A Lehigh Valley woman who spent years avoiding dental care because of childhood trauma says full-arch dental implants at St. Luke’s Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery transformed both her smile and her confidence.
Izabela “Izzy” Fisher, 50, of Allentown, said painful and traumatic experiences with dentists while growing up in Poland left her with a deep fear of dental treatment that persisted into adulthood.
“Even at my wedding, I didn’t want to smile,” Fisher recalled. “I had suffered a psychological trauma from my early experience at the dentist.”
Her fear became so severe that she avoided dental appointments for years.
“I panicked and cried when I tried to call to make an appointment,” she said.
After moving to the Lehigh Valley from New York, Fisher began receiving preventive dental care from family dentist Dr. John Salivonchik in Coplay, who later referred her to Dr. Wayne Saunders of St. Luke’s Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in 2021 for more extensive treatment.
Following an evaluation, Fisher chose full-arch dental implants, a procedure that restores an entire arch of teeth using as few as four or five dental implants. During the procedure, her remaining teeth were removed and replaced with permanent dental implants.
“He boosted my confidence immediately when he gave me a new smile. I felt so good as his patient that I joined the practice,” Fisher said.
Today, Fisher works as a dental assistant at St. Luke’s Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, where she shares her experience with patients who have dental anxiety or concerns about upcoming procedures.
“I’m so grateful to Dr. Saunders for his compassionate care and expertise,” she said.
According to St. Luke’s, Fisher now hopes her story will encourage others struggling with dental fear to seek treatment and overcome the anxiety that once kept her from smiling.
