“Frequently traveling from Washington, DC, to Chattanooga, TN, I noted a distinct difference in my sister. She often smiled - something she hadn’t previously done very often due to years of problem teeth and gums. Her teeth were now beautiful! Following her example, I made an appointment with her dentist, Dr. Robert J. Gallien. I feel that I am now on my way to having healthy teeth and a beautiful smile as well. I have total confidence in Dr. Gallien, who projects confidence, efficiency, and caring for his patients.”

As a child I had several bad experiences in the past with dentists. I came to Dr. Gallien’s office with several procedures that a different dentist had started. Due to unfortunate circumstances these procedures were left half finished which caused me great deal of pain. Dr. Gallien and his staff were beyond helpful in getting everything that had been started by my previous dentist restored. My teeth feel wonderful now! Everyone at Dr. Gallien’s office made me feel like a part of their family. His entire office is just that, a family. In my past experiences, every dentist I had visited all had a problem getting my teeth numb. Dr. Gallien had no problem in doing that and for the first time in my life (at 37 years old) I have been able to have dental work, including root canals, performed painlessly. I am so impressed with Dr. Gallien and his staff that my whole family are now patients of his. I tell everyone I know that if they want a dentist that makes them feel at ease and possibly even enjoy dental visits, my dentist office is the one to see. Honestly, I’m not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t met these wonderful people that have taken such great care of me. I am very grateful to them for everything they have done for me.

Most men don’t talk about their fears. It’s just not the thing to do. However, if I can help other men by sharing my story, then this will be worth it.

I have had a fear of dentists for as long as I can remember. As with most of us, I can trace it back to a bad childhood experience I had with one dentist. I was having four teeth pulled. I don’t recall why they were being pulled, but they were only my “baby” teeth. No big deal, right?

I think the dentist was inexperienced, and didn’t know how to deal with children. Long story short, the older dentist rushed into the scene I was creating, put a block in my mouth, and pulled the teeth in seconds. If we ever went back to that dentist, I don’t recall it.

From that time forward, I have avoided dentists. I have had some fillings over the years, always hearing, “hold on, I am almost done”. Sometimes I would receive another injection, sometimes not. That didn’t do much to increase my confidence.

Fast forward a few decades. My wife had a bad experience with some crowns, and we were trying to find a new dentist for her (I wouldn’t go). We heard about Sedation Dentistry, and that is where she met Dr. Robert Gallien. My wife came home telling me what a wonderful dentist he was.

I wasn’t convinced that easily. Finally, I agreed to have my teeth cleaned. How hard could that be? I figured I wouldn’t like it and so I would never have to return.

So, my first contact was with the dental hygienist, Misty. She was honest with me about what my years of neglect had done and laid out a plan for her part of my treatment. I expressed my fears and desire to feel no pain, and throughout the first procedure I felt no pain. I was hooked! She is the best!

Then, I met with Dr. Gallien. I also expressed my fears to him, and it is important to note here that he (along with his whole staff) always addressed my fears and never discounted them. Anyway, he examined me and laid out a plan for correcting my dental issues.

My first encounter with sedation dentistry was wonderful! In fact, it encouraged me to get the whole treatment plan on the fast track. I had planned on taking it slow, but it was so easy, that I just wanted to get it over with! The second trip was still sedation, but by the third and last trip, I had gained enough confidence to just use gas. It was easy as well.

Throughout every treatment, they always made sure I was relaxed, and Dr. Gallien (so I was told) never hesitated to give me another injection if he thought I was feeling any discomfort, let alone pain.

What I like most about Dr. Gallien’s practice is that he and all of his staff make us feel like part of their family. Misty, Crystal, Whitney, Sharon, and Gail always have a smile on their face and always make us feel happy to be there. This may sound weird, but I actually have missed seeing them!

As a businessman, I am also impressed with the way Dr. Gallien treats his staff. I have seen how he invests in training his team, and it seems to me that they work more with him than for him. They never stop learning, and never stop trying to find ways to take better care of their patients.

One more thing – we live in Ringgold. His practice is on Highway 58. Bottom line – it is worth the drive.