Big City Dental

First visit to Big City Dental and it was fantastic. I had an impacted wisdom tooth causing a lot of pain. They were able to get me in with just a few hours notice, diagnose the issue and referred me to surgery. Dr. Kalensky and everyone else were very friendly and in no way condescending or lecturing, unlike my previous dentists. I intend to continue visiting Big City Dental for my future checkups and procedures.

Really disappointed in this place. I had been seeing the same dentist for 25 years before I moved to Lakeview. I decided to try Big City Dental because it was close and had good Unilocal reviews. At my first appointment I was told that almost every filling in my mouth had to be replaced (that would be 9 out of 10 individual fillings), and the dentist acted like it was really serious… he even listed a few of these fillings as probably requiring crowns on the treatment plan. I had seen my previous dentist 6 months prior and had been told everything looked good. These are fillings that were accumulated over the course of my entire childhood… how could everything have gone bad in half a year, when nothing else has changed? Plus, I had no pain or discomfort whatsoever. I had Big City send the x-​rays to my previous dentist who emailed me back simply saying, «I would find a different dentist.» Thing is, they didn’t even give me a regular cleaning at that first appointment! I felt really pressured into getting a procedure I had never heard of before at this first appointment called a ‘debridement cleaning’ and had to make a follow-​up appointment just to get a routine tooth cleaning (well, in addition to discussing the extensive treatment plan the dentist had devised for my teeth). When I told my previous dentist that Big City had done a debridement on me, he said he couldn’t believe I would require it considering I’d always had regular tooth cleanings (apparently this procedure is commonly prescribed for those who haven’t seen a dentist in awhile, resulting in excessive buildup plaque and tartar buildup). At the 2^nd visit, I was given the cleaning I had originally come for and we went over the treatment plan. I felt so uncomfortable going forward with it considering my old dentist’s advice and the overall bad feeling I got from the place that I ended up never going back to Big City to get any of the work done. Fast forward 6 months later, I scheduled my next cleaning with nearby Smile On, where all I was told I needed to get done was 2 cavity fillings and 1 restoration of an old silver filling… certainly no crowns. Oh but guess what, due to Big City’s debridement cleaning and 2^nd ‘consultation’ visit with me, my insurance wouldn’t cover my cleaning at Smile On, even though it was only the 2^nd tooth cleaning I’d had that year. Apparently the debridement somehow counts towards your annual 2 cleanings allotment. Of course at the time I asked if it was covered by my insurance, and was told yes, but how was I supposed to know it would prevent me from getting a different type of cleaning covered later on? And Big City certainly didn’t volunteer that information. So thanks for nothing, Big City Dental! Please don’t go here, they just want your money, and will present themselves as being extremely ‘proactive’ (i.e. unnecessarily, expensively aggressive) in order to cover that up.

I have been a patient of Dr. Steve Kalensky for over 10 years. I cannot say enough wonderful things about him! I think the thing I like most about him is that he is gentle! Amazingly gentle! Who doesn’t want that in a Dentist? The second most important thing is (and it should probably be the first), is that he is an artist, a craftsman, a genius in what he does. I have a bunch of fillings on my front teeth near the gumline from over zealous brushing when I was a kid… he puts the smallest little composites over them and they cannot be seen. Amazing! Everything in the Big City Dental office is state of the art… sure, he could’ve bought a bigger boat, but instead, he reinvests in his business. On top of that, the hygienists are extremely good at what they do, they take their time and do their work with friendliness and humor. If you would like to see the best Dentist in Chicago, you should make an appointment with Dr. Kalensky. You will not be disappointed!

5 star experience in every way, starting with the initial phone call. Everyone is extremely friendly, helpful and professional. Right before my appointment I drove into a classic Chicago pothole so big I couldn’t get my front tire out. I had to deal with calling roadside assistance and coordinating their arrival but still wanted to keep my appointment. Everyone was very understanding and we just carried on with the exam and when the auto people arrived I stepped out to take care of it. Lisa, the dental assistant, even told me she was even thinking maybe they could just help push my car out if it wasn’t too bad. So nice! Dr. Kalensky is great, he explained everything thoroughly and is really warm and friendly. Highly recommend!

Been coming to Big City Dental for. .. 13 years? LOVE Carmen, Michelle, Dr. Gilmore and everyone else.

I have had a great experience with Big City Dental over the last 5 years. The staff is very friendly and professional. They have all of the newest technology– it’s pretty cool to see my entire dental record on the screen in the appointment. They also don’t over book, so I have never spent more than a couple minutes in the waiting room. I highly recommend them.

Second visit to Big City and I’m just as happy about it as I was the first time. I went for a cleaning/​check up and also to check on a sensitive tooth. Cleaning/​Exam — quick, easy, done, no problem.
The sensitive tooth happens to have a crown which was put on by a sketchy dentist in the past… the same sketchy dentist who also cut out part of the tooth in front of it since evidently they didn’t have a solid grasp on general dentistry. Dr. Gilmore had shown me the picture of my tooth previously and explained that this might cause a problem in the future… and guess what, he was right. So, through no fault of Dr. Gilmore’s, I need the crown replaced (since I can’t chew on that back tooth right now”. What’s awesome about Big City is that their price to replace the crown is about $ 400 less then sketchy dentist (mentioned earlier) and the price to fix the tooth in front of it was VERY reasonable as well. Plus they offer a payment plan. I swear… the service is better X 1000 and more reasonably priced? Plus about 50 steps from my home?
No brainer. Highly recommend. A++

I’ve been a patient of Dr Kalensky since the 90’s, when they were Always There Dental Care. I’ve faithfully followed them around Southport to their current lovely location.
Dr. Steve and the staff are the epitome of professional! They have a great way to inject a little humor into each visit, making each visit easy, comfortable and fun.
The front desk staff is great — even though there are a few new faces, the overall experience is the same, which is a huge testament to how Dr. Kalensky and the other dentists operate their practice. I love that while they have become really hi-​tech, they still answer the phone in person, and make you feel like you’re the only patient there.
I used to live around the corner, and now that I live in the suburbs, I still make my visit to the old neighbor to visit Big City Dental.

I have been going to this dentist for 19 years. I have slowly been losing my trust in the practice as they have had a change in staff in the past 6 years. The dentist hasn’t left but there is a new hygienist and as someone else mentioned she treats you like you are 5 years old who doesn’t know any better. That and losing my trust with what is being told I need to have done I am done with this dentist and moving forward. It is sad since I’ve been going here since I was a teenager.

Big City Dental is the best dental office I have ever been to (and I’ve, unfortunately, been to many dentists). The front office staff, Jackie (the manager) and Tiffany, go out of their way to be helpful, answer questions, and communicate messages with the doctors. They are wonderful. Dr. Kalensky has a great bedside manner, and I feel like his diagnoses are on target. Dr. Gluck the endodontist is also wonderful. I highly recommend this practice.

Sadly, after close to twenty years, it’s time for us to find a new dentist. My husband and I have become weary of being made to feel bad by hygienists asking the how often do you floss/​rinse/​brush question as if they are speaking to naughty schoolchildren.
With any luck, we’ll find an office that feels less condescending.

Usually I disregard one star ratings because they are just angry people who suck but do not disregard this review. I hadn’t gone to the dentist for 2 years so when I scheduled this appointment I wanted a cleaning and a review and I realized x-​rays were coming as well. I ended up paying $ 190 out of my pocket because they do not bill insurances, had the most painful x-​rays of my life because this woman had obviously been off for a while on leave and was distracted being back, she cut my gums worse than the dentist did. My dentist was kind, I was trying to remain optimistic that point, he did some weird poke test on my gums that took 10 minutes to poke them and shout numbers to the hygienist, very confusing. Keep in mind they hadn’t cleaned my teeth or anything at this point already!!! After the bleed/​poke test he just says my gums look good, confusing! Then he shows me that he thinks I have a cavity on an x-​ray that I can barely make out, then thanks me for coming and hopes he sees me again. More confusion as I walk back to the front desk without so much as a free toothbrush or let alone a TOOTH CLEANING! No one told me before I went what would happen, they charged ME $ 190 for nothing but some painful x-​rays and charge you just to keep you coming back for more pointless appointments. I will not be going back here! After my tears were gone and I tried to call them today I realized their offices are closed at 2:30 on Fridays, so convenient. After I take care of all the paper work myself to get reimbursed for my $ 190 payment I am taking my x-​rays and going some where else. I do not recommend Big City Dental.

After reading my review Big City agreed to refund the full cost of my root canal.

I have been a patient at Big City Dental for about 15 years now. I have had experience with other dental offices which fail in comparison to this one. Dr. Kalensky and his staff are fabulous. The office is immaculate, the visits are painless, and I never have to wait when I arrive. Alice and Kristin seem to greet everyone by name (from what I observe) and always go out of their way to be extra helpful. Lisa who works with Dr. Kalensky is very patient with me and very gentle. Dr. Kalensky always takes his time to explain what he is going to do and he certainly has a magic touch. The hygienists are very friendly and my teeth feel great after getting a cleaning. Out of any doctors offices that I have visited this one by far exceeds all expectations. I would never think of going anywhere else and I highly recommend them.

I really like Big City Dental.
I have gone here 4 or 5 times and have had two overlays as well as regular cleanings. I switched here from another dentist who pissed me off over bad customer service, so I’m pretty sensitive to that. My girlfriend goes here as well and she in turn was referred by a co-​worker of hers.
The front desk staff is super friendly. They email to confirm appointments and I’ve never had to wait more than a couple minutes past an appointment time. For my appointment today, they called me a couple hours before to let me know they had an opening and I could come in early if I wanted.
Cleanings have been about as pleasant as they can be. The hygienists have always been super friendly and professional and I’ve been worked on by 3 of them (fortunately, not at the same time). I get the «you should floss more» talk every time, but it’s never a lecture or condescending like I’ve gotten at some other places.
I ended up needing a couple of overlays and they were done by Dr. Gilmor. He explained everything to me and showed me x-​rays and explained all my options to me. I think one important thing to note is that there were some issues with my mouth getting numb. Dr. Gilmor listened to my feedback and kept working with me until it was all good. The appointment ended up running long because of the extra time for the anesthesia to take effect, but Dr. Gilmor was cool about it and it never seemed rushed.
I’d also like to note that their office is a HUGE pain for me to get to from work (SW suburbs) and medium pain from home, but at this point I wouldn’t think of going anywhere else.
Frankly, I’m stunned that anyone could have a less than completely satisfactory experience with them. I heartily recommend them.

I’ve been a Big City patient since they were Always There Dental Care. Dr. Kalensky is the very best. The place is immaculate, all the equipment new and shiny. The staff is great, friendly helpful, knowledgeable. I’ve had everything from routine cleanings, new fillings, replacement fillings, crowns and Invisalign. I never used to like my tetth, now I actually smile with my mouth open!

Three cheers for Kalensky! And the Big City Dental hygenists! And the reception staff!
Dental work is no joke. Financially, emotionally, spiritually — it just isn’t anything anyone ever, ever wants to do. But at Big City Dental, I have found that having dental work doesn’t have to be as horrible as it was when I was a kid. I’ve been a patient here for almost six years now, and the people at BCD have always made the dental work process plenty tolerable.
I wasn’t paid to write this review, either, and I would totally have accepted money if someone had offered. I’ve only paid half the amount for a new crown and I could use the scratch.
I’ve had veneers done here, fillings, tooth-​whitening services, and two crowns, as of this week. All the work has been solid and my teeth look pretty fabulous.
Also, this office gets big props from me for having serious integrity. When I went in to have my teeth whitened a couple months before my wedding, the hygenist had me all ready to go and then stopped. The two veneers I have on my front two teeth were going to be significantly darker than the teeth around them after the whitening process was complete. She called in the receptionist and another hygenist and they all looked at the little tooth samples and agreed. She gave me a home whitening kit (for free) and sent me on my way. That was serious money that I *didn’t* spend in their office that day, but BCD wasn’t going to screw up my wedding day smile for a buck.
Nice.
As for the really negative review, who knows. Sometimes things go horribly wrong for a person. So far, nothing horrible has ever happened to me at the little dentist’s office on Southport Street.

I’ve been a very happy patient of Dr. Kalensky for, gosh, probably 15 years now, when it was called Always There Dental Care. I have never in my life had a better experience with a health-​care practice than I do at Big City Dental. It starts with the staff — the ladies doing reception, billing, and appointments are all incredibly (and genuinely) friendly and professional. The hygienists are wonderful. The space is relaxing and comfortable, too.
But what’s best about this practice is Dr. Kalensky himself. I trust him completely, and always feel like I am in good hands with him. I’m treated like a friend here. I’ve had a wisdom tooth removed and a crown placed on a damaged tooth, and both went smoothly.
The tooth that was crowned has been a bit troublesome — it’s just due to the way it cracked, not because of any defect in the cap itself — and the cap has come off several times over the past decade. Every time it has, Dr. Kalensky has reattached it on very short notice and at no charge. THAT is integrity!
I really can’t think of any way to improve the service I get at Big City Dental. Who would think that going to the dentist could actually be a pleasure?

I guess I have good parents in that I was always encouraged (ok, maybe forced) to take good care of my teeth and have never had a cavity. You can imagine the shock I was in after I crunched a frozen Snickers bar once and then crunched down again on what felt like a rock. Then the shooting, frozen pain through my ear and the side of my head took over.
I called Big City Dental after having changed insurances yet again and was set up for an emergency appointment the same day. My tooth, as it turns out, had a big section of it fractured off from my own doing, and I needed a root canal and a crown. Dr. Gilmor started the same day and completed the root canal and crown at few different appointments over about three weeks. I would think I would be hyper critical having not had any work done before, but the guy seemed really gentle to me. I’d heard bad things about root canals, but none of them turned out to be true. Dr. Gilmor explained everything to me as the procedure went along at a level appropriate for a fellow healthcare provider. It was actually pretty interesting.
I’ve since gone back for regular new patient exam and cleaning appointments, at which everything went well. My fiancé had the same great service I enjoyed, albeit sans root canal. I found the staff was very personable and professional.
I decided to write this review after I read the post by Laura B. That’s definitely not what went down for me – I simply don’t buy it. I looked at her other reviews, and her review for Big City Dental seems to fit her profile. I am grateful for the pleasant experience I had over something that made me sweat just thinking about it, and I don’t think her review is truthful. I work with doctor offices every day and know how they operate and how patients are. There are a _​ton_​of dentists in Chicago, and if this place treated even a few patients like Laura B. claims to have been treated, the office would have gone out of business 10 years ago.
On that note, I will continue to trust Big City Dental for my dental care and for that of my family. Yeah, frozen Snickers bars probably aren’t the thing to eat, but I guess I shouldn’t chew ice, either. At least these guys are here to put me back together!
My $.02.