1st Family Dental of Chicago

Everything was perfect. Kind and helpfull staff, friendly, on time and for 19 Years being a customer I haven’t been once disappointed. Indeed, it is better every time I have my appointment. Thank you 1^st dental team for providing Excellent service ! I am delighted to have great specialists and wonderful service.
Sanja M.

Always a friendly greeting. Always running on time. Wonderful dental hygienists. Wonderful dentists. Never any insurance issues. Pleasant, efficient, competent. Very grateful to have this team in my backyard!

Although I had a poor first impression over a groupon coupon hiccup, the service was instantly responsive and amended their error, providing a sterling Zoom whitening service.
Their facilities are clean and quiet, and the service caring and immaculate. They have quick and accessible parking too.
David B. treated me through their proprietary whitening treatment in 4 (15 min) sessions: after covering all the gums, he first applied the paste to cover the teeth and then exposed them to laser. His introduction and prep to the painful nerve pulsations was amazing — the pain at times might be unbearable for some the great prep helps to endure the treatment. I highly recommend David for those planning their treatment.
After the treatment I was given a pamphlet to outline the foods and drinks I ought to refrain from the next 24 – 48 hours. I do have a minor suggestion to add for the post-​care: I had no idea whitening would hurt so much, and the pain would be raw, searing, more than the treatment pain (!) and last up to 10 – 12 hours after the treatment!; information after post-​treatment pain would help a lot too.

Extremely responsive about any and all questions I’ve ever had. The dental assistant is always very calm and thorough and answered a bunch of questions I had. The receptionist helped explain my dental benefits in great detail.

This was the worst dental experience of my life. I went as a new patient for an exam and cleaning. The hygienist was rude and seemed rushed. She ordered me around without even introducing herself. The cleaning was ROUGH. I’ve never had a painful cleaning before. And sloppy. Didn’t even take the time to suction my mouth which led to a choking spell (never experienced that before either). Dentist (Murphy) came in and was in a huge rush. After a very brief exam, he told me the X-​rays showed a large cavity in a tooth that could not be filled because it was close to the nerve. He said he’d have to do a root canal. Did not offer the option of referral to an endodontist. Did not explain the procedure. Just walked out of the room. At the front desk, I was given a treatment plan with a price quote of nearly $ 1200. My experience was so bad, that I sought another opinion. Not only was a root canal unnecessary (the cavity was filled in 30 min for $ 150), but Dr. Murphy missed a chipped/​cracked filling and two other small cavities. I’m glad I went with my instincts and didn’t go back here. Absolutely the most incompetent and unprofessional dental care that I have ever received.

This was my first visit. The staff was friendly and efficient. The dentist provided a treatment plan that was straightforward and offered options. He answered questions and explained his recommendations.

Everyone at this office is top notch. Very friendly and efficient. The atmosphere is modern and comfortable. I’ve been to a few different 1^st Family Dental locations for general and orthodontic treatment and have personally had a great experience every time.

I am a stickler for customer service because I work in the field myself so I know what to look for. Great location, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and I left feeling relieved after having a great cleaning and only needing minor work. I have found a new home in 1^st Family Dental. Thanks again!

Absolutely fantastic service. The entire staff is very timely, friendly, and does a great job. Couldn’t have been happier after my last visit.

Great friendly service. I have been with 1FD since 2010. In 2014 I switched insurance at work and could no longer go to 1FD in network. My dentist for 2014 was no comparison so I switched back my insurance in 2015 just to go back to 1FD. I can’t find another practice as professional and friendly as 1FD with convenient Saturday appointments. Just got braces for my son and that has also been a great experience. I feel 100% confident in recommending 1FD to anyone and everyone.

I need a dentist to check on my wisdom tooth. So when I saw they have a Groupon, I called to ask if that’s included in the Groupon and they said yes. That was the only reason I wanted to see a dentist for. However, after the dentist examined, I asked about my wisdom tooth — the only thing I’m concerned about — and he said he didn’t have a full view of it, because I didn’t have the full-​mouth x-​ray (and that’s what they said in the Groupon). Instead he told me I need to have 20+ fillings which add up to $ 2000+ without any explanation.
So the exam was basically a joke. The cleaning afterwards was good though, but it didn’t worth the price.
I understand you’re trying to bring in business with the Groupon. But if you want to sell something, some minimum explanation would help so I know what I’m paying for. I doubt anyone will go with your dentist if that’s how you treat a new customer.

Dr. Abboud, and his staff provide professional, caring and understanding dental care. They will put you at ease if you are hesitant about going to the dentist. I have been going to this dental group for two years. As an added bonus, 1^st Dental provides dental care to those unable to afford. The definitely give back to the city.
Thanks!

I had a successful first visit to 1^st Family Dental on Columbus Day this year. Admittedly, I was a little bit hesitant about showing up as a Groupon teeth-​whitening customer and being treated as such («Here’s another one-​time visitor»); from my initial contact with the pleasant, witty receptionist to my actual whitening procedure, I felt respected and attended to as if I were a long-​time patient. I was pleased that Dr. Azzam took the time to examine my teeth prior to the whitening procedure and ensure that all looked OK for proceeding. Then, a hygienist and assistant sat with me and thoroughly explained the whitening process; both checked in during and after each 15-​minute ‘Zoom!’ session to ensure that I was comfortable. The whitening was successful and, provided that 1^st Family Dental is in a more convenient location than my current dentist’s office, I may very well make a switch!

So far so good! I just booked an appointment for a Groupon that I purchased today (Venus Max in-​office professional teeth-​whitening treatment for $ 129 and it usually goes for $ 513). I called the office at 8 p.m. to leave a voicemail about scheduling an appointment and David surprisingly answered the phone! I let him know I wanted to see how soon I could get my teeth whitened since I’m going on vacation in 2 weeks, and he was extremely flexible. I told him I work in the suburbs so a week day appt. would be difficult for me, and that I likely wouldn’t get to the dentist office until 6:30 p.m. because of my commute. Not only was I able to make an appt. that’s just a week away, but he is going to stay at the office late to do the whitening for me! He said they usually don’t take patients that late, but he wanted to make this work for me.
My teeth whitening appt. is this coming Tuesday, so I’ll be sure to leave an update as to how that goes, too. :)

I’m providing this second update to warn future clients. I must preface this by saying that I still think Dr. Akhikar is a good dentist. In fact, even though I had dental insurance through my husband, I was paying out of pocket to go to 1^st Family because they did not accept the insurance and I really liked Dr. Akhikar. My other two Unilocal reviews were both 5-​stars because I liked Dr. Akhikar so much.
However, the last time I went in for a regular 6-​month check up, Dr. Akhikar was unexpectedly out and a younger male dentist filled in for him. That’s when the younger dentist broke the bad news to me — he took 4 bitewing X-​rays and determined I needed 2 root canals, 2 crowns, and a couple of fillings. He wrote me up an estimate of over $ 3,500. I was devastated. I have very good oral hygiene, and had been coming for regular biannual appointments, so how could this have happened?
I decided to seek a second opinion from a dentist covered by my husband’s insurance. He took a complete set of X-​rays (20+/-) and determined that I had 4 cavities, but I did not need any root canals or crowns. I will admit that one cavity was pretty deep, so eventually it will probably need a crown and root canal at some point in the future. But my current dentist was able to save it for the time being.
So I give this cautionary tale to you as a warning. If you go here, I would recommend seeing only Dr. Akhikar. However, based on my poor experience, I will not be returning to 1^st Family.

Went for a new patient exam and cleaning in search of a dentist close to me as I recently moved to River North. The whole experience was as good as a trip to the dentist could be. Location is easy to get to and street parking available right in front.
Staff was friendly and efficient. Very short wait time, Hygienist and dentist were friendly, professional, informative, and the cost extremely reasonable even without dental coverage. Looks like I found my new dentist.

Wow… who knew a dentist could be worthy of 5 star service. Dr. Abboud and staff go above and beyond for their patients. I am the type of person who has always feared the dentist, and now I look forward to it. It is affordable, they are gentle, and they are not out to take your money for no reason. I trust my teeth in Dr. Abboud’s hands, and I highly recommend to all friends and family. I don’t think there are better dentists in the Chicago area.

My new dental place to be. Easy to get appointment (also self-​service online). Everyone is pleasant and friendly. Reasonable dental cleaning fee. Objective plan for procedures. The latest and greatest gadgets (important so you don’t get a non-​existent cavity through misdiagnosis).
Zoom — For 1.5 hours treatment, you get an occasional lightning sensitivity that would last for 24 hours. Definitely a weird sensation, but you get super evenly white results from root to tip. Thank you Groupon for the deal!

I had a canker sore at my previous visit and when I asked the dentist to be careful as it was painful… which he did. Following the cleaning I asked if there were any ways to avoid canker sores as I am prone to them being B-​12 deficient, to which is response was, «They’re caused by a virus so you can’t really prevent them.» Wrong. Obviously this dentist doesn’t know the difference between a canker sore and a cold sore. On top of that, he told me that B-​12 deficiency doesn’t cause canker sores, which is the exact opposite of what my PCP at the University of Chicago told me (as well as MayoClinic’s website). I liked my dentist, however, and thought I could ignore this mishap UNTIL the next offense from this office.
At my next visit, my cleaning was AWFUL! Not only was it extremely painful during the cleaning and for days following, the dental hygienist asked if I wanted flouride as they’re providing it for adults now, too. I should have realized that her asking meant that it cost extra, but alas, I paid for something I didn’t really need. I almost ALWAYS ask if procedures and/​or treatments are covered by insurance, so I guess I should have been more thorough. The dentist was there for possibly 25 seconds and then peaced out, but not before telling me that I should have my wisdom teeth removed because removal becomes more difficult with age. I’m not sure I’m buying into that notion, but since my wisdom teeth don’t cause any pain and the American Public Health Association recommends against prophylactic removal of asymptomatic wisdom teeth, I’m gonna say no thanks. I think it’s time for a new dentist…

Some updates.
They are still calling to remind me of cleanings! Thank you so much!
I have never had to wait long to see the dentist. They can usually see me in a day or three; and their hours are fantastic. Saw them today at 6:15pm; and I know they have Saturday hours too. Moreover, I’ve never had to wait more than fifteen minutes to see the dentist upon arrival.
The doctor and hygienist, and frankly everyone there, has exhibited professionalism and kindness.
Keep up the good work!
/​edit, I’m surprised at some of the 1 ratings, below. Regarding bad cleanings, I strongly disagree. The dentist exhibited care and gentleness during the tartar scraping, and the hygienist did a great polishing afterwards.
Re: the root canal, I certainly always agree with getting a second opinion. In fact, I’d recommend getting a third in your case since two dentists have different assessments. Hopefully you haven’t already had the work done, since you would then have no way of knowing which dentist was «right.» Getting a second opinion is also a good idea when dealing with medical doctors.
Re: the billing, below, not sure what to say; I haven’t felt financially mistreated by them.