I am a 68-year-old man who has had a lifetime of dental work, from orthodontia to fillings, wisdom-teeth removal, crowns and a couple of root canals. So trust me. I know a LOT about what makes a good dentist.
Simply put, Dr. Carlos Benavides is the best. And his staff members are all amazing too.
I first saw him in December for an emergency crown on a tooth I had busted by accidentally chomping on an uncooked popcorn kernel. I had just moved full-time to Tucson and was in the process of getting established with new medical providers. I had a first appointment set with another practice but they could not see me for my emergency for a week. Buena Vida took me right in. Dr. Benavides did the full job in 90 minutes. There was no pain during the procedure, nor after, which has been common with every other crown I have had. Fantastic! I canceled my appointment with the other practice and signed up with Buena Vida.
About a month later, I had the great pleasure of being seen by Buena Vida dental hygienist Brittany Engle. She did a wonderful job, giving me a lot of great input about my dental health as she performed a painless and efficient cleaning.
I was back this week for a bonding job on my two front teeth, which have had minor but unattractive chips for a while. In about an hour, Dr. Benavides and his assistant (whose name, I am sorry to say, I did not get) turned them into what look like brand new, perfect, natural teeth by applying a little composite and a LOT of skill. I was shocked when they handed me the mirror. I expected the teeth to look better, but nothing like this.
Dr. Benavides is very gentle, confident, relaxed and humble. I have never been treated by a medical professional who seems as genuinely happy as he does to treat his patients. He hums along with the songs on his office's great playlist as he drills. Maybe others wouldn't approve, but I find it cool.
Also, Buena Vida's membership plan offers very attractive pricing. His front-office folks are just as helpful and nice as the treatment staff.
Major kudos to Dr. Benavides and his whole team! read more