By Dr. Tamer Eshra
Laurie McMahon initially sought dental care for a practical reason. Over time, she noticed the gap between her two front teeth slowly widening as natural enamel wear changed the shape and spacing of her teeth. What began as a cosmetic concern eventually became uncomfortable, and Laurie assumed she simply needed a functional repair.
That perspective changed after meeting Dr. Eshra at Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (PFCD).
During her consultation, Dr. Eshra carefully evaluated Laurie’s smile and walked her through a personalized treatment plan. With the help of advanced technology, he showed her digital smile designs, including before-and-after images that brought the possibilities to life. For Laurie, seeing those images was a turning point, she realized her dental care was not just about correcting an issue, but about reclaiming a beautiful smile and the confidence that comes with it.
Laurie also faced a unique challenge. She has Bell’s palsy, a condition that affects facial muscles and can cause one side of the face to appear less responsive than the other. Because of this, one side of Laurie’s smile has never appeared as full as the other. She often jokes that she learned to “smile with her eyes,” but the condition made her particularly thoughtful about choosing the right dentist for cosmetic work.
From the beginning, Laurie felt confident in Dr. Eshra and his team. She describes him not only as a skilled dentist but also as an artist. His treatment plan addressed the health and function of her teeth while also carefully considering the balance and appearance of her smile.
Her treatment ultimately involved twelve porcelain crowns designed to restore both function and aesthetics.
One aspect of PFCD that Laurie especially appreciated was the in-house dental laboratory. The lab technician, Lance, worked closely with Dr. Eshra to help design Laurie’s new smile. According to Laurie, Lance brought an artistic eye to the process as well. Together, they selected the ideal color, shape, and proportions for her crowns so the final result would look natural and flattering.
Because of her Bell’s palsy, Laurie sometimes finds dental anesthesia difficult to manage. She notes that oral injections can be challenging with facial nerve involvement. However, she says Dr. Eshra consistently demonstrated careful precision and attention during each procedure, ensuring that anesthesia was placed correctly so she remained comfortable.
Equally important to Laurie was the way Dr. Eshra communicated throughout treatment. He spoke calmly and clearly, explaining each step before it happened so she always understood what to expect. During procedures he frequently checked in, asking if she was comfortable or needed a break.
“That made a big difference for my anxiety,” Laurie says. “I always knew what was coming next.”
Laurie also credits much of her positive experience to the entire PFCD team. She specifically highlights assistants Miriam and Anita, whom she describes as “top-notch.” Watching the team work together gave her confidence that every aspect of her care was being handled thoughtfully and professionally.
Her experience extended beyond the treatment room as well. Laurie says the welcoming atmosphere at PFCD begins the moment patients arrive. Outside the office there is a beautiful orchid garden near the entrance, and inside the lobby there is often a charitable project underway.
One program Laurie remembers involved collecting greeting cards for deployed soldiers. More recently, the office participated in Laces of Love, an initiative that gathers athletic shoes for children in need in Collier County. Laurie says seeing the practice support the local community made her feel proud to be a patient there.
“The office really cares about giving back,” she explains.
Laurie also appreciates the organization and professionalism of the practice. Appointments begin on time, and the staff maintains a calm and friendly environment throughout the office.
Several team members made lasting impressions on her during visits. Loyse at the front desk brings what Laurie describes as a consistently positive energy when patients arrive. Gigi who worked alongside Dr. Eshra, assisting every step of the way to ensure the procedure was completed comfortably and seamlessly.
After completing her treatment, Laurie experienced a memorable final moment with the team.
At the end of the process, she was invited upstairs for what the staff called her “final smile celebration.” When she entered the room, several team members were waiting to congratulate her. A large screen displayed her before-and-after photos while eight members of the team applauded the transformation. The celebration even included champagne (non-alcoholic) to mark the occasion.
For Laurie, it was an unexpected and meaningful way to close her smile journey.
Today she continues to return to Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for regular cleanings, and her husband is also a patient of Dr. Eshra. Laurie says the combination of advanced technology, artistic skill, and compassionate care makes the practice stand out.
Most importantly, she says she always feels valued as both a patient and a person.
“It’s such a treat,” Laurie says, “to be cared for by a dentist instead of being afraid of one.”
Her smile transformation, which included twelve carefully designed porcelain crowns, restored not only the appearance of her teeth but also her confidence. For Laurie McMahon, the experience proved that dentistry can be both a science and an art—and that the right team can make all the difference.
About Tamer Eshra, DDS
Dr. Tamer Eshra combines advanced training with a gentle, patient-first approach. With decades of expertise in cosmetic, restorative, bone augmentation, sinus lift and implant dentistry, he creates healthy, natural-looking smiles through precision and artistry. Licensed and offering IV, oral and nitrous sedation, Dr. Eshra helps even the most anxious patients feel calm and comfortable. His compassionate care and clear communication make every visit a positive, stress-free experience.
239-330-4208