I researched Dr. Matthew Ricks and found his credentials outstanding (A Fellow, MAGD Master of General Dentistry). I set my first appointment as a sit-down discussion: Another dentist had recently installed a PFM cap and then I was told to go to an Endodontist for a root canal just after insertion. AAGH!! My discussion with this Dentist asked for the cap to be removed completely and replaced with porcelain. Dr. Ricks listened and heard what I had to say about my previous dental experience. He understood that my Insurance Dental Coverage had been depleted by the other two dentists and I would set up a payment plan. His action was to give me a step by step plan to solve the above described issues.
I'm always nervous going to the dentist. I was met with Wendy the Office Mgr. sweetest, welcoming smile ever. I asked her help in finding a good dental insurance company. The door opened right away and I was escorted by Tammy, the Dental Assistant. The kindest, most caring sounding voice ever. She did the X-rays, gave me sunglasses and a towel for my neck. Then she asked if I wanted a mouth guard to help hold my mouth open. I'm envisioning what the Endodontist had in my mouth and I hesitated. Tammy showed me this small square and she placed between my molars and then said "just rest on it no need to clamp down". For years I have been holding my mouth wide open to assist in "helping" the dentist and now this little jewel. I did indeed relax and never tried to open wide. The Dentist came in and let me know what was going to happen and then the two of them got started. I have never seen people work in concert as these two. From my vantage point all I could see were: masks, hands, gloved fingers, dental tools, water and suction. Neither one of these skilled professionals skipped a beat. As I lay there relaxed, NOT having to keep my mouth open, I envisioned this is what it might be like for a sculptor. Here in front of them is this mound of clay and they together, drill and moisten, remove and reshape, repair and rebuild, insert and clean up. With their tuned-in awareness of the procedure there was little communication between them except words like: "looks good", "excellent", "that's great", "OK", "very nice". Best dental experience in my 70 years. It is so evident that Dr. Ricks and Tammy love what they do. There is nothing better than to turn your trust over to calm, educated, team oriented, confident professionals. I Love Dr. Ricks and Tammy. PJ read more