I've just completed my treatment at Project Smile: two dental implants, with two teeth on one implant and one tooth on the other. This also entailed two extractions. I have waited until completion of the procedure to write this. In my case, there was a significant gap between getting the implants and the actual abutments and crowns, and I wanted to make sure nothing would happen to invalidate a prematurely gushing review. But, as I expected, nothing did go wrong, and I now feel one hundred percent confident in recommending Project Smile. I'm writing this with some very solid-feeling, natural looking gnashers in place!
I won't go into the reasons my teeth needed replacing - mark that up to youthful pugnaciousness. Suffice it to say that, in my mind, I had built up the whole situation into terrifyingly gargantuan proportions. Three extractions! Ghastly implants! What could be worse? And I'm sure many people reading this will be feeling exactly the same way.
Well, I'm here to tell you Project Smile is more-or-less artists of dentistry. Compared to any dentist I've ever been to (admittedly only in the UK) they are *incredibly* skilled. I would rate the pain level at 1/10 at worst - significantly less painful, for example, than the 'deep clean' procedure I endured at the hands of a UK hygienist, which I'd have placed about 6.5/10. I promise you that I'm in no way a macho type. Had the procedure hurt in any significant way, at any point, I would tell you.
I cannot emphasise enough the astonishing levels of competence and care exhibited at Project Smile, from the almost unnoticeable administration of anaesthetic, to actual the technique of removing the teeth (again I won't go into it in too much detail, but it does not involve the "brace-and-yank" ghastliness I have experienced in the past. You barely know it's happening. As other commentators have pointed out, the surgeon is incredibly gentle. It is next-level dentistry.
For anyone worrying about the actual procedure of having the implants put in: I get it, it's a big thing. But, at least if you're going with Project Smile, this 'big thing' is going to be mostly in your mind - the actual procedure was no 'worse' than a root canal, and if anything less intense. Keep in mind that 1/10 discomfort level: you really only notice the anesthetic administration and that's it! I was able to start relaxing as my trust in these teeth-wizards started to build, minute by minute. Believe me, relaxing is the last thing I thought I would be doing!
After the procedure, the facilitator Patryk took me down to the nearby clinic to grab antibiotics and painkillers, just plain Ibuprofen if I remember right and I was good to go. A little sensitivity in the days that followed but nothing significant. Actually, I ate an *excellent* dinner at a restaurant recommended by the clinic that very evening!
Now possibly this sounds stupid, but for the avoidance of doubt, they won't leave you with "pegs sticking up" (another of my little-fabricated horrors) while you wait for the implants to settle. You get a perfectly good bridge, one I was able to live with comfortably for 6-7 months. The extended period due to me being out of Europe on business. When the time comes, they just swap that out for your new teeth.
Here's what I say to anyone thinking of getting an essential procedure like this done at Project Smile: just do it. Choose them not just because they're cheaper than 'back home', but because they are offering an incredible level of service, care and attention. I'm no tooth expert, but I'd be surprised if their service is matched many places in the world. And get it done now. Because I promise you, you'll wonder what you were ever worried about.
Finally, for those wondering about the organizational aspects of spending time in Gdansk - don't. It's a cool, safe little city with great food and a really nice old town you can get lost in. Patryk, Project Smile's facilitator, can sort you out with trips to and from the airport and places to stay and you can trust him. But there's plenty of options online if you want to pick somewhere fun by yourself. I'd recommend the old town, even if the locals disdain it somewhat it's great for the wealth of restaurants, bars and nice walks!
Perhaps the most indicative thing I can say about this treatment was that I actually *looked forward* to coming back to Gdansk to finish it off. I knew it wouldn't be traumatic, and Project Smile has helped me get over the fear I had of anything involving dental work. The only problem now is I won't want to see anyone else. I'm a Project Smile monogamist!
In case there's any doubt after all this, this is an *11/10 review*. Unhesitating recommendation. Would implant again.
Even if the 'old town' is actually mostly reconstructed, they've done a really great job of it. If you do stay there, make sure you eat at the restaurant 'Prologue'. Thank me later.
Chosen for recommendation from UK dentist (go to Poland, we don't do implants on NHS!), Reddit r/dental subforum ("Poland is the best place for dental tourism! Don't go to Mexico!), and this site - I mean check out the stellar reviews. Still, I had my doubts. No doubts remain. The clinic is smart and well-appointed. The staff are super professional, personable and pleasant. The level of competence is off-the-charts. Alright: that's enough from me. I'm off to enjoy my last two days in Gdasnk, with my new pearly whites.
