I recently had root-canal re-treatments done and to place the new crowns on (since the original dentist who did the root-canals the first time drilled too far and cavities also formed over time likely due to the original poor crown work) my general dentist advised I needed crown lengthening procedures.
After doing my own research I decided I wanted it done with a laser instead of the traditional way (with a scalpel). My general dentist cautioned me that since I needed it done on both soft (gum) and hard (bone) tissue it was very rare to find this procedure using a laser. She also urged me to have it done by a periodontist (specialist) not a general dentist. I was also set on not settling for anyone less than a high-quality dentist.
Well I searched hard determined to achieve my goal and really only one person fit this description, Dr. Elbaz. He is a periodontist with the all-tissue Waterlase machine and apparent from his services found on his website runs a very advanced practice.
As far as the costs, I was nervous because of the area and the advanced equipment. When I was told the costs I projected extra zero's that weren't really there. When I came to my senses I was relieved as the costs were reasonable and in a range that I was comfortable with. Yes you may pay a little more than you would for an average dentist with average methods however again, you're paying for quality here and yes there is difference, more than most people will ever realize. This is critical by the way - I learned the hard and expensive way (having to redo my root-canals) to not put costs over quality when it comes to your health.
Upon having my consultation with Dr Elbaz I felt comfortable and confident in him. He was relaxed, friendly and everything he said was rational, made sense and his comments upon reviewing my x-rays was in-line with the recent work done on my teeth. Again, in my nervousness I misinterpreted the costs thinking it was going to be much higher than it really was and although I had an alternative dentist to chose from I was pretty set on having Dr. Elbaz do the procedure so after stalling for time I was corrected and came back to my senses. Once I confirmed I had no issues there after-all, we immediately jumped into the procedure per my request. I drove about an hour to get there and took time off work so wanted it done then to save time.
The crown lengthening was done on two teeth right next to each other so it was really an all in one procedure and didn't take all that much time, maybe about an hour. At the end he sowed a resin-like bandage on the area. I didn't feel that or anything during the procedure, it was completely painless including no pain the days following the procedure.
The gave me written care instructions (which is much more helpful rather than having to try to remember verbal instructions) and some products, including a dental gel that I had actually come across myself a few months prior when searching for safe and advanced products to re-grow gum tissue so that was a nice surprise (knowing I was on the same page there as a well-trained professional).
I've been back for check-ups and he said it was healing beautifully.
Everytime I see him he is always relaxed and friendly. He is upbeat, cares about the outcome of his work, cares about your experience as the patient. He is also someone that you can have fun joking and laughing with. I am someone who finds it hard to not be on edge around medical professionals however his jovial nature, down-to earth manner of explaining things and my overall sense of confidence in his work put me at ease.
I hope I never need another major oral procedure again, however based on my experience I would...
Read moreI wanted to add on to my review below from a few months ago. I have had many follow up visits with Dr Elbaz since the procedure. His staff is wonderful from Gina at the front desk who is so kind to his various assistants. Dr Elbaz is so gentle and caring. You feel well taken care of. He is also the most knowledgeable dentist I have ever met. He resolved an issue that had been plaguing me for years in less than 3 months! He also discovered a way for me to avoid a very costly procedure by doing a simple adjustment to my bite that had been off for years. He is truly a miracle worker!
Dr Elbaz and his staff are incredible. He's meticulous in his work and helped me solve an issue that had been plaguing me for years. He's caring and considerate and was very gentle. I dreaded having surgery and have a phobia of needles and he was so careful and gentle, I barely knew he had injected the numbing agent. He is thorough and takes his time to explain everything. To top it off, he called me later that night at home to make sure I was alright- I mean do doctors do that anymore!? His staff is amazing- they are all so considerate and polite and you can tell it comes from the top down. All in all, if you have any complicated dental issues, this is the place to be!
I'm updating my previous post to yet again rave about Dr Elbaz and his staff. I'm so grateful for their care and Dr Elbaz is a magician. He is so gentle I wasn't even aware the procedure had ended- I was preparing myself for some discomfort and he told me it was already over. He is a master at his craft. His staff takes the best care of you and everyone is so kind. Wish I could...
Read moreLet us begin with the fact that I am not a great dental patient, I am very fearful of any procedure concerning my teeth. Yet when it became clear that my terrible childhood dentistry was knocking at the door and that I needed an implant, Dr. Elbaz was highly recommended and I went to see him. First impression...the staff is very kind and compassionate. Next impression...multiply that by 100 and you've met Dr. Elbaz. Add to the fact that he possesses superior knowledge as a surgeon. And incredible PATIENCE I'm one of those folk who don't want pills or to be put under so that makes me a challenge as a patient.During the initial extraction of my tooth (which had apparently taken the liberty of fracturing into many pieces into my jaw), armed only with a bit of laughing gas and some novacaine, Dr. Elbaz kindly and gently finished the complex procedure without pain (tho I know I must've been a pain in the behind) I've met people who have lost sensation in their mouths after implant surgery..no worries, Dr. Elbaz maps out the nerve BEFORE he puts in the implant screw to avoid this. I can't say enough about the quality of the work here. His knowledge shines like a beacon. Granted, this is a costly procedure yet it has been a positive one with this very skilled and knowledge surgeon with patience beyond measure. I hope that you never find yourself in need of dental surgery, yet if you do, I couldn't recommend...
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