I don't often write reviews, but considering my fear with dental work, I wanted to share for others in the same boat. Nothing but absolute amazing things to say. I'll break down my story below, but want the gratitude I feel for the staff here right at the top, for helping me through my treatment plan the last few months.
After kids, and Covid and neglecting my teeth for a few years, and cracking a molar while eating, I knew I needed something more than just the standard cleaning. I first went to a chain dentist, covered by my insurance (named after a tree) and was given an aggressive and overwhelming treatment plan which included removing all 4 wisdom teeth(which I've been told before are fine) a root canal (even though I wasnt in pain), and that they wouldn't even entertain beginning cleaning until I did both of these. They scolded me about the consequence of my neglect(like I wasn't aware already), and I walked out feeling terrible. Then the dr they referred me to for the root canal asked some questions and began to question why I was referred to them, and encouraged me to get a second opinion, so I did.
I went to my local moms group to help me find a trusted dentist, that works with people with dental anxiety, and received multiple votes for Dr Gaik. My first visit, I explained what I was told at the other place, and was met with a much kinder response--zero guilt, and just understanding and acceptance. They talked to me about starting with the cleanings, before we even talk about removal of teeth that aren't crowding my mouth. He gave me the option for my crown without the root canal, because I was in no pain and we didn't see a need for an unnecessary root canal, and thus my plan was figured out. Either 1 session, with sedation, and get it all done, or break it up into 3 more manageable ones, no sedation, taking things a step at a time. Being newly pregnant and sedation not being an option, I went with option 2. 3 visits were planned for me--first, addressing the crown and my problem tooth, second my entire right side of my mouth, third my left. These sessions allowed me to only deal with an hour at a time, little by little, to achieve my end goal of getting back to just needing regular maintenance without having long extensive visits. Dr gaik was so understanding and kind, and each hygienist I spent time with was fantastic, compassionate, good at ensuring I was comfortable, and distracted. I'm so thankful to have found them, and look forward to staying with this office moving forward.
