So I've left other reviews for my regular dentist (who I adore!), but Dr. Tatsuta did the work for my most recent (yes, there have been multiple!) root canal and I need to let people know how wonderful she is!
Dr. Tatsuta is so friendly, compassionate, concerned, and skilled. She is an endodontist, I believe, and I do not know if she does regular dental care but I DO know that she does do root canals and really well.
So, let me first explain that my teeth are evil. Even though I am so good about caring for them, they insist on drilling holes into themselves and then get infected and require fillings and occasionally root canals. In this particular case, my dentist tried to see if it could just be handled with a filling, but alas, it was a case of a dying nerve (so a root canal was needed). I was quite peeved by this not because I find root canals to be painful (which I don't know where people get that idea since modern medicine makes awesome anesthetics) but because I really did not like the guy my dentist previously would send me to for them.... he had big hands and his assistant was snotty and liquid would constantly drip down my throat, it was so uncomfortable and unpleasant. I spoke with my dentist about this and she thought of endodontists she knew and determined that Dr. Tatsuta was the right recommendation.
Well, right she was! Dr. Tatsuta was so kind and caring and I could really go on and on about the emotional part (because I like to have a caring person when I'm in pain!) but I also think it's really important to express that she's also really conscientious about doing things by the book. What that means is that when I expressed my concerns about liquid dripping down my throat with the other endodontist, she was surprised and told me that this should not happen because in addition to using a dental dam, she also used a foam around the area to prevent anything from slipping past and despite my skepticism, she was right! This alone made the process so much more pleasant. And this is just one example of how she is considerate of her patient and is always making sure to follow the recommended protocols (even if they're inconvenient) which is intended to be for the betterment of the patient.
In addition, I think it's good to mention that although I think her prices are on the slightly higher side (although not crazily high), these prices come with multiple follow-up visits (1 month if needed and then 6 month and 5 year!) and 24 hour availability (she actually gave me her CELL PHONE NUMBER and encouraged me to call at any time!!!). And, if that wasn't enough, she called my home that day or the next (I don't remember anymore) to check in to see how I was doing and requested a return call (like, not call back if I need to but call back regardless to let her know how my recovery was going... I almost fell over when my husband gave me the message). I mean, have you ever heard of this?? I just cannot express how fabulous this woman is. And, since this matters to me even if it's not an issue for others, she has small hands (thankfully!) which is nice for people like me who have small mouths with very back teeth that need the root canals.
Long story short: Not the cheapest, but she was so wonderful, did excellent work, includes multiple follow-ups and was very accessible. I will absolutely be going back every time I need an endodontist and she's the only one I'll be recommending from here forward.
One last thing: there is parking in her building, it's valet only (but you do get validation) and it can be VERY hit or miss... sometimes I go and there's no problems but this last time I was there (for my 6 month follow-up :)), getting out at the end was a ZOO and the valet people behind the counter were beyond unhelpful. It literally took 15 minutes to get my car and get out... it was incredibly aggravating, so just be prepared for the possibility. All in all, still not enough for me not to go to Dr. Tatsuta. read more