I had not been to the dentist is six years. If you think that's bad, I had waited fifteen years before that!
Moved from the east coast six years ago, and left a dentist I really liked. And that's not easy.
Waited and waited again (don't do that!) and finally realized I really needed to go, and came here to Yelp.
I was looking for a holistic-minded dentist and Dr. Hites seemed to fit the bill. I was first thrilled seeing the quaint little office on arrival. Then going into the exam rooms, was a little thrown off - totally modern (good thing) but very busy with lots of people working (seemed not so good to me). Had a cleaning done by a very nice woman (though very painful, I'm assuming from the long period since my last, though I don't know). Then xrays (very thorough and hi-tec, assuming lower radiation, being digitally done on computer).
Saw Dr. Hites only about 15 minutes. He seemed very thorough and competent. But kind of cold. I didn't like that, I wanted to be coddled at the dentist so I'd feel all safe and warm and want to return.
He told me I needed a filling and a tooth extracted. (and I know there's more work coming)
Today, I had that filling, and a wisdom tooth pulled.
There was very little pain. Almost none. Dr. Hites is really an amazing, gentle and skilled dentist. I have had some bad experiences, back to my childhood. So, I'm afraid.
He's not exactly warm, just very professional.
But in the end, that's exactly what I would prefer. He really knows how to start gently and even the novocaine shot was the easiest I've ever had.
I was a little panicked about having a wisdom tooth pulled (first one, and at 42 years old), especially without gas or being knocked out.
All I can say is Dr. Hites (and his great assistant, who was not only very friendly and warm, but they just made an awesome team!) was... elegant... in his extraction.
The only pain I felt was his pushing on my jaw opposite to the tooth, leveraging for the pull.
He did not offer a prescription for pain meds, and I was kind of worried about that.
He gave a homeopathic remedy to take home, and said I could if necessary also use an over the counter pain reliever.
Six hours later, I have relatively minor pain. Amazing.
I did take some turmeric pills and also the homeopathic tincture a few times.
I really think it was Dr. Hites' gentle and skilled work that left me with so little pain, though. read more