In need of good dentist...

[anlashokna]

Okay # 1 I am beyond leary of dentists...early life experiences. Only had one in my lifetime I trusted.

But I find myself with pain eminating into a tooth that I had a root canal on five years ago (front one). Still hoping its a sinus thing, but havent had this kind of pain before and may need to get it checked. Could be in need of a veneer or enamal is getting weak :(

I need a recommendation for a dentist that will be honest and not try to force unnecessary procedures. I don't have insurance so afraid of the costs at this point too.

I did see once someone in spanish springs being recommended. Thanks.

[REDCART]

Your question has been answered several times. You may wish to try TOTV's SEARCH function to see earlier recommendations for dentists.

[skyc6]

I like Dr. Robert Lesh 352-751-5777

[MinnieM]

Dr. Maria Luong at Serenity Dentistry Spa is great. She is in Spanish Springs right by Cal's barbershop.

MinnieM

[Mimivillager]

My hubby just had a fantastic experience at Palm Ridge Dental. (if that is even possible when you go to the dentist.) He had broken a tooth and called for an emergency appt.(not a patient there and no insurance) He was treated with respect and care. He got a filling with no novacane and no grinding . He had a choice of crown or filling but she felt the crown was not necessary at this time. She did not push for extras he did not need and the price was reasonable. The office staff were all very professional.

[Mikeod]

Try Dr. Forrest Jerkins in Fruitland Park. I, too, don't have insurance and experienced some pain. I called the office and was seen promptly. The problem was diagnosed and treated effectively and there was no attempt to perform or schedule additional procedures.

I told Dr. Jerkins I had dental phobia and he said he did, too. Like you I have only had one dentist I previously used and trusted. I now have been seen there several times. I really like the office and the staff there.

[REDCART]

My hubby just had a fantastic experience at Palm Ridge Dental. (if that is even possible when you go to the dentist.) He had broken a tooth and called for an emergency appt.(not a patient there and no insurance) He was treated with respect and care. He got a filling with no novacane and no grinding . He had a choice of crown or filling but she felt the crown was not necessary at this time. She did not push for extras he did not need and the price was reasonable. The office staff were all very professional.

That's been our experience with Palm Ridge Dental as well.

George

[anlashokna]

Thank you guys. Still hoping I don't need to but still having the issue :( I appreciate knowing that at least a couple listed don't push procedures. Thats one thing I liked about my old dentist years ago. I met him because I was forced to have two root canals after an impact injury (well 2 years after the injury when the roots and nerves died out and pain became unbearable). Other than cleanings I only ever had to have shallow cavity done without novacane so thought he was awesome in my books after 6 years of seeing him. Was almost tempted to make the two day drive back north!! But looks like I may have a couple of options here. I'll give them call to see what an office visit would run. Thanks again :)

[moongirl]

I also recommend Dr. Kathleen Williams at Palm Ridge Dental. Both hubby and I have been going there for over 6 years and have always been happy with cost/service. Office staff is extremely professional as well.

[RichieLion]

Okay # 1 I am beyond leary of dentists...early life experiences. Only had one in my lifetime I trusted.

But I find myself with pain eminating into a tooth that I had a root canal on five years ago (front one). Still hoping its a sinus thing, but havent had this kind of pain before and may need to get it checked. Could be in need of a veneer or enamal is getting weak :(

I need a recommendation for a dentist that will be honest and not try to force unnecessary procedures. I don't have insurance so afraid of the costs at this point too.

I did see once someone in spanish springs being recommended. Thanks.


If you're "beyond leery" of dentists and need a really nice experience, I would call Dr. Maria Luong who's practice is called "Serenity Dentistry Spa". This is no "dental mill", but a private practice dentist who'll you'll see every time you go.

The office is set up for your comfort and state of mind with a nice decor with comfortable seating with pillows in the waiting room, soft music playing, TV screens showing you beautiful asian water gardens, shore scenes, etc.; There's a single cup beverage maker for coffee, tea, hot chocolate; a fridge with water and juices, etc.

Dr. Luong and her terrific assistant Mike will talk to you and treat you with kid gloves and explain everything about the procedure in detail.

I'm very happy to have found Dr. Luong. She has a very busy practice, so don't delay if you really need attention.

[rirlam]

I also recommend Dr. Kathleen Williams at Palm Ridge Dental. Both hubby and I have been going there for over 6 years and have always been happy with cost/service. Office staff is extremely professional as well.

I whole heartedly agree! Great dentist, great staff!

[mrdarcy]

I've had 2 teeth re-develop pain years after previous root canals in same teeth. Endodontist (who was excellent) diagnosed failed root canals. He re-did root canals and teeth are now fine. He drilled through previous gold crowns, so no added expense of new crowns. I recommend you do what is necessary to save your tooth regardless of expense, so you don't end up losing it and needing an implant.

[Challenger]

Dr. Maria Luong at Serenity Dentistry Spa is great. She is in Spanish Springs right by Cal's barbershop.

MinnieM

My wife and I both use Maria Luong. Good skills , good service, fair price

[Mimivillager]

If you're "beyond leery" of dentists and need a really nice experience, I would call Dr. Maria Luong who's practice is called "Serenity Dentistry Spa". This is no "dental mill", but a private practice dentist who'll you'll see every time you go.

The office is set up for your comfort and state of mind with a nice decor with comfortable seating with pillows in the waiting room, soft music playing, TV screens showing you beautiful asian water gardens, shore scenes, etc.; There's a single cup beverage maker for coffee, tea, hot chocolate; a fridge with water and juices, etc.

Dr. Luong and her terrific assistant Mike will talk to you and treat you with kid gloves and explain everything about the procedure in detail.

I'm very happy to have found Dr. Luong. She has a very busy practice, so don't delay if you really need attention.

This one sounds expensive! sounds similar to Dr Spivey

[thekeithfan]

I use Halmark Dental in Fruitland Park I love them so far. Stay away far away from Aspen Dental they are crooks, expensive and will try and sell you thousands of dollars of proceedures you don't need.

[joycenemetz]

Another vote for Dr. Luong - I actually enjoy going to the Dentist - her rates are comparable to other Dentists I have been to. Her Staff is the best and the entire experience is just great!

[DandyGirl]

Do NOT go to Spruce Creek Dental, Dr. Arias. He was cheap but botched my daughter's root canal and crown. The crown came out twice and the root canal had to be re-done after an infection and abcess occurred. The $1200 dollar root canal and crown has ended up costing her about $4500!

[RichieLion]

This one sounds expensive! sounds similar to Dr Spivey

No, she's not expensive, and why would you compare her to Dr. Spivey with no knowledge of her?

She does provide a warm relaxing atmosphere in her office, though.

This a really competent dentist, with an excellent staff who also charges a reasonable price.

She's also a U.S. Navy Veteran who served this country faithfully, and so if you go, be sure to thank her for her service to our country.

[anlashokna]

Thanks everyone :)

[Parker]

Based on rave reviews here, I went to Dr. Maria Luong, and did not have a good experience! The office screwed up my appt time, and my insurance, and my personal information, even after collecting info on phone. Dental hygienist talked non-stop, was the most painful hygienist I've ever been to, kept sliming saliva all over my cheeks and chin, and kept pushing for next 6-mo appt. Never had any of this happen before. I couldn't wait to get out of there. Just so I don't get slammed here for a negative review, let it be known that I've been to many dentists and been happy with them. This is the first time I've had an experience like this. Won't go back.