Patient Experience
As a 72-year-old with a lifelong dental phobia stemming from a childhood extraction, I approached Dr. Nupelda with trembling hands. My lower denture had been unstable for years, causing sores and making eating a chore. She didn't just see a set of teeth; she saw my history. Her approach was revolutionary—she spent our first consultation just talking, explaining the All-on-4 implant procedure with 3D animations on her tablet. The surgery at Etiler Medical Center felt like a coordinated ballet; her team moved with such quiet precision. Six months later, I have implants that feel like my own teeth. She gave me back the simple joy of biting into an apple without fear. This wasn't just dental work; it was the restoration of dignity.
Our 8-year-old son Leo had a complex dental trauma after a playground fall—his front tooth was avulsed (completely knocked out). In panic, we rushed to Etiler. Dr. Nupelda met us at the door, calm as morning light. She had Leo's tooth in milk, which we'd brought. What followed was a masterclass in pediatric emergency care. She spoke directly to Leo in a playful, story-like way, calling his tooth 'a little astronaut that needed to return home.' The reimplantation was successful, and her follow-up protocol was meticulous. She even called us that evening to check on him. She turned a terrifying event into an adventure for our child, and saved his smile. Her blend of technical expertise and profound emotional intelligence is rare.
I'm a musician who plays wind instruments, and a poorly executed crown from another clinic years ago had subtly altered my embouchure, affecting my professional performance. This wasn't a routine checkup; it was a nuanced functional reconstruction. Dr. Nupelda conducted what she called a 'dental audition,' having me bring my clarinet to the consultation. She analyzed how my teeth met the mouthpiece, took dynamic impressions, and designed a new crown with micrometer precision for optimal airflow and lip contact. The craftsmanship was invisible yet transformative. My tone quality has improved, and colleagues have noticed. She understands that teeth are not just for chewing—they are tools for art, identity, and livelihood.
My case was medically complex: Stage IV periodontitis with significant bone loss, compounded by well-controlled type 2 diabetes. Multiple dentists had recommended full extractions. Dr. Nupelda proposed a staged, regenerative approach I'd never heard of. Using a combination of laser-assisted biofilm removal, guided tissue regeneration with membranes, and low-dose doxycycline, she spent 18 months rebuilding what was lost. Each visit at Etiler felt like a strategic planning session. She coordinated with my endocrinologist to time procedures perfectly. Today, I've retained most of my natural teeth. The treatment was demanding, but her transparent communication and relentless optimism made it manageable. She doesn't just treat diseases; she engineers biological recoveries against the odds.