I'm blessed enough to have wonderful dental coverage through my job, so when my primary provider told me that I needed to have my root canal from 5 years ago retreated I wasn't totally bummed.
My previous root canal was performed in south jersey by a lovely dentist whose name escapes me now, of course. I could only hope that the referral I received from my primary would be to an equally as wonderful specialist.
Dr. Goldberg faaaaaar exceeded my hopes!
The office located in a commercial strip near the sesame place campus. I arrive for a 7:45a appointment at 7:30a. I entered the buildings main door and the office was immediately to my left. It was closed! Lights out! Seeing as this was my first experience at this location, I was immediately disheartened...I can't imagine (even after exceptional service) that it's the best practice to show up at the same time as your first appointment. This was exactly what happened.
I watched two women enter the office from the side entrance (which is only a few panes down from the main entrance so I watched them come in from my car). I waited a moment and then tried again; this time the door was open. I entered and heard the audible doorbell announcing me. There was no one at the reception desk then and no one peaked out for about 5 minutes.
Once someone did peak out it was all smooth sailing! Filled out a short form (standard stuff) and soon after I was taken to my seat and recieved an XRay from the dental assistant (hygienist?)
When Dr Goldberg came in it was like someone turning on a bright light ... and then pouring espresso on it lol. He was loud and vibrant, shook my hand and immediately told a terrible joke haha. He'd remind you of an uncle (the kind that marries your aunt, not your mothers brother kind) that sneaks you candy and gives you a few bucks when your parents tell him your on punishment.
I absolutely loved his personality and I'm CRABBY in the morning - remember it's about 830a at this point and I hadn't had coffee because I was coming to the dentist. He requested a second X-ray, 3D this time, to get a feel for any bone loss and depth of infection. The assistant walked me to another room, covered me in the metal bib, demonstrated the necessary pose and in a few minutes I was back to the procedure room.
Dr Goldberg went over each image with me, explaining how the image was produced and pointing out the subtle lights and shadows that indicated normal and problem issues. When he confirmed that the recommendation for root canal retreat was the best course of action (after explaining the alternatives) I was ready to go!
Side note// this is my second root canal on the same problem tooth. Don't believe the hype about root canals being painful. I felt NOTHING either time and even now, I've taken only inbuprofen for moderate ache (not ouch).
He was pleased that I had agreed to have the root canal performed right then. I was pleased that he was willing to do it (and not reschedule for later on).
The entire procedure lasted maybe 30 minutes and he Dr Goldberg sang OUTLOUD - like in the shower style - the entire time. He replaced my temp crown and complimented my primary dentist on always creating nice temp crowns :)
i left with a Rx for antibiotics for a week and an appointment for a followup two weeks later.
And a pen from the pen cup - I've gotten better pens from other dentists but I won't take away any points from Doc Goldberg, he probably left that up to a staffer.
Anyway, I'm glad I got over my initial grievance because Dr Goldberg was totally worth it.
I don't know about the Philadelphia office of the same name, but if they don't have a Doctor Goldberg I won't make any plans to get to know them. read more