A DELIGHTED Ramsbottom grandfather is all smiles after overcoming his fear of the dentist's chair.

Mr David Rigby had developed a lifelong fear of dentists after bad experiences as a child and only ever visited one when he needed a tooth removed.

After deciding to have a denture fitted, the 68-year-old was referred to the Bury Dental Access Centre’s, provided by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

He was given an emergency appointment at the centre’s daily clinics and was offered a course of treatment to improve the health of his teeth.

Mr Rigby also visited a hygienist who helped him with brushing and flossing techniques to make his gums healthier.

The retired caretaker and night manager said the treatment he received from the service was "phenomenal".

He said: “I’ve been so frightened of dentists all my life and I used to get really worked up about going.

“The lady I saw found I needed to have my wisdom teeth out and she needed to cut into my mouth to remove a broken tooth.

“The thought of that was really scary but she gave me pain relief and talked me through all of it.

“Everyone was so patient with me and it gave me the boost I needed to sort my teeth out.

“If you can have a wonderful experience with a dentist then this was it.”

As part of his treatment, David had tooth and gum impressions taken. In a bid to encourage his four granddaughters to look after their teeth, he took the mould of his crooked and broken teeth home to show them.

He added: “I had it varnished and said to them ‘that’s what’ll happen to you if you don’t look after your teeth'.”