Who, oh who, will finally save my poor teeth?

February 4, 2013 7:44 AM

Chicago MeFites: please tell me of your glorious dentists! Or warn me off of the terrible ones. I need a dentist for cleaning, probably at least one filling, and no doubt a referral to an oral surgeon (impacted wisdom teeth.) North side or Loop vastly preferred, as I have no car.

I've known about my impacted wisdom teeth for ages now, but never had the money/time off to do anything about it and they didn't bother me. Now, finally, they have begun to hurt on and off, and it's really got to get handled.

I *know* it's never smart to drag one's feet about teeth, but for the first time in a while I finally have an Actual Paycheck (hooray) and a flexible enough schedule to get this shit taken care of.

If you can recommend a dentist who won't shame me too badly about my foot-dragging, that would be WONDERFUL. Also, my teeth are messed up generally; my folks were too poor for regular dental care and orthodontia, so the more understanding the better. (My fear of the dentist is rooted in a fear of being yelled at/judged, I have no qualms about pain or drilling, ha.)

posted by like_a_friend to Health & Fitness (15 answers total)

I loved going to Dr Weir. Very nice people, completely non-judgmental, very thorough hygienist.
posted by Fig at 7:51 AM on February 4, 2013

I had a great visit (cleaning, X-ray, cavity fill, all in one morning) at Aria Dental on Dearborn last year. I didn't have to wait at all, the office was beautiful, they TVs mounted on the ceiling so you can watch House Hunters from your chair, and the dentist was patient and responsive with regard to local anaesthetics. Unfortunately they no longer take my insurance.
posted by theodolite at 7:55 AM on February 4, 2013

I've only been to two different dentists in my life and Dr. Drummond is one. She's in the loop and everyone in the office is wonderful. I moved but I'd seriously consider flying back just to visit her. Definitely check on insurance and how much it' cost. I remember thinking she was a bit pricey but it was probably just my insurance not fully covering things. The staff will gladly help you price things out.
posted by adorap0621 at 8:08 AM on February 4, 2013

http://www.yelp.com/biz/lee-dental-clinic-chicago#query:anthony%20Lee

What can I say about "Dr. Anthony" - wonderful, caring, great dentist? I only wish he has a clone who went to med school and then I could have him as my MD and dentist. Five star ratings on Yelp
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lee-dental-clinic-chicago#query:anthony%20Lee

Good luck.
posted by Tullyogallaghan at 8:09 AM on February 4, 2013

I've been to a bunch of dentists before finding Grant Sims in Andersonville—everyone in the office is very friendly, they are not judgmental at all and are very flexible.
posted by enn at 8:17 AM on February 4, 2013

I neglected my teeth throughout college (especially shameful considering how much my parents did spend on orthodontia), and I too dreaded the inevitable dressing-down and put off finding a dentist for years. My hand was eventually forced by a couple of chipped teeth, and I chose Dr. Michelle Schwartz at Bucktown-Wicker Park Dental based on proximity. I can promise you that she won't give you a hard time.

Nice office, everyone who works there is very friendly, and they seem to take most insurance (definitely MetLife).
posted by ndg at 8:19 AM on February 4, 2013

When I lived in Chicago, I saw Dr. Rohan at Chicago Style Smiles. He's the first and only dentist - or medical professional of any stripe - whom I actually miss. Everyone in the office was friendly and really helpful. Added bonus: their office has great views.
posted by Metroid Baby at 8:29 AM on February 4, 2013

I got a Groupon and loved this place http://moderndentalchicago.com/. Also the dentist is a vet if that means anything to you. I have had 3 Groupon dentists and this is the BEST. (Phillip M. Palella). Also, DO NOT go here: Eliot Tokowitz with Sheffield Square Dental Care - just do a YELP search- a total scammer. In 2009 he told me I had 6 cavities-I have only had 3 in my life- so just imagine my shock. 3 years later, and three dentists later, and I have had only ONE cavity. Also, BTW when I met scambo I was a student and just moved to Chicago- what a jerk, glad I was smart enough to shop around and I did not tell the other dentists of my experience so they would be objective. FYI, the ADA is in Chicago if you want a referral from them as well :)
posted by TRUELOTUS at 8:31 AM on February 4, 2013

Oh, just to add -- I don't have any dental insurance, so that isn't really an issue. I'm prepared to pay out of pocket and go into some level of debt for this, so as long as they take credit cards, it's all good. :)
posted by like_a_friend at 8:32 AM on February 4, 2013

I wish I still lived in Chicago so I could keep seeing Dr. Amy Van Fossen. I have terrible, terrible teeth and she is, by far, the best dentist I've ever had. No shame and they're really up to date on their technology and techniques. She's in the Loop.
posted by fancypants at 9:03 AM on February 4, 2013

I have had good experiences with Dr. Dortch at Wicker Park Dental (yelp) - he's patient and sympathetic. He's the fourth or fifth dentist I've seen in Chicago, and the only one I've been happy to return to.
posted by treefort at 9:07 AM on February 4, 2013

UofI dental school was amazing. Can't say enough about the level and quality of care. Don't even get me started on how inexpensive everything was - at least a third. Getting in wasn't nearly as bad as I'd heard and they take urgent cases. On my phone - so can't get the website, but they have instructions for urgent care and getting into your first real appointment. It's off the Polk pink line. Across the street literally.
posted by crankyrogalsky at 9:28 AM on February 4, 2013

Dr. David Rozen, 141 W Jackson #2515. I've seen a few dentists in Chicago, too, and I'd recommend checking him out. Especially if you are into Chicago sports -- he's a bit of a fanatic.
posted by stubie at 9:42 AM on February 4, 2013

We live in the 'burbs now, but when we lived in the city we went to Dr. Gamalinda in Andersonville. He was incredibly gentle and patient, and he has great reviews on Yelp.
posted by zooropa at 9:47 AM on February 4, 2013

My review of Roxanna Khaghani at Advanced Dental Care. She's at 2457 N Lincoln Ave, easily accessible by CTA. In short, she and her staff are all amazing.
posted by eamondaly at 2:42 PM on February 4, 2013