Ivan L. Lapidus, DDS

I have now been a patient of Dr. Lapidus’s for two years. It’s so interesting to read the mixed reviews about Dr. Lapidus and his staff. I can see how they would find him grumpy or worse. I don’t mind it, but then again, I wouldn’t have gone to see him if it had (see prior review’s disclaimer).
Dr. Lapidus and Dr. Waterman’s shared staff, Jessie and Tammy, have been so great to me, and I am sorry to read that isn’t always the case for some Unilocalers. Tammy diligently reminds me of the 7AM appointments I have with Dr Lapidus that I booked six months prior — thank you! They stay on top of billing my insurers. It’s time consuming and expensive. For that, I am thankful.
I will say this. LA is a big city with a lot of periodontists, especially on the Westside. Keep interviewing if he is not the right one for you.
It sounds like he has gotten great reviews for his work in treating TMJ. If you have sleep problems and can get an appointment with him, do it. I don’t regret it at all. (Again, I find the UCLA Faculty Dental Practice so frustrating that Im looking for another dentist and if I need anything more than a cavity, I will go to the dental school instead; at least there I know I won’t be fleeced price-​wise).
I don’t know what to say about his work as a periodontist since I did not see him for any implants or gum work.

Extremely experienced and professional. Dr. Lapidus was recommended to me by Dr. Aaronson (someone else I would also recommend) for an implant. It took a few months to complete it, but it was done very carefully and has served me well ever since. The staff is very efficient and friendly. The doctor always has some interesting things to talk about during treatment, but of course, it’s hard to have real two-​way conversation in a dental setting…

Dr. Iven is a great TMJ specialist. Very knowledgeable. I feel that I am in great hands. I appreciate the time he takes to explain things to me. He’s one of the good ones!

He way overcharges; has horrible bedside manner and no compassion whatsoever; and he once told me I needed two implants; when I consulted another periodontist, he told me «nonsense;» I only needed one. He put one in and I was fine.
I would NOT go to this dr.

I consulted with Dr. Lapidus regarding bite issues, teeth grinding and gum recession. His advice was excellent. However, his manner is a bit curt and abrupt. His receptionist was completely rude and difficult to work with.

Top notch and very knowledgeable. Very busy schedule but worth the wait. Suggested a sleep appliance for my TMD and apnea; it fits very well and alleviated both my apnea and TMD related pain within a few days of use. He can be a little curt and come off as condescending, but I could care less since he’s the expert and my issues were resolved.

I consulted with this doctor about extensive reconstruction to my lower teeth — extractions and implants. I never proceeded with him, though I did feel he was a skillful and professional oral surgeon. Why move on then?
He presented one treatment plan, and one plan only. It was a rather expensive one that called for some risky heroics on several back implants (placement in areas with thin and eroded underlying bone).
When I wanted to discuss alternative plans, less costly, less risky, the doctor had no time. His treatment explanations were curt, arrogant and condescending. When I tried to tell him that budget was a problem here (we were moving into $ 20K+ territory) he simply said «not my problem.» So I walked: not my doctor.
I believe Lapidus violated an important obligation that any dentist has, that is, to work closely with patients to meet their needs, and that includes financial considerations. When a health service provider gets that rigid, he is no longer working in the real world or in the patient’s best interest.

He did 2 implants on me. He’s a first rate dental specialist. Staff is great. I highly recommend.

Dr. Lapidus also specializes in TMJ.
I clench/​grind my teeth at night and I had horrible jaw issues where I was waking up every night with my jaw locked.
Dr. Lapidus created a night guard for me and I haven’t had a single incident of law jocking when wearing it!
If you have TMJ, don’t wait until it gets really bad like me.

Dr. Lapidus’ specialty is periodontics (gum disease), dental implants, & orofacial pain/​dysfunction (e.g. TMJ). He has been my periodontist for about 5 years. Many adults don’t know they have gum disease & it can cost them their teeth. Dr. Lapidus has done creative procedures to help me and I often think that I can never leave L.A. because I couldn’t replace him.