Dana L. Yeoman, DDS

Dentures and Implants

The Power of a Smile to Change Lives:  Mimi's Story Part 2

“This can’t be happening to me,” Mimi muttered to herself as she found herself in a terrible situation.  Her brain could find no way around the truth that she tried in vain to suppress.  She was used to her back teeth cracking now and then - at least as used to it as one can get when teeth are breaking off - but this was the first time it was a tooth she could see in the mirror when she smiled.  Mimi wasn’t sure if she was more terrified or humiliated, but certainly great portions of both.

Just that morning, Mimi had joyfully agreed to take family portraits with her daughter and granddaughter.  The idea of three generations being represented in a photo was precious to her.  Her daughter was so excited about it, too, and they had already planned what to wear.  How could she gracefully back out now?  There was no way she’d be caught dead in front of a camera looking like this.

As her excitement for the upcoming holidays dwindled into despair, Mimi knew she was faced with “that moment”.  Her desperation had finally outweighed her fear of dentists, and she was going to have to face it once and for all.

Mimi thought about all the dentists she had stood up in the past.  Digging through her “junk drawer”, she remembered a scrap of paper with a number on it for a dentist she had never seen.  All she knew was that her friend had given her the number and a recommendation more than a year ago. At that time Mimi had called asking questions. The girl who answered was very kind.

She could use a little kindness now.  In tears, she dialed the number.

The same friendly voice she had heard before answered and gave her name.

“Valerie,” Mimi whispered, “I’m terrified.”

Valerie listened while Mimi spilled her heart. Mimi let it all out and only after she was finished did Valerie ask questions to find out more about what Mimi was going through.  Mimi felt so comforted she agreed to an appointment. Reassuring her, Valerie let her know, “You’ve made an excellent choice in calling.” Valerie concluded the call by telling her, “Let’s see what we can do to get you smiling in time for that portrait.”

Mimi felt so relieved.  She admitted in a way to being excited about taking care of the problem that had been nagging her for so long.  While she didn’t know what to expect, she did know that her story would end with a smile, and that was comforting.


The Power of a Smile to Change Lives:  Mimi's Story Part 1 Part 3