I avoided going to the dentist for a really long time! Because I had such a painful experience previously at a different dentist, that I was deathly afraid of going to the dentist again. I was fearing that all dentist are alike. Finally I could not put off the pain in my mouth any longer. So I came to grips with the fact that I needed to see someone. I have a few friends that already go to Dr. Leavitt's office, so that's how I found this gem of a dentist.
I do live in Upper Darby. But a quick trip on the Market-Frankford EL gets me there in no time. It's worth the trip anyway. I feel when you find something good it's worth a little travel.
The inside of the office is clean. The waiting room is small, but I don't think they use it much. So i guess it doesn't matter. I've never had to wait in the waiting room. They always take me right back. All the staff are very warm, welcoming, friendly, and genuine. The most so that I've experienced in a health care setting. They are helpful with scheduling, if you have questions about insurance, or explaining other things as well. They don't mind taking time to help.
The exam area is nice and clean. It seems pretty state of the art. The view is nice, there are large windows to look out and pretty trees to look at. There is music playing to help you relax. Something else I've personally appreciated is that during the exam if you have trouble looking at lights. They have these very fashionable glasses that are perfect to wear, so you don't have to shut your eyes or squint. Maybe not a big deal to some people, but that's something that's always bothered me is struggling with lights in my eyes.
Dr. Leavitt is really good at what she does. She's professional, very knowledgeable, gentle, warm, friendly, genuine, easy to talk to, and she explains things well. One thing I appreciate most is that she doesn't rush you in and out of the office. She really takes time to talk to you and explain what she sees and what your options are to fix it. She's never been pushy or insisted that I get something done. And to help you trust her word more. She'll go through your x-rays and show you why she is saying you need a procedure done. You really become empowered with knowledge about your teeth. What keeps me away from dentist's and doctor's is that feeling that your just a $ sign. You wait....wait....wait... only to be rush out of the office before you solve what you came for in the first place. Dr. Leavitt is NOT that way.
I've seen Dr. Leavitt 5 times now. And from the first visit, she helped me feel comfortable being there. She tells you what she's doing before she does it. She makes sure your numb enough and the medicine has really taken effect before she starts. That thoughtfulness you do not see everywhere. She has really helped melt my titanic size fear of the dentist. Every visit, I've experience little to no pain. And only slight aching every now and then.
I also need to mention the periodontist, Dr. Maki Ishii. My experience with Dr. Ishii was wonderful. She exhibits the same professional, warm, genuine, friendly, knowledgeable, well explained and easy to talk to demeanor Dr. Leavitt has. This is not always what you get from a specialist. But an added bonus to an already wonderful office.
So if you've been afraid of going to the dentist look no further! You'll see what I mean when you get there. It'll be worth it. I wholeheartedly recommend both of these doctors. read more