I am a 60-year-old woman who has been terrified a dentist all my life until now. In January 2004, I made the decision to visit the dentist (after a 17 year absence). My problems included three collapse bridges, gum infection, teeth with exposed roots, difficulty in the opening my mouth very wide, and constant ear drainage. I literally couldn't eat anything much harder than a potato. In about a year Dr. Massa has performed a full mouth restoration including, extractions, root canals, laser gum work, crowns, bridges and veneers. His technique with the TENS unit has gradually reduced my extremely pronounced overbite to a barely noticeable one and has completely eradicated the ear drainage. I cannot praise Dr. Massa and his staff enough. They are all wonderful and caring people, besides being exceptional at what they do. It is because of them entirely that I could endure approximately 15 visits varying lengths from 1 to 6 hours each. In addition, the greatest thing was that there was no pain. I actually looked forward to going to the office and seeing them. With their help, I chose a believable color and shape so that now I have beautiful teeth and it is not obvious that I have had so much "work" done. In fact, my teeth look just like they did when I was in high school. Once again, I thank all of you and promise to come in regularly for my preventative care. Sandy Young

Sandy Young, Naples FL

Thanks For Helping This Little Boy Editor, Naples Daily News This letter is in direct response to my first letter asking for help for the little boy who needed dental work. As a result of that letter, a local dentist, Dr. Jim Massa, agreed to see the boy and then did the dental work for free. This letter is a big "thanks" to Jim and his wife Jennifer for orchestrating the appointments around a tight schedule. Also, thanks to Jeff Lytle for scoping out the "dental dilemma" in coming up with phone numbers to pursue treatment for "Bobby."

Editor, Naples Daily News, Naples FL

Dear "Dr. Jim", Words are so in adequate to express our appreciation for your generosity. Your kindness and your gentle and patient attention to Bobby will be long remembered. You truly affirm our faith in humanity. With sincere appreciation, The Beckler PS Please extend our thanks to Bonnie for her sensitive nurturing yet professional attention, as well.

Bobby, Naples FL

Dear Jim, Thank you so much for seeing Betsy today on short notice. I hope we didn't turn your afternoon into disaster. Betsy is reporting much relief already so we are on track, I think. Your office and staff are so pleasant and the courtesy extended to us was unexpected but appreciated. Thanks, Jim Fakebach

Betsy, Naples FL

If you are considering partial or full restoration of your teeth and/or realignment of your bite, Dr. Massa comes with my highest recommendation. As a matter of fact, I sent my sister to him. The experience was not painful at all in the end result is nothing short of fabulous. Not only is my smile terrific but the alignment and bite have been improved dramatically. Dr. Massa's attention to detail is phenomenal. To begin with, he suggested orthodontics to improve the alignment of my teeth. Once that was completed, he started my full mouth restoration. The before and after pictures are incredible. It's hard to imagine that I smiled before I had this restoration. No one has asked if I have veneers as my teeth look very natural and not like a mouthful of "Chiclets". The staff in his office are pleasant, professional, kind in caring. It really is a team effort with Dr. Massa as the leader. He is an absolute craftsman at his profession. If you want the best, with the best results, Dr. Massa is the one. Sincerely, Janice Ross

Janice Ross, Naples FL

Dear Dr. Massa and Staff, I wanted to take the opportunity to let you know how much my life has changed in returns to my smile reconstruction. First and most important was your staff as they were extremely well-trained as well as the personal attention that they gave me. The entire process was scary at first however, with your expertise and extremely pleasant staff my treatment went very smooth. My symptoms of grinding my teeth at night in addition to my jaw pain have been resolved. I sleep much better with no pain and my self esteem has improved 100%. The discoloration of my teeth for medication as a child is now I think of the past! I can only hope that my positive experience plus my end results will help other patients and give them a sense of hope and comfort that I have. I would refer any patients over to Dr. Massa and his team as they have truly made a big difference in my life! Sincerely, Tawanna A. Concepcion

Tawanna A. Concepcion, Naples FL

Dear Jim, You have been my trusted a dentist for a number of years so last summer when I felt something was wrong with my job I came to you first been everything "chewy" caused a great deal of discomfort, particularly in the right jaw area. It was definitely not a toothache but I thought you might be able to do an x-ray and give me some insight into the problem. The jaw trouble had been around for several weeks when I came to see you. In addition, I had suffered with general neck and upper back pain off and on for years. After a thorough examination you suggested a series of TENS treatments and an orthotic to be worn at night. I could not believe the result after the first TENS treatment. Not only did my jaw feel much better, but for the first time in years my neck and upper back pain was gone! Once I started wearing the orthotic the jaw problems totally disappeared as well. While the TENS treatment is not altogether pleasant I found I really looked forward to them to relieve mild neck stiffness, which still reoccur from time to time. I can't thank you enough for curing the jaw problem and giving me back to neck and shoulder mobility I haven't had sense's my early '40s Sincerely, Patricia A. Solin

Patricia A. Solin, Bonita Springs FL