I'm seeking referrals for attentive, detail-oriented dentist(s) (who might also specialize in TMJ
treatments). Thanks for your help :)
COMMENT 137673
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2011-01-18 08:37 AM |
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Don't know what a TMJ treatment is but the Kims in Goleta are great -- they only do high quality treatment. Calvin Kim I have been a patient for several years and he has done a bit of work to help me with my teeth. They are very detail oriented and work the help you correct bad habits.
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COMMENT 137680
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2011-01-18 08:45 AM |
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TMJ treatment is a bit of a dental treatment hoax so you won't find anyone competent in dentistry for this condition. See a good psychological therapist for stress reduction instead. One leading dentist who tried to work with TMJ back east finally concluded he got the best results with art therapy for his patients after trying to tinker with this condition as a mechanical dental problem.
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COMMENT 137685
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2011-01-18 08:50 AM |
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I have TMJ, and I was in another city having a crown prep done and
my jaw locked open, scary and painful needless to say I didn't go
to a dentist for years until we moved here. A crown fell off, and a gal told me about Dr. Robert Caraco. I went to him and found
him to be extremely gentle and he went to great lengths to help me
get rid of the fear. He is the best in my opinion. He's a perfectionist
when it comes to crowns. Tel # 967-0479
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ROB EGENOLF
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2011-01-18 09:11 AM |
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137680 while emotional problems might cause TMJ in some persons, physical issues often do so as well. Occlusal adjustment can ameliorate many of those physical problems and while I am sure any good dentist can help with that, I have personal experience with Dr John Grube who has been quite successful with it.
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COMMENT 137700
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2011-01-18 09:11 AM |
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Johnson Family Dental is really nice
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COMMENT 137701P
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2011-01-18 09:15 AM |
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I'm as happy as anyone can be going to the dentist. Dr. Neuanswander at 515 Micheltorena, 687-2000.
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AQUAHOLIC
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2011-01-18 09:25 AM |
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Another nod for Dr. Grube.
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COMMENT 137708P
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2011-01-18 09:27 AM |
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A Swedish study found that over a 10 year period, patients that underwent TMJ treatment fared no better than patients that didn't. The conclusion (according to a team of doctors at UCSF) was that TMJ disorder tends to be self-correcting, and that treatment is often not necessary. A staff member of a local Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon admits that TMJ treatment can open up the joint and sometimes it never goes back. So beware, use conservative treatment only.
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COMMENT 137716
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2011-01-18 09:51 AM |
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Since TMJ is a self-correcting condition patients can rave their dentist corrected it with whatever treatment they applied. But time was the real healer, and that was free. Therefore those who did not seek and pay for expensive treatment and night guards also get to claim they were happy too. And for the former, the application of money to the problem seems to be key in their sense of treatment satisfaction. Whereas those who let the problem self-correct also would express satisfaction in the non-application of money for the problem. Such is the state of the art and science of dentistry and TMJ. You pays your money and takes your chances.
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COMMENT 137726
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2011-01-18 10:12 AM |
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I used Dr. Michael Clark when I lived in Santa Barbara. His attention to detail is phenom. Wish I still could use him.
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COMMENT 137734
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2011-01-18 10:37 AM |
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My whole family (including in-laws) and many co-workers go to Dr. Craig Downen at Montecito Dental Group 805-565-9837. He is great with not only adults but my young nephew who had never gone to the dentist before (in-laws also loved him even though never went to dentist before either and were nervous). For teeth cleaning Mona is the best, very gentle yet still does thorough cleaning.
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COMMENT 137739
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2011-01-18 10:43 AM |
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There is a huge gap between internally professional regarded competence and public perception of dental competence which is obvious with most, but not all, of these dentist recommendations. Call the periodontists offices in the yellow pages and see if they will give you any general dentist recommendations. When you start hearing the same names, you have the name of your new general dentist.
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COMMENT 137741
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2011-01-18 10:55 AM |
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I like Barney Valeska. He's right near El Rincon Bohemio in the El Mercado Plaza. Not only is he a nice guy, but the guy that makes his crowns does a fabulous job, and Barney does not try and hard-sell you on expensive dentistry you don't need.
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COMMENT 137742
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2011-01-18 11:05 AM |
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I saw Dr. Kim once, and while he was very nice (so was his wife), I was told I needed a very expensive treatment, and given no other options. I went to another dentist (Johnson Family), and they were able to fix the problem without a cap (and no resulting root canal). Also, they never mentioned how my teeth were worn down, but the nurse at Johnson noted it. I was just overall happier switching. Also, for TMJ, try a massage at the SB Body Works - it's one of the massage schools in town, and it's $35 for almost an hour TMJ massage.
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COMMENT 137747P
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2011-01-18 11:35 AM |
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If you go to Johnson carefully review your bill. I had insurance and paid all my co-pays as required. Most of the bills were massively overcharged and then "forgiven" later is some sort of financial scheme. They forgot (refused?) to forgive some of the bills even though I had paid my required part and they sent me to collections.
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ICYJEN
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2011-01-18 11:43 AM |
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I'm a big fan of Dr. Robertson on 7 W. Islay (Phone #: 805-569-1456). I've been going to him for a few years and it's always a great experience.
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COMMENT 137772P
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2011-01-18 12:58 PM |
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I see Dr. Charlton at Goleta Dental and like them. No other dentist had notice that my bite was mismatched to the side. He fixed it by adding a bit of stuff to the back of one tooth -- no more jawaches just like that. He's done wisdom tooth extractions and some other stuff for me. They are good about having music and other soothing stuff along with the pain relief. He's a bit into the name dropping at the first couple appointments, but good overall.
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COMMENT 137788
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2011-01-18 01:38 PM |
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Dr. Lannan. He became my dentist when I moved here to go to UCSB, years ago. Very trustworthy. state of the art equipment, great office. Fixed my TMJ.
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COMMENT 137799
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2011-01-18 02:27 PM |
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Michael Thompson
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COMMENT 137804
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2011-01-18 03:07 PM |
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Be sure and check complaints that might have been filed against these recommended dentists with the California Dental Association. Hey, everyone makes a few mistakes every once in a while. No biggie.
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COMMENT 137809
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2011-01-18 03:33 PM |
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Despite what 137680 rather mysteriously says, TMJ is a very real problem and it can be debilitating. Most of the time it can be fixed pretty quickly without any kind of invasive treatment or ongoing cost. Usually the most you need is a bite plate made to shift your bite back into place at night (or day) and relax the muscles of the jaw so they that soften up again. Think of the muscles and tendons of the jaw like the achilles, they can get atrophied or strained and just need a bit of positive repositioning to help heal them. That should be the first line of defense that any good dentist takes if you have a routine case of TMJ. Red flags would be if the doctor wants to inject steroids or other potentially dangerous things without trying the plate first. I like Dr. Philip Ho at State and Alamar. He's probably one of the best and more educated dentists in town. If he can't help you, he'll give you a referral. Good luck!
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COMMENT 137823
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2011-01-18 04:04 PM |
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137804 - I went to the California Dental Association site and I did not locate where one might check for complaints. Please elaborate. I need extensive dental work and I want to find the right dentist.
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COMMENT 137826
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2011-01-18 04:17 PM |
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I had TMJ very bad for year and years. Dental treatment, from a number of different dentists over the years, never helped. One mouth guard even made it worse. The only thing that helped was a cortisone shot in my jaw and then physical therapy. Without the shot, I wouldn't have been able to handle the pain of the therapy. As far as dentists go, I always liked Dr. Mathis on State Street, but now my insurance doesn't cover him so am dentist-shopping as well.
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COMMENT 137900
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2011-01-18 08:41 PM |
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Love Dr. Craig Downen @ Montecito Dental! Have been a patient for almost 20 years. Husband and child also see him. Hygienists and office staff are great too.
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COMMENT 137903
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2011-01-18 08:52 PM |
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Barbara subject is a wonderful dentist. She has been my dentist over 20 years and is a great friend. 964-2211. She has helped many in Goleta & S B and has come in on the weekends also, to help people with accidents and emergency's. Very caring and honest dentist.
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COMMENT 137918
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2011-01-19 06:31 AM |
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I just found a new dentist that made me very happy. Dr. Trevor Denny up on the Mesa. A good karma feel when you walk into the office, great ladies and the view from the dental chair overlooking the ocean and the islands is very relaxing, very proffessional.
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COMMENT 137928
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2011-01-19 06:49 AM |
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I've gone to Dr. Ray Johanson for years. He and his staff are wonderful. The one time I had a bad experience with a hygienist, I mentioned it to the receptionist (his wife I think) and she actually called me a few days later to let me know that they had received more complaints so they let the hygienist go. Another time I had a complicated procedure and was miserable afterwards, and she called me that evening to find out how I was doing. Excellent people skills and service.
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PROGRESS
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2011-01-19 07:29 AM |
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George Walseth did a great job with my TMJ, which did not "self-correct", without shots. He provides orthodontic treatment, as well as a variety of appliances. And his hygienists are excellent! I used to hate going to the dentist, but I look forward to cleanings.
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COMMENT 137957
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2011-01-19 07:54 AM |
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Craig Downen is an excellent dentist. He is always on top of the latest treatments, and is a kind and decent human being. He thoroughly explains every procedure in advance, and is thoughtful and considerate throughout the treatment. I have been going to him for ten years, and think he's the best dentist in the world.
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COMMENT 137961P
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2011-01-19 08:01 AM |
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COMMENT 137739 re a huge gap between internally professional regarded competence and public perception of dental competence is right on! Nice guy doesn't do it. Also...and if Dr. Charlton notices something amiss be certain you go elsewhere for another opinion or two...nice music and and staff aren't where it's at. Be certain to check w. the state board of dental examiners re him too. Check out how many places he's practiced.
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COMMENT 137976
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2011-01-19 08:16 AM |
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Try calling Dr. Tim Mathis.. He is excellent and can help w/ your TMJ problem..
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ETHEL
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2011-01-19 08:42 AM |
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Dr. Ron Robertson. He's really good and honest. He is a native, has an excellent reputation and he cares about his patients. I've gone gone to him for years with no problems.
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COMMENT 138004
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2011-01-19 08:54 AM |
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Dr. William Lannan. I met him years ago when I went for a consult. re TMJ. He has been our dentist ever since. Fine dentist, gentle, pleasant. BUT I don't think he is taking new patients.
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COMMENT 138008
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2011-01-19 08:56 AM |
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Dr Phillip Ho, on State St, is excellent.
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COMMENT 138021
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2011-01-19 09:20 AM |
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Dr. Ho at State and Allamar is the best dentist I have ever been to and the office staff is great too. He is soft spoken and doesn’t always talk very much but is always willing to explain things. His office is also one of the most technologically advanced. My whole family goes to him and love his kind, gentle nature.
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COMMENT 138022
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2011-01-19 09:21 AM |
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Shots (cortisone) don't correct TMJ, they just temporarily cover up both cause and symptoms and ultimately lead to more joint and possibly permanent damage, since the source of the jaw muscle tension has not been addressed. There is little science in this area that confirms any treatment modality. Dr Arnold Binderman in Washington DC is the acknowledged national expert on this topic by his peers. Check out his website for a more comprehensive look at what is poorly described as "TMJ" problems.
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COMMENT 138049
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2011-01-19 10:04 AM |
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Dr. Lance Mason, in the office David A. Cowan @ 1850 E. Cabrillo Blvd., 969-5767. Teaches Thursdays @ UCLA School of Dentistry, so you'll need to schedule around that.
I had acute/chronic TMJ problems where my jaw would lock up with debilitating pain. Dr. Mason crafted a form-fitting mouth splint to realign the joint; relieving the pain and jaw from locking up. That was thirty years ago. I've been virtually symptom-free since. TMJ problems are more mechanical than psychological. Relieving stress in one's life is all well and good. But all the airy-fairy psychology in the world won't correct a mechanically-damaged bone joint.
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COMMENT 138053
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2011-01-19 10:09 AM |
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If you have issues with a Santa Barbara-Goleta DDS, contact the Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society
located in Ventura. They watchdog all the dentists in the area and investigate complaints.
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COMMENT 138066
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2011-01-19 10:20 AM |
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Dr. William Gabriel 536 E Arrellaga St # 204
(805) 963-0707
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COMMENT 138069
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2011-01-19 10:24 AM |
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Ditto 066...Dr. Gabriel specializes in TMJ. Heck of a nice guy too.
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COMMENT 138076
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2011-01-19 10:34 AM |
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The running joke is don't go to any dentist on the dental review board. They just protect their own. Ask for proof they do not.
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COMMENT 138121P
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2011-01-19 12:34 PM |
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John Henno on Anacapa! You cannot do better. He is kind, gentle, skilled and caring, as well as very informative to the patient. You won't experience any pain. And, he listens. A wonderful dentist overall.
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COMMENT 138247P
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2011-01-19 08:01 PM |
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I love Dr. Bennedetto, she's the greatest dentist, very caring and professional. If she can't help, she will refer you to someone who can. Montecito Dental Group.
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COMMENT 240904
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2011-12-14 10:10 AM |
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Drs. Benedetto, Subject, Sato all come highly recommended while...SeaBreeze and Dr. Wipf are on the 'naughty list this season.
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COMMENT 278583
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2012-05-10 10:41 AM |
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Dr. Michelle Stivers is a great dentist. If you are nervous
about seeing a dentist, she is perfect for you. She and
her office staff help you to feel relaxed and take good care
of you. She does her own cleaning and each person gets
individualized care and time to spend with her which is
refreshing in these days of large dental clinics. We highly
recommend her as our dentist
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COMMENT 284780
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2012-06-02 06:40 PM |
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I am looking for a referral for an excellent cosmetic dentist that does veneers. I don't want the fake Hollywood white look, but a natural enhancement.
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MTNDRIVER
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2012-06-15 07:10 PM |
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780--You should start a new thread, no one is responding on this one lately, which started out about TMJ--ask specifically about veneers. I'm looking for a new dentist too, someone who doesn't push cosmetic treatments, just cares that the teeth are healthy. Might have to start a new thread myself.
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COMMENT 324053
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2012-09-25 04:00 PM |
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Dr Melinda Oquist is the best I have seen in years! Trust me on this one..she is in Buellton but worth the drive.
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COMMENT 415824
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2013-06-02 12:08 PM |
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Johnson Family dental are crooks! Dr. Holbrook there did a simple dental procedure which let to nerve damage in my mouth. They then proceeded to cover up the work in my records which I caught them red handed doing.
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