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Megan Seling and I both find ourselves in need of a new dentist, and we don’t seem to have that issue of Seattle Magazine around here. Megan says: “He/She must be nice. I’m a big baby when it comes to dentists.” I would add as another qualification that he/she must be a dentist that is only a dentist.

To elaborate: Some years back, a molar needed to be excised from my head, and I was referred to a dentist in downtown Seattle. Upon arrival, I was installed in a consulting room with some sort of assistant, a young man of Ken-doll looks and blindingly white teeth. The Ken-doll provided me all the gory details on the post-extraction option of a dental implant, in which they drill a hole up into your jawbone and screw a fake tooth into it; he had a giant model of this, which only served to make it seem more completely terrifying. Meanwhile, behind him on the back of the door to the consulting room hung a terrycloth robe. He finally finished, smiled eye-hurtingly, and asked if I had any questions, which I took as an opportunity to ask about the robe. Oh, he said, Dr. So-and-So (I can’t remember his name or I’d absolutely give it) has a dual practice of dentistry and liposuction.

Isn’t that an unusual dual practice? I inquired.

Oh, he didn’t know about that, he said, and smiled as if his smile was a sensible-question-remover.

For whatever reason, I did not flee. The dentist/liposuctionist proved to have a comforting manner, assuaging my obvious nerves by assuring me the extraction (of the tooth; liposuction was not mentioned) would only take a moment. Several large doses of anaesthesia were injected into my palate and its surrounds. As my tooth was being pulled, it shattered, and the dentist yanked it out shard by shard with what I swear were regular household pliers as a large, German-looking dental hygienist lady held my head down for leverage, and tears poured uncontrollably down my face. It didn’t hurt so much as feel like they were breaking my jaw.

So, I would like a dentist who is just a dentist—Megan, too, I expect. Know a good one?

Photo by mraaronmorris from The Stranger‘s flickr pool.

141 replies on “Seattle’s Best Dentist”

  1. Dr. Cederbaum. She has two offices in Ravenna and Redmond, the latter of which I visit as it’s close to work. Never had a problem there. Exams and cleanings are always pretty fast, painless and the staff are pretty friendly. Not sure about the nitrous part though; never had a need for it.

  2. I’m a Reite fan, all the way. I’ve been going to him for 12 years now and he’s the best. The office environment is totally laid back and comfortable. I don’t find him annoying in the least and don’t think he’s quite as chatty as people make him out to be. I couldn’t recommend him enough.

  3. from an ann to an ann – a great ob-gyn is judith kimmelman with seattle ob-gyn group downtown. she’s fantastic.

    as for the other end – i suggest dr. john starks in the medical/dental building downtown. he’s gently but gets the job done, only problem is a weak handshake. his front desk & billing people are really great too, they did all the handling with my insurance company after some crown confusion.

  4. A third for Dr. Hackney and his Ballard office. Been going there for years. Extremely nice, professional, great service, nothing but nice things to say about the quality of the service and the staff. The former receptionist (who retired after working there forever) would not only remember me when I came in for check ups but would also remember what we’d discussed last time. Def recommended.

  5. I have supreme dentist fear but I totally second Guy Roberts! His staff is cool, they’re good with insurance, and Dr. Roberts is calm, reassuring and sweet.

  6. I second # 33 and whole heartedly recommend Dr. Lourdes Acuesta in Eastlake. She and her staff are totally awesome. Initially, I loved that they have so many women dentists, but when they called me back once to tell me they needed to credit me $50 because my insurance covered more than they thought it would, I was completely won over!! Love them!

  7. Brian Faber and his wife are the only folks in his new high tech place in Wedgewood, so if you are up north, I very very highly recommend them.

    8014 35th Avenue NE
    Seattle WA 98115
    Tel. (206) 522-7568

  8. I’m with #61 and #101 — Dr. Cederbaum is great. Been going to her for about 10 years after a terrible experience (that cost me replacement fillings) with “Dr. Steve” at Gentle Dental up in Lynwood. Dr. Steve was a Porsche-driving jerkwad who may have served as the model for Steve Martin’s asshat dentist character in _Novocaine_. He kept trying to up-sell me ultraviolet teeth whitening services.

    And to appeal to your political leanings, Dr. Cederbaum is one of the pioneers in the local female dentist community. Many young women have started their careers through her office.

  11. @whatever-number-a-billion-comments ago: I did not get the implant—not enough bone density in my jaw or something, so they couldn’t do it. Then a different dentist wanted to grind the adjacent teeth down to stubs to make a bridge; I’m no D.D.S., but that seemed insane, so I declined. Then the best dentist in the world gave me a Maryland Bridge, which is smart! Unfortunately the best dentist in the world is in San Francisco. She’s called May Yanagi. Last time I was down there I actually got my teeth cleaned ON VACATION and was happy about it.

  12. @58 is totally right. I went to Dr. Stephen Prince on a co-worker’s recommendation, and was astounded at how pleasant the entire experience was. I almost fell asleep during my last visit, during which I was having an intensive cleaning under my gum line (this would usually be an excruciating experience, but they had an amazing topical anaesthetic that removed about 98% of the pain and wore off shortly after I left). I had my first experience with an ultrasonic scraper for cleaning there — absolutely fucking amazing!

  13. Dr. Irene Reed also works in Ballard with Dr. Jeffery Cole. I actually really like her, and am surprised she also works on First Hill with Marashi. I have only been for cleanings, and her hygenist in Ballard is awesome.

  14. Another recommendation for Dr. Cederbaum! I am terrified of dentists and I had an anxiety attack in the chair the last time I was there – crying, freaking out, the whole thing. They were so nice. The Hygienist stopped and waited until I calmed down and Dr. Cederbaum was very understanding. She does a really good job of explaining what she’s doing and she’ll show you your x-rays (which I think is cool). And they have good gossip mags in the lobby.

  17. Dr. Sutter seriously messed my teeth up. One example: I went back several times to tell him I had weird nerve pain, which he said was NORMAL and didn’t fix. I had never had tooth pain in my life and didn’t have it until he botched a cavity! and I ended up needing a root canal on that tooth!
    Go see Dr. Park. 4th and Madison downtown, great staff, great location, very gentle in you are sensitive/scared/need drugs/whatever.

  18. Nikole O’Brien on the Ave. I could not invent a more satisfying dentist experience. The entire staff are sharp and highly competent women. The clinic was started by a guy who had major dentist fear, so they are all about making you feel safe; if you need gas for that they hook that shit right up. Nikole is a total badass. Plus they provide an i-pod with good headphones filled with nice indie rock.

    As long as we are playing this game, can somebody steer me to a good G.P., preferrably a female?

  19. It’s a gas… it’s a gas…. it’s a gas…
    jumpin clark signs it’s a gas gas gas.
    oh ya, don’t forget to get a job and go to work like bruce hornsby says…

  20. Any recommendations for dentists who do great crowns, preferably downtown? My current dentist botched a filling and cracked my tooth (and misdiagnosed the pain for over a year), so I sure as hell don’t trust him to grind the tooth off and cap it. Anybody have a great crown story they want to share?

  21. Dr. Timothy Butson is my favorite. I broke my dear sweet two top front teeth in half last winter in a drunken bike accident, and after going through over two months of bullshit at UW, he got me new teeth and included whitening and a cleaning (both for free) within a few weeks. He even made me plastic teeth to wear for a few weeks until my permanent ones were ready. No one likes a toothless receptionist… He’s also really sweet, accommodating, not full of shit, and very personable. I love him.

    http://www.drbutson.com/

  22. Former dental rep here, I agree on McIntyre , Isn’t it Larsen’s office where they take a photo of every patient holding something from his travels (super quirky but funny) he has a great staff. My personal dentist is Joseph Lin in Seward Park, they don’t try to make their boat payments from selling you up (at least they don’t push it hard) and no lectures….

    Madison park also has Dr. Ty Etheridge (just goes by Dr. Ty)young knowledgable dentist and kinda looks like a Spa inside. Also caters to kids pretty well.

  23. former dental rep again, I agree about Dr. Felix Marcial (I forgot him on my list before) . Great vibe in his office, very nice and up to date.

  25. As someone who just moved to Seattle and needs a cleaning, this is great! Every dentist I check out seems only interested in cosmetic stuff – I just want to get my damn teeth cleaned!

  26. @71 & @118: agreed. Dr. Nikole O’Bryan is gentle, well-respected, and focuses on quality health care. She will not sucker you into work you don’t need, and doesn’t push cosmetic stuff that will break your wallet.

    Dr. O’Bryan’s practice is made up of an all-woman staff, and they will do everything to alleviate your fears and pain. They don’t yell at you, and no one makes you feel bad about not flossing twice a day.

    I have crooked teeth and a real fear of the dentist chair, but love every experience I have had at Dr. O’s.

    Must offer this disclaimer, though: she is one of my oldest and dearest friends — it’s been almost 20 ears since we met. I would seriously trust her with my life. You should trust her with your teeth.

    Also, she lived above the old Cha Cha when she was a teenager, back when Squid Row was on the corner. Put herself through dental school, and excelled with honors. Her practice is nearly 2 years old, and filled with a bunch of weirdos you probably know and love.

  27. Dr. John Stark in the Medical/Dental building downtown is great. He’s a little bit nerdy but utterly professional, friendly, and clearly up on the latest and greatest.

    Without provocation, he contermanded the insistance of my prior, shitty dentist that I get 4 crowns: “Meh, maybe in a few years you’ll need a crown or two. We’ll see.”

    Bonus: The hygienists will offer you gas for a cleaning if you’re a wuss.

  28. Dr Dale Reite is awesome! #7 provides the perfect description of his office’s gay, gay atmosphere. On a technical note, he and his staff treat my teeth right.

  29. dr. branch, i second him, He taught at the u school of dentistry, why not? Nice, cost effective, great crown,( and I have 18, thankyou) chatty, kind.good staff, helpful.

  30. Like @61, @101, @108, and @114, I recommend Dr. Debra Cederbaum. I see her at her Seattle office on Ravenna, just around the corner from Roosevelt. She and her staff are competent, friendly and gentle.

  31. I started going to Dr. Zimmer downtown recently and am very happy. I had previously used Dr. Sutter, but got tired of him and his staff pressuring me to have procedures that were unnecessary.

  33. Dr. Koczarski in Woodinville. They are the best staff and dentists I’ve ever been to. They deal with kids and adults in the practice and do only dentistry. The staff is wonderful and they specialize in working with people who have to be dragging kicking and screaming to the dentist. They are also the only dentists who manage to keep me completely anesthetized during treatment — I metabolize anesthesia really fast — without it lasting all day.

  36. Hmm…sorry, my vote goes to Dr. George Goll. He’s a prosthodontist based in downtown Seattle and he’s done fantastic cosmetic and general dental work for me. I went through five different dentists when I needed a new set of dentures and he was the only one that ended up making me a set that worked. Here here.

    http://www.drgoll.com

  37. Hi, I am an oral and maxillofacial surgeon that stumbled on this blog looking up the phone number of a Dr. Suzuki. I feel compelled to point out some obvious points.

    The initial post mentioned that the writer “…would like a dentist who is just a dentist—Megan, too, I expect. Know a good one?”

    Looking at the large number of responses, this is a subject many hold strong opinions. I am glad to see so many dentists being supported, and only one specifically maligned by name. What this tells me is that there is no “Seattle’s Best Dentist”. There is no such contest with an impartial jury such as in Olympic downhill ski racing, where the clock determines the winner. Instead, the contest for Seattle’s Best Dentist is like the Olympic figure skating contests. Fun to watch, a winner is acclaimed, but ultimately the winner is chosen based on subjective scores by anonymous judges about whom we know very little. The large number of dentists listed as “good” “fantastic” etc. in the responses to this blog indicates that many dentists are capable of meeting many patients’ expectations. No dentist, surgeon, oral surgeon, plumber, (insert any other profession here) can meet every client’s expectations all the time.

    As a surgeon who has had his fair share of successes and failures, my advice is: Go to a provider who is convenient to your home or work, who is recommended by a friend/family member you know and trust, and be prepared to walk out after the consultation if you have bad vibes about anyone or anything at the consultation visit. If something doesn’t feel right at the time when the least stressful part of the relationship takes place, the consultation, where the doctor is just looking and presenting you with her/his solution to your stated concerns, then go to another provider. Things will only get worse for both of you when the stress of pain, anxiety, and finances start to crop up in the relationship. Don’t feel obligated to stay for the surgery if you have bad vibes at consultation. There are many providers out there.

  38. these comments are so helpful. i haven’t found a dentist that i like yet, but i can tell you who i don’t like.

    i went to aesthetica in eastlake to see dr kollia because the high-tech office really appealed to me. however, i’ve had a really terrible experience so far. first, they added a $20 tube of toothpaste to my bill for my first cleaning. apparently it has some special flourine percentage or something. they didn’t ask if i wanted it, they just threw it in there. not cool.

    then, i got my crown put on. i got an implant about a year ago and never got around to getting the crown done. i got it put on about a week ago, and it looks AWFUL. it’s on one of my front teeth and the color totally doesn’t match. i’m currently working with them to get the damn thing fixed, but they keep telling me that i’ll just have to get my teeth whitened (which costs several hundred $$$). the receptionist, who has in the past ranted to me about how incompetent my insurance company is (not exactly the most professional thing to do), blamed me for agreeing to set the crown and told me that i should have gotten my teeth whitened in the first place. in other words, she’s blaming me for the color difference.

    not happy at all with them. also, the hygienist today gave me a hug because she felt bad about tearing my gums to shreds. i don’t like hugs, especially from people who cause me pain.

    needless to say, i’ll be switching dentists as soon as this whole crown mess is straightened out.

  39. Not sure where “bad smile” is coming from. My whole family, immediate and extended, has been treated by Dr. Kollia for years now. She is a wonderful dentist. If she told you to whiten your teeth, it was for good reason. We have had implants and crowns from her office, and some of us did need to whiten first. It only makes sense. As far as I know, her office never insists that people buy products or accept treatment…it is always by choice. Since you obviously have “bad teeth” maybe you should have taken the toothpaste and used it. And I don’t think the hygienist is in the business of “tearing gums to shreds.” She seems to be a kind, caring, genuine individual. Good for her for dispensing a hug or two. With an attitude like yours, you are better off going elsewhere. Judging by her stellar reviews, she doesn’t need patients like you.

  40. Gordon Sako is great! His staff is great too. I’ve been seeing him for twenty years now- and, I have referred family and friends to him for as long. Everyone loves him and his work.

  41. Bad Experience at Dr. Zimmer’s. The only nice thing is the fancy office with fancy art and a nice view. One or two other posters mentioned about him not being a very nice guy, well that was my experience too. Plus he let his ‘hygienist’ experiment on my teeth, thanks but I’m not paying your expensive prices to be a guinea pig. She totally screwed up my molar.
    Never going back!

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