Jesus Fernandez I have united healthcare advantage, which Medicare. On my last cleaning the doctor performed like a brush cleaning of my front teeth only. I left feeling as if nothing had been done. I don’t know if the benefits payments are not enough or if he simply felt like he did not need to do more but that was my last visit. The dental seat are covered with this grey flannel covering that are never changed, there is lack of pairing, cleaning and staff. Overall a very sad place. I would not recommend this treatment to anyone.
1 /5
Briana Howard I’ve never experienced such a comfortable dentist appointment; from explaining everything down to the T, to recognition of dental phobia and the mission to squash that.
My husband got in the same day, and were even offered an earlier time than agreed to originally to come in. Going from excruciating pain to immediate relief was a blessing that this office made happen even if it meant staying a little past business hours. Everyone is polite, professional and compassionate. You can tell the employees of this office value their profession. We will be with this dental office and Dr Farag from now on without a doubt. If you’re in the Lakeland area, or even surrounding this is the place to go for your dental needs!
5 /5
MissusFroggy I cant recommend Lakeland Dental Center enough! This will be long, but I really want to stress how great this place is.
Like so many people, I’ve always had a severe phobia of dentists. As a kid, I unfortunately didnt learn the proper way to care for my teeth. We were very poor and rarely went to a dentist. We only went if we were in pain and something was already wrong. This meant every visit was traumatic, and we saw some mean dentists! As time went on, my fear grew and my teeth got worse. I brushed my teeth 2x every day, but incorrectly as I recently learned (obviously!). I figured my teeth were too far gone, so why bother? Toothaches were just an everyday part of my life. I couldnt make myself to go to a dentist for the last 18 years.
Eventually the pain became too much. I could barely chew and always felt sick from infections. My doctor was always prescribing antibiotics, while begging me to go to a dentist. My coworker told me about Dr. Farag and explained that she had been seeing him since she was a kid and would never go anywhere else. I finally made an appointment.
I was sure he would tell me it was hopeless and I would need all my teeth extracted. I was scared of more pain and scared of judgment. My teeth were so bad and I was so embarrassed, and yet nobody in this office showed judgment. I was treated with kindness, patience and respect. During my first visit I was absolutely terrified and cried like a baby (I’m way too old for that!). Even with my husband with me for support, I was a pathetic mess. That didn’t stop them from treating me kindly! Their whole vibe was "No need to worry, were here to help you!"
Dr. Farag made a treatment plan for me and took the time to explain how he would tackle each individual problem. I was astounded when he said that while I had a lot of problems and some were very serious, it was nothing they couldnt handle!
It took many many appointments, several times a month. It took A LOT of work from Dr. Farag and his son Dr. Mark (I did not envy their task). It took lots of scared tears from me in the beginning (less as my fear faded). It took lots of patience from everyone there to deal with my disastrous teeth and my 40 year old self crying like a 4 year old. It took lots of hand-holding from the dentists and the assistants.
But… they did it! My teeth are fixed! They put in my final crown a couple of weeks ago, and I cant believe its done! They did a great job making it all as pain-free and comfortable as possible. They even have their own lab on-site and made all my crowns there. Crowns were ready in hours, not months! No more toothaches, no more infections, my gingivitis is GONE and my gums are healthy! They took the time to teach me how to care for my teeth correctly to avoid future issues and maintain them. I used to only chew food with a few teeth on one side of my mouth because those teeth hurt the least. Biting into anything with my front teeth hurt, so I would cut food into tiny pieces and place it in my "chewing spot". But now, I can chew with ALL my teeth! I can bite into foods I haven’t been able to eat for years. Ive been chewing food in one spot in my mouth for so long, I need to keep reminding myself I can chew with all my teeth now!
And they look great! My teeth have never ever looked this good! I used to smile with my mouth closed in photos and always covered my mouth when I laughed. At the start of the pandemic when everyone was unhappy about wearing masks, I found it to be a blessed relief. At least wearing a mask meant people couldnt see my teeth. But now that restrictions have eased and masks are worn less, I can smile at anyone, anytime and not worry!
I cried at my last appointment, not from fear, but from happiness! I dont want to go anywhere else for my dental care ever again. Ive never felt safer at any other dental office, and the whole staff is wonderful! My only regret: not doing it sooner. Thank you to everyone there; youve changed my life!
5 /5