Patient Experience
I'm a 72-year-old retired fisherman who had avoided dentists for nearly a decade due to a traumatic childhood experience. My dentures were crumbling, and I could barely eat meze. Dr. Hakan didn't just see broken teeth; he saw a man who missed sharing meals with his grandchildren. Over three visits, he performed a full-mouth restoration with such gentle patience that I never once felt fear. He explained each step in Turkish proverbs my father would have used. Now I can bite into simit again! The Bodrum Hospital feels more like a seaside konak than a clinic.
Our 8-year-old daughter, Elif, fell during a beach volleyball game and completely avulsed her front tooth. Panicked, we rushed to Acibadem. Dr. Karagözoğlu met us at the emergency entrance with a calm smile, immediately re-implanting the tooth within the golden hour. What amazed us was his follow-up: he created a 'tooth fairy' certificate for Elif, scheduled play-based checkups where she 'examined' stuffed animals first, and even coordinated with her orthodontist. He turned a traumatic event into an adventure. Six months later, the tooth is vital and Elif wants to be a dentist!
As a British expat and ceramic artist, I needed complex bone grafting and implant surgery after years of dental neglect. Dr. Hakan approached my case like sculpting—studying my facial structure, discussing how tooth alignment affects my smile while throwing pottery. His surgical precision was breathtaking; he used piezoelectric techniques that minimized swelling. But what truly distinguished him was his holistic view: he recommended a slight adjustment to my bite that has eliminated chronic neck pain I'd attributed to my studio work. The follow-up care included sunset appointments so I wouldn't miss morning inspiration at my wheel.
I visited for what I thought was a routine cleaning before my wedding. Dr. Karagözoğlu noticed subtle wear patterns and diagnosed nocturnal bruxism that three previous dentists had missed. Instead of just recommending a night guard, he collaborated with a sleep specialist at the hospital and my physiotherapist. Turns out my jaw issues were linked to sleep apnea. The custom oral appliance he created not only protects my teeth but has improved my sleep quality dramatically. My wedding photos show a genuinely relaxed smile, not a forced one. He sees connections others don't.