Dentists in Manhattan who are actual skilled medical professionals?

May 25, 2024 7:50 AM

I've got MetLife PDP dental coverage through my new employer. This is probably a long shot, but does anyone have a recommendation for a participating dentist that you really like AND have built a long-term relationship with, including at least some sort of restoration work done that you are satisfied with? I'm in fairly good dental health but I have a bit of health anxiety and want to establish a relationship with a medical professional dentist in case I ever need a crown or root canal. Out-of-network dentist recs for Manhattan also welcome, since it seems kinda rare for dentists to accept insurance outside of the "dental spa" storefronts. Thanks!
posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (7 answers total)

I don't know if he participates in your specific plan but Brian Urtula at Emagen Dental fits your description to a tee. He's been my dentist for almost 15 years, despite the fact that I moved away from NYC a decade ago; I've never found someone as meticulous or trustworthy so I simply commute the ~hour to see him. I had to have some substantial work urgently a few years ago, which was done locally, and then when it inevitably developed serious issues Dr Urtula re-did it in a way that was much, much better.
posted by telegraph at 11:15 AM on May 25 [1 favorite]

I used Dr. Stewart Lantner for 15 years until I left NYC. I've recommended him to many people, and they all love him. NYC is no longer our home base, he has still squeezed my partner in twice during dental emergencies while we've been visiting. He did my first root canal and two crowns, and I've had zero problems (one is at least 18 years old now). I can't speak to his partner Dr. Goldberg.
posted by kimdog at 12:40 PM on May 25 [1 favorite]

If one subway stop in to Brooklyn is acceptable, Dr. Ewa Tracz is wonderful. I have terrible teeth (including several crowns and a couple implants) and I followed her over when she started her own practice. She's willing to get second opinions for complicated situations and I trust her advice. As of five years ago, she was in network for MetLife. I hope she still is because I'm also about to switch back but it's been worth paying out of network for her with my current shitty insurance.
posted by yeahlikethat at 5:37 AM on May 26

Dr. John Paul Osterman. Fantastic. Doesn't take insurance though. Madison and East 58th Street.
posted by DMelanogaster at 5:23 AM on May 27

Strongest recommendation for Dr. Andriy Krayniy - drkrayniy.com - super-friendly, takes insurance, and handles crowns and root canals. Midtown on 58th Street.
posted by mark7570 at 5:43 PM on May 27

Dr. Alexander Galperin at Chelsea Dental Arts. He & his team are totally the best. I am the kind of person who needs dental work seemingly constantly (I blame genetics) & have been going to him for 15 years. Never any pain & he explains what he's doing to you like he knows you have a brain.
posted by Wylie Kyoto at 10:05 AM on May 28

I have had all my standard dental work plus two crowns and a completely painless root canal at Exchange Dental Group over the last 19 years and would recommend them highly. I actually went to them initially for an emergency crown when one of my teeth broke and it's held up great for those 19 years. I've seen a few different dentists over that time, but they've unfailingly been kind and gentle (I have very bad medical anxiety--I have fainted in their office before--and had multiple dentists tell me I had the worst gag reflex they've seen in an adult, so I'm not an easy patient). They've taken most of the different dental insurance plans I've had over the years and are good about helping work through billing disputes if your insurer is recalcitrant about paying for something.
posted by snaw at 4:16 AM on May 30