To understand why I gave Dr. Madalina Iorgulescu a 5-star rating, you have to read my story.
I was the only one in my immediate family who didn’t have dentures by age 43. I didn’t inherit genes for strong teeth, nor had fluoride in the water, toothpaste, or vitamins when young. We weren’t taught to floss our teeth; and went to the dentist only when we had a toothache (cavity). I was what you would call “a white knuckle” patient – I dreaded going to the dentist. I knew that it would always hurt, and it would be the first of many subsequent appointments. I became responsible for my dental care when I became an adult since I didn’t want to end up like my siblings and parents with full dentures.
Despite routine dental exams, and even periodontic treatment, I ended up with several implants and crowns. I never smiled for family photos because my mouth looked like “Chiclets” of varying shades of white-gray. But I didn’t want dentures and thought I had to live with what I had. I discovered that not all of my earlier dentists were qualified for work that they performed – and it showed. However, I accept responsibility for sometimes being too busy to floss daily… too busy! Sound familiar?
I embarked on a serious search for a dental expert best suited for my needs after oral surgery was indicated for another implant that required a sinus lift. How could it be that as soon as one treatment plan was completed, another one needed to be initiated? I didn’t want to lose any more teeth and didn’t want dental surgery. The sinus lift was too much – I had to find someone who could help me once and for all. My search brought me to Dr. Madalina Iorgulescu, a Board Certified Prosthodontist. I didn’t know what a prosthodontist was – none of my previous dentists ever referred me to one.
According to Dr. Iorgulescu’s website, “Prosthodontists are highly trained in state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating complex dental conditions, specializing in the diagnosis, restoration, and replacement of missing teeth and are dedicated to the highest standard of care. Prosthodontists restore oral function through the placement of restorations or prostheses (dentures, crowns, implants, etc.).” This was clearly someone with more expertise than a regular dentist or someone who does cosmetic dentistry.
After a comprehensive exam, Dr. Iorgulescu worked up a treatment plan that offered me several options. She provided detailed explanations that allowed me to make an informed decision that I felt comfortable about. She showed me photos of “before and after” restorations that she had done...and they were awesome. She understood my frustration and put me at ease without making me feel obligated to initiate treatment. My goal was threefold: 1) Do the least amount possible at a reasonable cost, 2) Complete treatment as quickly as possible, and 3) Avoid any “re-do’s (now or later) - get it right the first time by having someone with the right expertise perform the complicated tasks.
I can honestly say that I have never experienced pain in her chair (white knuckle syndrome gone). She has always been conscious of my comfort from our initial meeting. She was always on time for my appointments since she respects her patient’s time as much as she expects them to respect hers. I can honestly say that my goals were fully met: My treatment was comprehensive and didn’t include unnecessary work (I never had that sinus lift). My treatment plan was completed in the least amount of time possible at the best possible price (I compared other dentist fees). I’m confident that my restorations should last a lifetime (no re-do’s) providing that I maintain a daily regimen of brushing and flossing along with routine dental exams and professional prophys. To be continued
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