overnight in Hersonissos. Eri said she would arrange a close-by hotel. She made a quick call and informed me that my hotel was just across the road, overlooking the beach, and would cost the very reasonable fee of 20 Euros!

Eri then acted as my guide and walked me to the hotel. Once again I was astonished by the quality, location, and value of the room.

My experience with Gentle Dental Abroad had been first class at every step of the way. My final bill was about 25% of my typical home estimates, and treatment quality was far in excess of even private treatment in the UK. You really get personal, dedicated service.  

Like anyone considering dentistry away from home, I was a little concerned about whether lower cost would mean sacrificing quality. In answer to that I will say that I have now made further plans to return for more revisions to old and failing dental work on my lower arch. On seeing my excellent new smile, my wife has also scheduled to have Dr George update one of her upper crowns. We will both return in May 2016.

I give Gentle Dental Abroad the highest recommendation at all levels, and I’m not surprised they recently won a What Clinic Award for 5 Star Customer Service.

They are lovely people to deal with and GDA in Crete will always answer any questions about treatment and options. Guide prices are published at Gentledentalabroad.com

This year I am returning  for a continuation of my treatment.  I will create a small diary of  my dental treatment and vacation and share it with you.

You can get a glimpse of my dental makeover and how it fits with my vacation by following Gentle Dental Abroad  facebook page or subscribing to the newsletter.

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with  the help of a well trained and sympathetic dentist

One of our recent patients from the UK tells us how he suffered from dentist phobia during his teenage years and how he finally overcame it with the help of a well trained and sympathetic dentist.
He found the same reassuring, pain free treatment here with Dr. George Antonopoulos. He just had his most visible crowns updated and saved 75% during his vacation in Crete.

“Thank you Dr.Giorgos “George” Antonopoulos DDS for incredible service at Gentle Dental Clinic in Crete”

My name is Patrick and I live in the UK. I recently visited Gentle Dental Abroad in Crete for an update to my old dental work.

First I have a confession to make, and I am a little shy about revealing to you.

I suffered from extreme dental phobia.  A dreadful visit to the school dentist back in the 1960’s kept me away from much needed dental treatment and gave me several bad teeth. Back then there was simply no sensitivity or thought of minimising trauma to nervous patients.

As a teenager I suffered from extreme dental phobia. Sometimes these overwhelming fears are irrational, and some like my own stem from one single event. The source of mine was my final childhood visit to the school dentist in the UK.
Back in the 1960s our National Health Service insisted that every school child had to undergo a yearly oral inspection. It was an event that most of us dreaded. The chairside manner of the dentist was much like someone displaying a horse for sale at a market. Your mouth would be yanked open, probed, scraped and poked painfully. Even if you had nothing wrong with your teeth, you would come out with sore gums and a tear in your eye. A nearby note taking nurse wrote down what the dentist shouted in a brusque voice, she handed me a form with a date and time written on it.
I think dentists at the time could be fully trained by the Army?
So my well-meaning mum dragged me to the town centre clinic about a week later. I asked my mum what “extraction” meant. She said rather coldly “pulled out”. I had never ever considered that teeth could be removed! I immediately put my fingers around my own tooth the see how easy it could be unplugged! I discovered that it would not come willingly. Although my dad had no trouble taking out his teeth and putting them in a cracked tea mug before bed, always using the same joke as he did it “Teeth like stars, they come out every night!”
You may not believe this, but the school dentist was actually called Mr Savage. It is not a name to encourage confidence in gentle technique! He put a rubber mask over my nose….saying breathe deeply, gave me sweet smelling gas to dull the pain. And just before I became unconscious he showed me the big silver pliers, and set to work. I hated it. (You can see a similar scene in the movie called Marathon Man.)
Moments later it seemed, I was in the street feeling awful. I swore that would be the very last time I visited his torture premises. In those long gone days there was simply no sensitivity or thought of minimising trauma to nervous patients, or even treating children who were frightened.

Love for sweets, poor oral hygiene, no dental visits meant I developed cavities and toothache. My dental fear kept me away from the dentist, despite suffering from acute pain and lack of sleep during the night.
I didn’t visit a dentist for the next 23 years.

But that’s not all. Coupled with my fear of dentists, was my equally powerful love of sweets and cakes. It was a relationship created by the Devil himself. This fatal combination sooner or later meant that I developed cavities and toothache. I now know that I have a small lower jaw with overcrowded teeth. I did brush them as best I could, but I don’t remember anyone telling me about the spaces between my teeth. Dental tape or “floss” would have been my salvation. I don’t even think there was fluoride toothpaste back then? Toothpaste actually had sugar in it.
You may not know this, but here in the UK we have the best cakes, biscuits and sweets of anywhere in the whole world. Perhaps everyone says that about the confectionary made in their own country? Back then sweets and bad carbs were regarded as a kind of health food. They were also heavily advertised on our new-at-the-time commercial television. Sugar laden and most popular “Mars Bars” were supported by the slogan “A Mars a day, helps you work, rest, and play!” Where’s the danger in that?
There were times during my dentist-free years that I suffered the kind of tooth pain that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Crazy though it may appear, I still didn’t get treatment. The acute pain was preferable to actually going to the dentist. That’s how bad my phobia was.

I was now an adult with a mouth full of problem teeth and yet Superman couldn’t have dragged me for a consultation with a friendly dental professional.

During the daytime other distractions can take your focus off the toothache agony, but when it’s dark and you are alone at night, the pain is unbearable. It consumes every though. There comes a time when paracetamol or aspirin just doesn’t calm it down.
As the years went by, I couldn’t blame my lack of maturity for this looming and ever present phobia and accompanying pain. I was now an adult with a mouth full of problem teeth and yet Superman couldn’t have dragged me for a consultation with a friendly dental professional. The situation just got worse and worse.

In the meantime dental practitioners developed new techniques to treat nervous patients that focused on alleviating dental fear. They learned how to listen carefully, provide no judgment, take as much time as necessary and provide pain free treatment.

I am delighted to say that in the many years that I played dental truant, sympathetic training and especially towards nervous patients became more and more important. Although I remained ignorant of this.
My late mother spotted an advert in her local paper. I should tell you that we lived in the university city of Oxford. Fortunately medical advances are often pioneered here.
The notice promoted registering with a new local dental surgery, and the line that caught her attention was….

Nervous Patients A Speciality, Please Call In and Talk To Us

Mum knew all about my ongoing problems and made an initial secret visit to talk to the receptionist and dentist. She explained all about my absolute reluctance to come in person, and that she was very worried about the impact of my bad teeth. The thing that she took away was that the dentist was “a very nice person”. She also said that he had no intention of humiliating me about my dental health or previous history.
When she related her visit and conversation with the dentist to me, she also said that he regarded rehabilitating poor teeth to good health and appearance, as the pinnacle of professional satisfaction that he could achieve.
He also assured my mum that no case was too bad or beyond hope of resolving.

When I finally agreed to visit the dentist, I did it as a shaking grown up man accompanied by his mum.

My objections were neutralised one by one and I agreed to a short visit to meet the dentist. I did not agree to being treated!
The very next week I climbed the stairs to the surgery, my heart pounding and I was visibly shaking. You will only understand this if you have a similar phobia! The funny part was that mum was accompanying a grown man to the appointment.
She had last done this more than two decades earlier!

The dentist was friendly, chatty and made me feel safe. The process was painless and comfortable. A tremendous weight was lifted from my shoulders and I could not stop smiling

The dentist was a friendly smiling Australian rugby player. He repeated everything mum had said and asked if I would be happy if “he took a quick look”, or he said “we can do it next time”.
He told me I had taken a tremendous step be turning up, and that he would fix all of my issues regardless how bad. He assured me that I should not give a second thought to being embarrassed, and that he would love the opportunity to restore my smile. Like a lot of people I had developed a thin toothless grin, and the technique of shading my mouth with my hand when laughing.
One more thing mate, he said in his antipodean accent… “I can give you a happy pill to relax you before you come back”
I walked away with two little tranquiliser tablets and a first real appointment in my diary. More than that I walked away knowing that I would go back, and that this was a person who had shown empathy for my demeanour.
One thing I didn’t add here is that my career ambition was to be a radio presenter. I would need to smile on-air, in public at station events, and in publicity photos. My teeth were a handicap, and undermining my confidence and self-esteem. People just don’t expect their favourite personality to have a mouth like the cast of Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
On my first treatment day I took the pill and the previous anxiety seemed to melt away. He summed up the action plan and said “would you like me to make a start now?”
I could hardly believe my own voice when I said “Yes please!”

Compared with the long ago school dentist, he had what I can describe as a light touch. All the time he chatted and reassured me that things were going very well. There was no pain or discomfort, and he did not show me any of the scary dental equipment or anaesthetic syringes. He kept those out of my field of vision. He had been trained to do this, knowing that just seeing and anticipating their use made the nerves worse!
“How are you feeling Patrick?” he asked, then “Take a rinse and you can sit up”
I can honestly say I felt great and told him so. My fears were gone, I had started treatment, and I had not been punished for letting my teeth get into a dreadful state. I had foolishly believed there was no solution, and that I would end up with no teeth at all. I also believed I would get a lecture about my stupidity.
He promised me that I would be delighted with my transformation after the treatment plan was completed. He thanked me for my “bravery”, and for trusting him to “sort me out” and he continued that “it would be a privilege” to see me with a broad smile before too long.
My poor mum had been in the waiting room, and was emotionally overcome as we walked out together.
I’m sure she could see a tremendous weight lifted from my shoulders.
In that session I had undergone many fillings and extractions of teeth that could not be saved. The tools to restore my lost smile were crowns, bridges, and a partial denture. These would take ten days for the lab to make. The dentist was able to fit immediate “temporaries” to cover up the gaps. Even so, I couldn’t stop smiling at my own dental work in every mirror I encountered.
Compared to my previous failing teeth the transformation and improvement was wonderful.
It took a series of appointments over about six weeks to complete the task. Compared with advances to cosmetic or restorative dentistry today, the crowns, bridges and partial denture were quite crude. White fillings were just that, and did not match the surrounding tooth. ¬¬¬¬¬
Nevertheless I was absolutely delighted with the outcome. I was elated, thankful for the long overdue dental intervention, and now I was smiling with an open mouth to show off my new found happiness and confidence.
My dental health regimen was also transformed with more daily brushings and moderation of sweet things. Now I took real pride in my teeth, and the objective to preserve the ones that I had left.

From being a dental phobic, I think I became a kind of evangelist

Sometimes a second chance makes us like that.
I have a couple of friends who had the same kind of problem, and I shared my turnaround experience with them. Actually motivating them to find and visit a dentist.

I can honestly say that Gentle Dental Abroad is the ideal clinic for nervous and price conscious patients.
Dr George and his team are very experienced in dealing dental phobic patients. After all it is hard to feel stressed in the calm, free and easy surrounding of Crete.

If you have similar problems, you probably think that your oral health is beyond repair, or at the very least the dentist will make you feel embarrassed about your previous history. I have no doubt that your self-esteem and confidence have suffered because you do not have a great smile.
There are now so many solutions that I didn’t have while I was young. Especially in the treatment of nervous patients, even if you’ve been putting off going to the dentist for years. I can honestly say Gentle Dental Abroad is the perfect name for the clinic in Crete. They are recent winners of the WhatClinic Customer Service Award (5 Stars)
I would urge you to get in touch with Dr George Antonopoulos DDS and his team. You can combine your treatment with a sunshine island holiday and still save money over your local treatment costs. In my own case the crowns cost around 75% less. Appointments easily fit in with your leisure and enjoyment activities, and you can go home with a radiant smile. More importantly, the savings can pay for your break on the wonderful isle of Crete.
Just think how would you feel if you could walk away from all of that anxiety?

Patrick Flynn, Oxford

Spring is a time for renewal. After nesting all winter ­­­­now is the time to move forward with your life. You now have that extra energy and focus to take action and create change. This is everywhere the case, but somehow it is even more so in sunny Crete, where nature is in full glory.

Easter is the spring holiday that celebrates rebirth and all the new possibilities that come with new life.

Spring is a great time to envision possibilities and begin to think about reinvention — sometimes in your relationships, sometimes in your career and work lives, sometimes in your diet and sometimes in your looks.

Allow me  to share with  you this great Harvard Medical’s School Special Health  Report : Simple Changes, Big Rewards: A Practical, Easy Guide for Healthy, Happy Living.

In this inspiring report Dr Edward Phillips talks you through how to incorporate simple changes into your life that can reap big rewards.  Key to the life changing process described in the report, is choosing the right goal that passes the SMART test.

“If you tackle the goal you’re most likely to accomplish—rather than the goal you think you should make—you’re better able to achieve it and build up a head of steam to tackle tougher goals.

Not sure if your goal passes the SMART test? Here are a few more details on setting a SMART goal from Simple Changes, Big Rewards:

S — Set a very specific goal. For example, “I will add one fruit serving—that’s half a cup, chopped—to my current daily diet.”

M — Find a way to measure progress. In the case above, “I will log my efforts each day on my calendar.”

A — Make sure it’s achievable. Be sure you’re physically capable of safely accomplishing your goal. If not, aim for a smaller goal.

R — Make sure it’s realistic. Again, choosing the change you most need to make—let’s say, quitting smoking or losing weight—isn’t as successful as choosing the change you’re most confident you’ll be able to make. Focus on a goal that is both important to you and is comfortably within your grasp. If you picture a 10-point scale of confidence in achieving your goal, where 1 equals no confidence and 10 equals 100% certainty, you should land in the 7-to-10 zone. An additional fruit serving a day is a small, manageable step toward better health.

T — Set time commitments. Pick a date and time to start—”Wednesday at breakfast, I’ll add frozen blueberries to cereal”—and regular check-in dates—”I’ll check my log every week and decide if I should make any changes in my routines to succeed.” When setting commitments, outside deadlines can be really helpful. Signing up for a charity run or a sprint triathlon on a certain date prods you to get a training program under way.”

Is renewing your Smile a SMART Goal for you?

If yes, send me a short email, enclosing a couple of pictures of your smile and I will help you answer the Achievable, Realistic and Time part of the goal.

I am confident that the self-betterment tips included in this will provide the basis for improved life satisfaction.

Dr Giorgos Antonopoulos DDs

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Dental crowns are made of various materials that fall into three broad categories: Porcelain-fused to Metal- the crown with the wider use, all-porcelain-crowns and precious metal crowns, such as gold ones.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, the all-time classic porcelain restoration

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, commonly referred to as Porcelain Crowns are made of a metal core that is fused on the prepared tooth and covered with a porcelain top. They can be made to the desired shape and perfectly match

Smile restoration using 6 porcelain fused to metal crowns

the color of the adjacent teeth. They are the most durable type of crowns. They are perfect for back teeth, because of the intense pressure incurred during chewing. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns rarely chip or break and are ideal for grinders. Their aesthetics is second only to all-porcelain crowns.

When we use them to restore front teeth, we recommend upgrading the edges with all porcelain shoulders. This way as time goes by and the shape of the gum changes, the metal does not show as a black line between the teeth and the gums. And the smile remains brilliantly white.

Ceramic crowns offer superior aesthetics at a higher cost

Advances in dental technology have led to the creation of a new generation of crowns with superior aesthetic appearance. They are loosely referred to as ceramic crowns, the most common of which are all ceramic, Zirconia and Emax.

Smile makeover using 6 Zirconium crowns

They are either made from ceramic material or from a white translucent core such as zirconium oxide and porcelain. Their defining characteristic is that they look very natural and blend well with the natural teeth. Their translucent core allows the light to pass through, as it does with natural teeth.
We usually recommend them for teeth that show when you smile. Partly because they are more costly and partly because they are not strong enough for molars. Zirconium crowns are a notable exemption. They are durable but also stringent and can be used on back teeth. The biggest drawback of all ceramic restorations is their higher cost. They are usually significantly more expensive than traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, but luckily this is not the case in our practice.
Cost and aesthetics considerations aside, the choice of the dental restoration lies with the dentist and can only be determined after initial consultation. Once we have created a study model and consulted with the dental technician, our dentist will be able to recommend the solution(s) that offers the best combination of shape, color, durability and endurance.

A very pleasant holiday experience

testimonial dental visit abroad. dentist Greece, dentist Crete

After repeated re-cementing of my upper right incisor crown due to a broken post, I decided to visit Dr. Giorgos Antonopoulos at Gentle Dental Abroad whilst on holiday on Crete.

I explained that I had limited time on the island and wished to renew both central incisor crowns and revise and remove the broken post. Through his very helpful Administrator Eri, he gave me a full idea options and of the very reasonable fees involved (much lower than UK prices!) He was able to begin the work immediately on my arrival.

I have to say that Dr. George is the most careful and professional dentist I have visited. He clearly has exceptional skills. His attention to detail is excellent, and he makes every clinical visit a very pleasant experience. The process was unhurried and personal. His Dental Technician visited the surgery twice to match the colour, shape and other details of my new crowns. I have to express how delighted I am with the results. The whole experience was perfect, and carried out exactly to my budget, timescale and wishes.

Thank you Dr. Giorgos Antonopoulos, Eri at Gentle Dental Abroad, Hersonissos, Crete.

Patrick J Flynn, Oxford UK

 Protects and Strengthens your teeth

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in our everyday food and drinking water. It helps reduce tooth decay and protects the integrity of the teeth.

Fluoride strengthens the teeth enamel, so teeth become more resistant. Once teeth are decayed, fluoride helps rebuild the weakened teeth enamel, while it can even reverse early signs of decay. Fluoridation of the drinking water supply networks, is considered one of the 10 great achievements relating to public health of the 20th century.

Fluoride trays are used exclusively by the dentist in his office

 Alternative methods to administer the necessary fluoride for your teeth are:

• the use of fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
•  the administration of tablets or other supplements containing fluoride
•  topical application of fluoride preparations (usually in the form of gel) in the dental office.

Fluoride should be administered with care, since too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis, ie the appearance of white spots and brown stripes on teeth.

Fluoride and children

Adequate fluoride intake is beneficial for people of all ages, but is more critical for children and adolescents between 6 months and 16 years of age. Sufficient fluoride contributes to the formation of healthy teeth and the improvement of their dental health throughout their lives.

Children under 6 years

Children under 6 years of age must be supervised by an adult, when brushing their teeth or take fluoride supplements. The adult should make sure that the amount of toothpaste is the size of a pea and that the child does not swallow it.

Heraklion population

Inhabitants of the greater Heraclion area, where consumption of bottled water is high, can improve their dental health with the appropriate administration of fluoride. For better results, we recommend the regular application of fluoride at the dental office.

more information: American Dental Association

Teeth grinding affects the teeth and facial muscles

Woman suffering from headache due to teeth grinding or bruxism

Do you suffer from migraine or headache when you wake up in the morning?

Does the headache subside during the day?

Are your jaw muscles aching and tensed every morning?

Has your partner or your keen heard your teeth crunching during your sleep?

Are your teeth fractured? Do they have small or bigger cracks?

Are your teeth chipped?

Bruxism or teeth grinding is a very common habit affecting 8% to 10% of the general  US population

 If yes, then probably you are suffering from bruxism– ie grinding or clenching
unconsciously your teeth during the night, or more rarely during the day. Bruxism is a very common habit affecting 8% to 10% of the general US population.

Teeth grinding at night is also common in childhood. However, it is not usually damaging  or worrisome since  most children outgrow it by adolescence.

Stress and Anxiety are often stated as the main cause of Bruxism while Sleep Dissorders are associated with Teeth Grinding

The most common causes of bruxism is stress or anxiety. You will notice that the symptoms occur more frequently and with greater intensity during stressful periods in your life. Bruxism is sometimes a side effect of antidepressant medication.

People who suffer from sleep disorders such as snoring, sleep apnea, sleep talking, periodic leg movements at sleep are more likely to grind their teeth.

A recent study presented at the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), found that nearly 1 in 4 patients with Obstructive Sleap Apnea (OSA) grind their teeth during the night. The findings are more prevalent in men and Caucasians.

Bruxism can in most cases be treated with the use of a mouth guard, while asleep

A soft easy to use mouth guard used during sleep is a very effective way to fight morning headach

Bruxism can be treated in most cases with very good results, by constructing customized mouth guards. The splint is slim, soft, and transparent and is fitted in the teeth of the upper jaw. The patient wears the mouth guard during his or her sleep and soon the muscles relax and the symptoms subside. After concluding a prosthetic restoration, I always recommend to my patients with bruxism history, the use a mouth guard. This way they are able to protect their crowns veneers and implants from the large forces generated during teeth grinding.

In our practice the mouth guard is made especially for you after initial examination and diagnosis. We can create them within two working days and they cost just  €150.

Are you not sure whether you are grinding your teeth at night?

There are two easy ways to find out:

• Ask your partner if he or she hears a strange squeaking noise at night. That might be the sound of your teeth.
• Or take a close look at the mirror: Are all your teeth the same length? Do they have flat edges even the canine?

Alternatively you can have a dental check-up with me or any other dentist, who can answer your questions and provide treatment.

Dr. Lila Skountridaki BSc MSc PhD, University of Strathclyde, UK

The competitive advantage of Greece in global health care provision is without doubt her Medical Doctors and Doctors of Dental Surgery.
Greece has the highest ratio of medical doctors per inhabitant among the OECD countries (6.1 per thousand inhabitants). At the same time, high level of expertise is obtained both in national and international medical and dental schools, with numerous medical specialists gaining international distinction for their research and clinical outcomes. For example, the Medical School of the University of Crete is home to Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris, the ophthalmologist who performed the LASIK technique for the first time on a human eye and subsequently developed the Epi-LASIK. Now a country that couples visit extensively for fertility treatment, Greece is home to the scientist and doctor Georgios Papanikolaou, the inventor of the Pap test. Excellence in medical care in Greece is achieved through continuous retraining and knowledge diffusion that is supported by strong ties with the international medical community. Thousands of medical doctors and dentists in Greece have gained specialisation and working experience in the US, UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, Scandinavian countries, and elsewhere. At the moment numerous Greek MDs are members of leading research teams accounting for significant medical breakthroughs.

MDs in Greece form the backbone of health care provision with thousands of small and medium private practices giving life to the health care provision nationwide. They work close to modern private hospitals and clinics accredited by international bodies. State-of-the-art medical devices, modern facilities, high standards equipment along with an excessive capacity may welcome foreign patients without disruptions for the local community.

When it comes to international patients cultural and language skills should not go amiss; medics and other health professionals in Greece speak fluently not only English, but often German and French, which to a great extent is accounted for by their training, practice and close ties to foreign countries. At the same time, the mild climate of Greece along with the excellent Mediterranean diet comprises an excellent surrounding environment for the patient and their company. Supportive facilities for rehabilitation and wellness during the therapy and recovery period are easily accessible. Moreover, for visitors undergoing minor interventions such as cosmetic dental procedures and other forms of outpatient care, Greece offers an opportunity for plenty of activities. Cultural stimulation, entertainment, and excursions in a beautiful natural environment, close to the mountain or the sea and under the healing touch of a bright sun are offered all through the year by the well-developed tourism sector.

This article appeared originally in  health-greece.org

(Click image to enlarge)

[ SOURCE: Carrington College – What do your teeth say about you? ]