UPDATE! My final crowns were placed. It was a long process but I am incredibly happy with how my smile has changed! HIGHLY RECCOMEND DR SIKORA!! read more

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According to other reviews here and on other sites, I must have caught Dr Alec on a REALLY bad day. My appointment was for 4:45pm. I arrived at 4:30, filled out a quick form and was taken back into an exam room. The staff member who took me back was lovely, and got myself and my mother water. I was then told that Dr Zurek had to do a "quick exam" on another patient. Dr Zurek didn't get to me until 5:10pm; he left me sitting for 25 minutes. When he came into the room, he was bombastic and spoke loudly about how he had been having a busy day. I was there to talk about dentures/dental implants. He started by asking me why my teeth were so bad; when I told him that there were issues in both my mother and father's sides of the family with teeth, my explanation wasn't good enough. He began the discussion of my options by asking if the reason my teeth were bad was because I was "lazy or had bad dental hygiene", saying he needed to know in order to best assess what type of dental prosthetic would work for me. During the discussion, I broke into tears at least three times. I really felt that I was being talked down to and judged. Dr Zurek spent a great deal of time touting his expertise and abilities. He suggested a solution that would cost $65,000, although I had mentioned that cost was a concern. I felt zero compassion from him. At one point, I was crying with my head down in the exam chair while he talked with my mother about my options, and I just couldn't take any more of it. When he finally asked me what I thought, I told him that I thought that I needed to leave, took off my dental "bib", got up and grabbed my purse; I walked right out. As I was leaving, he called after me that it was "very important that I be involved in the discussion", but I refused and left the office, going outside and sitting on the practices stairs until my mother followed a few minutes later and we both left. I feel traumatized by this experience, and cannot believe I was spoken to like a naughty child. I am 49 years old and do not need that from someone I am going to for help, with the intention of paying him a large amount of money for his services. I wish there was a rating of "0 stars" because my experience with the doctor was TERRIBLE. read more

I wish I had the words to shower Dr. Alec and the practice with the praise and accolades they surely deserve. When our family dentist of over twenty years retired, we were hesitant in finding a new dentist. When a dental emergency came up, dental professionals recommended Ascend Dental without hesitation and showers of praise. To say the least, in the past two years we have had some unique and challenging dental needs. Dr. Alec has more than once exceeded our expectations, with his meticulous skills and patience. I must add, I'm typing this review with a smile thanks to their attention to detail. I would recommend the practice without hesitation and surely wish we came to them years ago. read more

Ascend Dental - Cosmetic Dentists Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

Dr. Sikora is wonderful...great dentist..he did an amazing job..making me look 30 years younger by restoring a few of my front teeth.Thank you! read more

Dr Alec Zurek is an amazing artist and dentist! He is extremely passionate about his career, as well as extremely talented. He has an outstanding bedside manner. You can tell him and his staff do truly care about you and your teeth. I worked with Dr Zurek and his staff for a couple months to fix my smile of missing teeth and they helped to make it such a positive experience. I would recommend Ascend Dental to anybody! Thank you guys again! read more

Following my implant procedure, I was referred to Dr. Zurek by my oral surgeon to complete the process of getting a new crown. Dr. Zurek's work is meticulous with perfect results. I am very happy with the outcome and feel very lucky that I was referred to him. He works very hard to get everything right...the creation of the tooth, the color, the fit, and the feel. Dr. Zurek is very pleasant and he carefully explains the process and there are no surprises. His attention to detail results in a successful outcome and a very happy patient! Also, everyone in his office is friendly and efficient which also inspires confidence that they are taking good care of the patients! Thank you so much to everyone at Ascend Dental...you are the BEST! read more

I have been going to Dr Zurek for years and he is fantastic! Very honest, knowledgeable, and gentle, I highly recommend!

I had a very complicated situation due to a poorly performed process to put veneers on my 2 front teeth. I had an extremely painful and multi visit process with another dentist on the North Side of Chicago. A dentist who came highly recommended and encouraged me to do veneers on my 2 front teeth. This turned into a multi-year problem, and each time the veneer on 1 tooth came off (more than 3 times) - had to numb and re-cement. I was always uncertain if at some point, while traveling for business, that I could loose the veneer, so I was very careful when eating. On the 2nd day of a 4 day business trip, the veneer came out. I was able to temporarily, with drugstore tooth adhesive, keep it in long enough to get through most of my trip, however, I was unable to eat. The day I was to leave on a red eye, I lost the veneer! When I returned home on that weekend, a nearby dentist was able to prepare a temporary crown and I was told it was not going to be easy to match the other front tooth for a new veneer. After research and many phone calls, I was given a recommendation for Dr. Alec. When I met with Dr. Alec, I explained how terrible (and painful) my experience was with the bad dentist and was very apprehensive about, not only the needles (pain), but expectation of the outcome. Dr. Alec took the time to fully explain the challenge to match another veneer which was 2.5 years old. To make matters worse, we found that the bad dentist had drilled off so much of my tooth, I now needed a crown, versus a veneer. No wonder the veneer kept falling off! Dr. Alec was very understanding, and as it's better to reconstruct both front teeth at the same time for best results, the expense was all out of pocket and I requested he do his best to match the other front tooth. With all this said - I am truly elated with the result! Dr. Alec took much care in making the the entire process go smoothly (minimal discomfort) and with absolute success! I could not be any happier with how he and his staff took care of me. The crown, without exaggeration - looks perfect! I'm in sales, and am so excited to feel comfortable with my smile again, and that my front tooth will not fall out! I only wish I knew of Dr. Alec before I spent so much money and endured so much discomfort with the bad dentist! I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Alec and Ascend Dental. It would have been so much better had I gone to him in the first place! The craziest part is I live less than 5 miles from their office, and I spent several years traveling to the city. read more

Dr. Zurek has been great. I had the 4+4 Implant procedure. He was meticulous and a perfectionist, making sure the implants were perfect. Before he did his work my teeth were a disaster - I now have set of perfect, fully functional teeth. I couldn't be happier. Also, I like his manner both with me and with his assistants - a good guy. read more

Dr. Alec Zurek changed my life and smile in the most wonderful way. He is a master prosthodontist and I am so grateful I was referred to Dr. Alec when having a dental implant. Thank you Dr. Zurek, Teresa and Christy! read more

Dr Alec provided a crown on my first cracked tooth. I have been very impressed by his work. He did an excellent job of explaining the situation and my options, along with the pros and cons to each. Of course I followed his recommendations, and was happy with the outcome. I have never felt rushed and there is time for a question when you can talk. He even is able to understand your mumbling when your mouth is occupied. I would highly recommend him to my family and friends. I found their practice through a friend and reading reviews. The doctors have excellent assistants and administrative people. They run a good ship in their office. I received no benefits from this review. read more

Wonderful experience from a referral! Who likes going to the dentist? This place makes it not so bad. It's a father & son business, which is very sweet, & they are both wonderful, quick & knowledgeable! This office is NOT a money pit, they do not lie about dental work needed like 98% offices do in the area. They are very honest & I highly recommend! read more

Doctors John and Alec Zurek are fantastic. I have gone to them for a number of years. They are great with young children too.

The task of writing a review for Dr Zurek is a difficult one, as words literally fail. I live and work internationally and have visited many dentists heretofore, but not a single one compares. After falling under some rather unfortunate dental circumstances, Dr Zurek was highly recommended to me by another specialist -- to whom I am forever indebted. Dr Zurek understood immediately and exactly what my very complex case would require, explained it to me clearly, patiently and empathetically, and somehow created time for me in his schedule during the holiday season -- a busy time for his and all dental practices. From start to finish, his care was impeccable. Here are just a few of the qualities that set him apart from every other dental professional with whom I've met -- worldwide: -- gentle -- While I have no reservations about dental treatments, I understand many people do. I can assure you that Dr Zurek uses the lightest touch. As he works, he and his staff repeatedly check on your comfort level. After a full day of extensive work, I was shocked to have only mild soreness that resolved overnight with a single dose of Tylenol. In the short-term, the absence of pain is a definite selling point. But more importantly, this speaks to Dr Zurek's commitment to minimally-invasive, conservative approaches. He provides effective treatment without any unnecessary disruption to the teeth or the surrounding tissues (which can occur when dentists use too heavy a hand). -- guidance -- Dr Zurek talks you through any and all decision-making related to your treatment. He has a wealth of knowledge (pretty much a dental encyclopedia) and shares it generously with you. He describes concepts in layman's terms (sometimes even draws pictures) so that you understand what's being done, why it's being done, how it's being done. This education was invaluable to me. In the event that I'm traveling, in need of treatment, and unable to see Dr Zurek, I now feel more confident liaising with other clinicians regarding my dental history and needs. -- pro-activity -- When presented with a problem, Dr Zurek takes a preventative, holistic approach as he solves it. Patient's might come to him with a specific, isolated concern -- perhaps a cavity, a chipped/lost tooth, or a faulty crown). As he addresses the issue at hand, Dr Zurek also anticipates natural changes or eventualities that commonly occur over the lifespan of the mouth. He'll often choose a particular material or technique that reduces the likelihood of future complications or better preserves the long-term integrity of the teeth. -- clinical excellence -- His work is absolutely meticulous. Whether in the US or abroad, when I visit other dental offices for a cleaning/check-up and am asked to open my mouth, every dentist -- without fail -- praises the quality of my dental work . They remark not only on the appearance of my teeth and smile (using adjectives like 'beautiful' and 'incredible'), but also on the diligent attention to alignment, spacing, occlusion (the contact points between teeth), gum protection, etc. And they always enquire respectfully by whom it's been done. Many dentists and prosthodontists favor or specialize in either 'cosmetic' (aesthetic ) or 'restorative' (corrective, reparative) treatments. And regrettably, patients are often in the position of having to choose between the two -- or receiving one at the expense of the other. Dr Zurek is a simultaneous expert -- an artist and an architect -- so his patients truly get the best of both worlds. -- integrity and kindness -- Dr Zurek is a good person. He's honest and ethical. He insists on open communication lines. You never feel the 'revolving door' effect (i.e. as though you're being rushed in and out). Every patient gets the attention and time they need --every time. He's thorough -- often triple-checking his work to make sure no detail is overlooked and everything meets his standards. He cares -- and lets you know it -- by checking on you the day after an extensive treatment or by asking how you are and listening intently for your answer. -- team work -- Dr Zurek has built an exceptional team at Ascend Dental. Yes -- Ascend is a 'family' practice in the traditional sense of the term, as it's led by both father (Dr John) and son (Dr Alec). However, the entire staff moves around one another like a family and they treat each patient like part of the family, too. Kristy, the receptionist, is just as quick to smile and laugh as she is with securing your appointments and navigating insurance. Karen, Dr Zurek's dental hygienist, simply could not be more thoughtful, patient, attentive, and proficient. Dr John came in on his day off (I believe more than once) to create time for Dr Alec to take care of me. They are just pure gold. Thank you Dr Zurek (and everyone at Ascend Dental) for taking such good care of me and my smile... read more

Our family have been patients of Drs. Zurek for over 20 years. Every staff member is kind, friendly and welcoming. Never a long wait. The doctors are patient, gentle and very thorough - explain everything to you. They treat the patient as one of their own and will not perform any unnecessary procedures (to line their own pockets). They are very trustworthy and honest (have had the opposite in the past). Highly recommend! read more

Both Dr. John and Alec Zurek are some of the most trusting and quality dentists I know in the area. I live over 40 miles away but I am willing to drive all the way to Naperville for my dentist appointments. It's super important for me to have a dentist that's honest and knows their craft. With Ascend Dental, you get not only just one dentist that exemplifies those criterias but a whole team! What I love about both Dr John and Alec Zurek are that they take the time to explain everything that's going on and talk through any problems they see and their solutions. They really take the time to educate you on what's going on. They are super friendly and extremely caring of their patients. They really take the time to tailor a personal solution for you. I've had another family dentist for decades and after switching to Dr. Zurek I can see night and day how much better the service and quality of the craftsmanship is. I highly recommend this establishment. read more

I highly recommend Ascend Dental in Naperville! It is a true family owned practice that focuses on top notch care along with personal, friendly service. From the minute you walk in you feel that personal attention and feel right at home. Both Dr. John Zurek and Dr. Alec Zurek are extremely knowledgeable and take the time to explain to you what needs to be done. From routine care to more complex procedures they provide exceptional service to both children and adults. I recently completed an implant procedure and I couldn't be more happy with the way things turned out. I would highly recommend Dr. Zurek! read more

I am used to my routine cleanings being painful and I usually experienced some bleeding. Here, I felt virtually no pain and every step of the cleaning was explained to me. I highly recommend this office to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and careful dentist. read more