TL;DR - Great dentist for those nervous about dentists. Everyone in the office was pleasant and calming.
One of my friends has been coming to this dentist with her family for a while. She had nothing but good words to say in the group chat and slowly but surely all of us have started seeing Dr Grella. I may have been the last to join because I really, really, really do not like the dentist. I get anxious leading up to my appointment and because of this -- I have really neglected my oral health. It's a vicious cycle, because very few years I realize I *need* to see a dentist, and every time I am left with a bad experience and avoid it again for far too long.
When I called to make my appt, the person who answered the phone was so warm and calming -- and nonjudgemental when I told them I was "overdue" for my exam/cleaning. I already felt at ease. They happened to have an appt that worked for me the same week (called on a Monday, appt on that Friday) so I went ahead and agreed before I could think too much about it. The new patient paperwork was really easy and all completed online - I really liked this streamlined process.
On Friday I arrived, a ball of nerves, and the person working the front desk was again super charming and welcoming. I went for my x-rays and then to see the hygienist. The dental hygienist was SUPER thorough with my cleaning. They told me things about my teeth I had wondered about but never knew the cause of! It was a really refreshing experience -- it hurt, because it has been so long, but nothing unbearable.
After my exam, the doctor came in and reviewed my x-rays with me. I told him that I knew I have cavities from prior exams that I never fixed. He asked how many and I told him 3. He took a look at my teeth and confirmed 3 obvious surface level cavities & two possibles he put on watch. I've had this same conversation with a couple dentists - this was the first time it was delivered in a way that didn't make me feel as though I was the worst person ever for not taking care of my teeth. It was very gently & matter of fact. He told me to schedule 1-2 appts, depending on how I felt about getting all done at once, and prescribed me a high flouride toothpaste.
At the front desk, I went to schedule my fillings & 6 month follow-up ... they happened to have availability the next morning (Saturday)! I snagged it, knowing I wanted to get it over with.
When I arrived back Saturday morning the Dentist greeted me "You're back!!" He asked if I wanted to tackle 2 or all 3 cavities -- I told him "I'd like to get all 3 because I really don't like this" -- He laughed and made a joke and we got to work. Throughout the fillings he was communicative and patient -- and the hygienist working alongside him was extremely calming. She had to remind me to breathe a few time and I was super grateful for the reminder. The numbing the doctor placed before giving me the anesthetic shots made me feel nothing at all.
For getting a heavy cleaning and three cavities in 24 hours; this was far and away one of the best dentist experiences I've had in my adult life. I'm very happy my friends recommended him & I definitely recommend if you are someone who is nervous about going. I'll be bringing my two kids in soon as well. read more