I recently moved away from Joplin, MO about three weeks ago, but while I lived in Joplin, I saw Dr…read more Bollin as my dentist for a little over three years.
Prior to seeing Dr. Bollin, I've had work done on my teeth--including braces twice. My parents were in the military, so I was given the opportunity to have regular cleanings and address any dental concerns that arose throughout my entire childhood. I believe this impacted (and will continue to impact) my overall dental experiences.
Throughout the previous three years as a patient of Dr. Bollin, I've had the following done:
1. Routine, annual dental exams and cleanings, including the fluoride treatment and oral cancer screening
2. Cosmetic filing of my teeth due to accidental chipping
3. Creation of a new clear plastic retainer
I kept with my annual dental cleanings every year. At the most, I would postpone my cleanings by a couple months simply because I was a full-time student in Springfield, MO, and couldn't find the right time to visit the dentist. However, each cleaning, I felt my teeth were thoroughly cleaned. I have bonded, permanent retainers on my top and bottom teeth, allowing for plaque to accumulate easily--but every cleaning, it was perfect. This last cleaning (11/5/18) was possibly my best cleaning, and I've never felt my teeth so clean in those bonded retainers. I chose to receive the fluoride treatment and oral cancer screening every annual visit as well. This is because I am a nurse, and research is showing that oral cancer is not often associated with smoking--and I do not smoke--it instead will present itself in those regardless of smoking status. Further, the fluoride treatment protects the enamel of the teeth. During my time with Dr. Bollin, I have not had any cavities or dental decay.
I grind my teeth in my sleep, however. And this proved to be a problem a couple times. I have ground my teeth in my sleep long enough that it has changed the overall shape of some of my teeth--making them more likely to chip on impact. Unfortunately, this happened a couple times while in Joplin, once while drinking from a glass bottle and accidentally hitting my tooth, and another when my dog playful bumped into my mouth, and I bumped my teeth together. On both occasions, I felt the tiniest chip in my tooth immediately, and I called Dr. Bollin's office once they were open. Both times, I was seen within a couple days I believe, and Dr. Bollin carefully filed down my tooth to smooth it out--because the texture of the tooth is actually what bothered me the most more than how it looked.
After the first chip in my tooth, we discussed my need for a new retainer, because mine was years old and I had worn it down in certain areas from grinding. Thus, I was fitted for a new retainer and I believe I received it within a month or so--and it truly protect my teeth when I grind them! The retainer was a thick plastic to prevent normal wear a tear from my grinding, and it holds up very well.
For those who wonder exactly how much a dental exam and cleaning will cost, that depends on your insurance, if you have any. For me, my annual dental exams and cleanings were covered entirely, but my fluoride treatments and oral cancer screenings were not--so I would pay $58.00 for both of those.
Dr. Bollin spoke to me a couple times briefly about Invisalign, because I have a very small gap between my front teeth (like, VERY small), and I have another tooth that has shifted. Though I considered it, I told Dr. Bollin I was a full-time student and that my husband and simply had other priorities. I never felt he was "salesy."
Rather, I felt all staff were professional, friendly, and personable. I especially felt this with my dental hygienist, Kristi. I actually really looked forward to seeing her, and I hugged her after my last appointment.
If you're looking for a great dentist, and honestly a great dental team, in the Joplin area--you're in the best hands if you go with Dr. Bollin.
