Consistent hygiene and examination visits enable you to maintain good oral hygiene and healthy teeth. Dentistry encompasses array of services and procedures with a common goal: to help you to preserve your natural teeth, ensure your oral health, and keep you looking and feeling great. Before development of dental implants, dentures were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth.Periodontal therapy includes both surgical and non-surgical techniques to restore health to the tissues that support the teeth (gums and bone) and prevent tooth loss.
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Working to assure a lifetime of optimum dental health for every patient, Big City Dental, Ltd doctors and staff listen, understand, and evaluate each patient's needs and concerns. Big City Dental, Ltd is committed to the highest quality and most proven up-to-date techniques available to our patients.
Regular dental visits are essential to make sure oral health problems - from tooth decay to oral cancer - are detected and treated in a timely manner. At our office, your oral health is our paramount concern. We want to make sure your teeth stay healthy, function well and look great! From regular cleanings and exams to advanced restorative treatments, all of your routine dental needs can be met right here.
Big City Dental is proud to present our team of dentists. Our dental professionals offer not only the best dental care in Chicago, but are among the best in the industry. At Big City Dental, your dental health is provided in a relaxed, stress-free environment. We enjoy taking the time to provide our patients with the most comprehensive information so that they are able to make the most informed decisions for a lifetime of dental health-and a life long smile.Our dentists are skilled in the latest proven dental care techniques, and offer the most modern technology and treatments.
It includes descriptions of our office location, including a map and directions, hours, appointment scheduling, insurance acceptance and billing policies. Our practice believes in a philosophy that there is an important correlation of dental health and whole body health. The overall wellness of our patients is a reflection of our emphasis on the prevention rather than the treatment of dental problems.
Reviews (27)
Steve S.
Jan 14, 2022
Dr. Kalensky and his entire staff are the greatest! Kalensky has been my dentist for a good part of my adult life, and he is THE BEST! I had some pain in my mouth where a wisdom tooth had been (had them removed years ago). It wasn't a pain I had ever had before and hoped it would go away. It didn't.so I finally called Kalensky's office.
They had a slot that evening and I took it! So glad I did! Dr. Kalensky found a small piece of bone that was loose and coming out of my gum! After he removed it, in one day, I could feel the difference! A world of difference! More than a dentist! A caring, experienced medical professional in my estimation! Thank you Dr. Kalensky and the whole staff at Big City!
They had a slot that evening and I took it! So glad I did! Dr. Kalensky found a small piece of bone that was loose and coming out of my gum! After he removed it, in one day, I could feel the difference! A world of difference! More than a dentist! A caring, experienced medical professional in my estimation! Thank you Dr. Kalensky and the whole staff at Big City!
Laura
Jan 05, 2021
Be VERY CAREFUL HERE! we have had multiple instances where things have been charged to us.cancer screening when we didn't need it, fluoride tx when we didn't ask for that, PPE charge without any notification prior to the charges. Also they will not tell you about any of these charges even if they talk to you on the phone stating that they sent an email to potentially your spam folder letting you know any updates and that is all of the notifying they are required to do. Also, BEWARE of the two people that work at the front desk! Attitude like I have never heard before, disrespect 10/10, and will tell you "it's not their problem" for anything they don't want to deal with.
Jon Williams
Dec 15, 2020
Very first appointment I asked not to do the oral cancer screening but was still charged with. I thought this was an honest mistake until I was nickled and dimed on my following two visits for things I have never heard of. Was charged $18 for fluoride. I've never paid for fluoride in the last 25 years. I've also received some random bills in the mail after routine cleanings. Couldn't tell you what they are for. Nice people, but not worth the hassle to pay extra for unsolicited charges/procedures.
Eric Arno Hiller
Oct 27, 2019
When I starting going to this dentist several years ago I was pretty impressed with them. My then gf (now wife) had recommended them from having them in the past. She had moved from the area, and then moved back and became a patient again. However, both of us feel that the experience from an insurance and business point of view has seriously deteriorated.
My wife had a bad experience with a hygienist and asked not to have her again, which they agreed too, but then kept scheduling her with the same woman, which my wife had to keep changing. My wife also got sick one day with the flu and had to move the appointment. They were going to charge a $50 change fee. So, she told them, fine, I'll come in and get you guys sick too.
They finally relented on the fee. My experience with the dental care is decent, but I also had poor experience with "change fees". I was traveling a lot for work and often have a changing schedule. They wanted to charge me $50 because I had to change an appointment. When I changed dentist's because of this behavior, they extorted the $50 from me, refusing to send my OWN X-rays and records to the next dentist without the $50. The care is probably OK, but do NOT go there if you don't want to be nickled and dimed with customer unfriendly "policies".
My wife had a bad experience with a hygienist and asked not to have her again, which they agreed too, but then kept scheduling her with the same woman, which my wife had to keep changing. My wife also got sick one day with the flu and had to move the appointment. They were going to charge a $50 change fee. So, she told them, fine, I'll come in and get you guys sick too.
They finally relented on the fee. My experience with the dental care is decent, but I also had poor experience with "change fees". I was traveling a lot for work and often have a changing schedule. They wanted to charge me $50 because I had to change an appointment. When I changed dentist's because of this behavior, they extorted the $50 from me, refusing to send my OWN X-rays and records to the next dentist without the $50. The care is probably OK, but do NOT go there if you don't want to be nickled and dimed with customer unfriendly "policies".
Nikolina Hupe
Jan 20, 2019
I started going to Big City Dental last year and have been very happy with the care I have received. I have a phobia about dentists, but they took excellent care of me during every visit and made me feel as comfortable as can be. The doctors, assistants, hygienists, and the wonderful assistants at the front desk were all professional, skilled, and concerned about my comfort.
The dental work completed was done extremely well, the office is modern and uses the latest equipment and procedures, and they went above and beyond to help me. If you are a 'fraidy cat about dentists like I am, don't hesitate to make an appointment. Big City Dental is excellent, and I am so grateful to have found them!
The dental work completed was done extremely well, the office is modern and uses the latest equipment and procedures, and they went above and beyond to help me. If you are a 'fraidy cat about dentists like I am, don't hesitate to make an appointment. Big City Dental is excellent, and I am so grateful to have found them!
Rachel D.
Nov 08, 2018
Big City Dental was friendly, professional, and very quick. I was seen immediately, and everyone I came across was very nice. I went in for an x-ray and they gave me a great recommendation for an oral surgeon. I was a first time patient but I will definitely make Big City Dental my primary dentist. Thank you!
Crystal R.
Oct 12, 2018
Gl E.
Aug 07, 2018
Eric Gottschalk
Mar 29, 2018
They will make you pay right after you get done with the procedure. If you aren't in network, you are now stuck with the full bill. If they say they cover your insurance double check. They have no problem saying "We take all insurance" without checking if they take your plan. By charging you upfront instead of having the bill go through insurance, they assume that some people are getting procedures done without insurance backing it and are fine with that.
Jerry Mitchell
Mar 05, 2018
Geoff W.
Feb 01, 2018
I can not say enough good things about Dr. Kalensky. I was a patient here 16 years (15 y/o when I started) and due to insurance, I am no longer able to see his group. His hygienists are all great (oddly gentle) and his front desk staff were more than helpful in transitioning me to my new practice (even when they knew I was leaving). Having had a good amount of dental work in the past, it all turned out great!
Joseph Zanoni
Dec 28, 2017
My husband has many dental needs and is reluctant to seek care. Stacy was so encouraging to me to bring Albert to see Dr. Kalensky. Albert allowed me to schedule an appointment for him. That same day he broke a tooth and needed to be seen immediately! Drs. Kalensky and Gluck were able to see Albert soon and now he is on a path for replacing his tooth and taking care of his cleaning and assessments.
I am grateful for the excellent care I have received over 25 years from cleaning to crowns to gum surgery. Thanks to the great team at Big City Dental for always being there for us.
I am grateful for the excellent care I have received over 25 years from cleaning to crowns to gum surgery. Thanks to the great team at Big City Dental for always being there for us.
Erika M.
Sep 22, 2017
I've always liked going to the dentist, but I LOVE THIS DENTIST and the whole staff. Everyone is extremely nice. Reception is organized and professional. The hygienists are awesome (shout out to Austin!). Dr. Kalensky is kind and explains things well. Other reviews complain about price/unnecessary procedures. This is the most high end dentist I've ever been to and I think they're worth every penny! I've never had such thorough cleanings (another shout out to Austin!).
I haven't felt like they've pushed anything on me. Everything is explained with radiographs to back it up. This place is wonderful. Try it out, you won't be disappointed!
I haven't felt like they've pushed anything on me. Everything is explained with radiographs to back it up. This place is wonderful. Try it out, you won't be disappointed!
Roman F.
Jul 02, 2017
Dedra S.
Apr 18, 2017
Wait. Wait. Wait. This is going to be a long review! I went to this dentist as a referral from my mom. This was a wrong move because the office is just out to obtain a very expensive non-deserving pay day. My mother spoke with the office manager, who informed my mother that she had contacted the insurance company to verify the treatment that I would receive and also to verify the payment the insurance company would make on my behalf to this office.
The procedure was done and we paid the over thousand dollar bill that was presented to us. The office manager told us we should receive a check from the insurance company, because she verified that the insurance company would cover 80% of the procedure. Well, think again! The insurance company denied the claim. After much investigation and a very time consuming ordeal without any help from this office, the insurance company informed us that they never received any treatments plans or request for preauthorization from this office.
We called the office several times. The office manager was very rude and just hung up in my face. She said before she hung up that she wasn't the office manager at the time and the old office manager "did not do her job, that is why she doesn't work here anymore". I called the office again later in the week and asked for the dentist Steven Kalensky to call me concerning this matter because we had no one else to talk to to resolve this matter.
He never called the situation to this date has never been addressed nor rectified. I would suggest that anyone visiting this office do their homework. As others Yelpers have informed us as to this office ability to hire and maintain qualified managerial staff. The office will also over charge you and when you alarm them about this problem they will act as if they did not know that your account had a credit balance.
In all fairness since the office experience so many new people, the new employees probably was not aware of the credit. I would also tell fellow Yelpers to find a dental office that accepts their insurance and subtract the work performed from the payment. Why does this office insists on accepting insurance on the false pretense that they have asked for preauthorization for services. There is no excuse for this! The only thought that comes to my mind is greed and thirst towards their patients. This type of dental office should be avoided at all cost!
The procedure was done and we paid the over thousand dollar bill that was presented to us. The office manager told us we should receive a check from the insurance company, because she verified that the insurance company would cover 80% of the procedure. Well, think again! The insurance company denied the claim. After much investigation and a very time consuming ordeal without any help from this office, the insurance company informed us that they never received any treatments plans or request for preauthorization from this office.
We called the office several times. The office manager was very rude and just hung up in my face. She said before she hung up that she wasn't the office manager at the time and the old office manager "did not do her job, that is why she doesn't work here anymore". I called the office again later in the week and asked for the dentist Steven Kalensky to call me concerning this matter because we had no one else to talk to to resolve this matter.
He never called the situation to this date has never been addressed nor rectified. I would suggest that anyone visiting this office do their homework. As others Yelpers have informed us as to this office ability to hire and maintain qualified managerial staff. The office will also over charge you and when you alarm them about this problem they will act as if they did not know that your account had a credit balance.
In all fairness since the office experience so many new people, the new employees probably was not aware of the credit. I would also tell fellow Yelpers to find a dental office that accepts their insurance and subtract the work performed from the payment. Why does this office insists on accepting insurance on the false pretense that they have asked for preauthorization for services. There is no excuse for this! The only thought that comes to my mind is greed and thirst towards their patients. This type of dental office should be avoided at all cost!
Lydia B.
Mar 14, 2017
I've gone to Big City Dental for 15+ years and continued even after moving to the burbs. I've used them for standard cleanings, filling replacements and gum surgery. I've always felt I received quality clear and was given clear, detailed information to help me understand care options and feel comfortable with my decisions. The staff is always professional, friendly and caring. Highly recommend.
Wendee Goles
Jan 05, 2017
The lady's at the front are so friendly and efficient. I absolutely recommend this practice who is looking for a new dentist. ALL of the hygienists are completely thorough as well as hold great conversations! I love this place. It is so clean and joyful! I would travel across the state for Dr. Kolinsky and his staff!
Joao Mamede
Dec 06, 2016
I started going to Big City Dental in 2013. The same year they made a mistake on the billing. I did all the X-rays during my first visit. But they somehow separated the dates of the localized ones with the date of the full mouth X-ray, that they insisted I should get. My dental insurance only allows one x-ray per year, so they refused the reimbursement.
Big City dental refused to assume their error and to clean it up and I ended up paying 350dollars more than I should have had. I kept going there because it was close to home and medically they seemed pretty good. Later, I was late to a cleaning appointment due to work and they want to charge me a 50 dollar fee to reschedule, no matter what. I know that it is common procedure in the field but because of their previous billing mistakes, I never came back.
But dentists and hygienists are professional and very good at the dental medicine part. But they still will suck every dollar out of you at the first chance. Today I asked a transfer of dental records. Comes with a 20 dollar fee. Hence my review.
Big City dental refused to assume their error and to clean it up and I ended up paying 350dollars more than I should have had. I kept going there because it was close to home and medically they seemed pretty good. Later, I was late to a cleaning appointment due to work and they want to charge me a 50 dollar fee to reschedule, no matter what. I know that it is common procedure in the field but because of their previous billing mistakes, I never came back.
But dentists and hygienists are professional and very good at the dental medicine part. But they still will suck every dollar out of you at the first chance. Today I asked a transfer of dental records. Comes with a 20 dollar fee. Hence my review.
Sasha Y.
Jul 14, 2016
I'm sad that I have to score so low for this clinic. I used to be one of the patients at this dental clinic and really liked them at the beginning. All the people working there were friendly and kind. I trusted the doctor and other staff so whenever he said that I had a tooth decay, I got immediate treatments for that. However, I've noticed that since I started going to the dentist, the number of my teeth decays drastically increased. Why?
It was so strange to me. When they told me that I had another tooth decay and needed a root canal treatment, I asked them to show me my X-ray, and I took it to another dentist to get another opinion. Then I was told by the new dentist that the tooth is healthy and doesn't need any treatment! Can you believe that!? As a patient I trusted them, but they messed my teeth just because they wanted more money. I've found similar review to mine, and I highly don't recommend this clinic. Don't get fooled. I'm glad that I don't go there anymore.
It was so strange to me. When they told me that I had another tooth decay and needed a root canal treatment, I asked them to show me my X-ray, and I took it to another dentist to get another opinion. Then I was told by the new dentist that the tooth is healthy and doesn't need any treatment! Can you believe that!? As a patient I trusted them, but they messed my teeth just because they wanted more money. I've found similar review to mine, and I highly don't recommend this clinic. Don't get fooled. I'm glad that I don't go there anymore.
Pamela J. Cook
Nov 11, 2015
I had one appointment here. Dentist was nice but the hygienist was irritating. I lost count of the number of times she repeated herself. She basically badgered me. And as I was trying to pay and leave, the receptionist repeated all of the hygienist selling points. Couldn't wait to get out of there and won't be going back. If I want the "used car salesman" treatment, I'll shop for a car.
Dan K.
Nov 07, 2015
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.
Amber N.
Apr 02, 2014
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!
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!
Amy Ravit Korin
Apr 28, 2013
The folks at Big City Dental make it easy to book with online appointment scheduling and email reminders and confirmations. While they are very busy, they do a good job accommodating early and end of day appointment requests. Dr. Gilmor is very thorough in his treatment plan, and the staff is helpful with insurance questions and paperwork. The only downside is the Southport location is not ideal for my job downtown, but it helps that they are just a few blocks from the Brown Line.
Shannon L.
Dec 03, 2012
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++
Caleb Arnold
Nov 19, 2012
I went in for my first visit with Dr. Gilmore yesterday. Although he didn't do any work he spent over an hour just examining all my teeth. He then went over every tooth one by one on a monitor showing me areas of concern, past dental work good and bad, and explained everything in great detail. I haven't had any work done but I'm sure he will do a great job.
The dental technician worked quickly getting all my xrays/pics done. The front office staff was very knowledable and helpful in arranging payment and planning future visits. Dr. Gilmore knows I need a lot of work done, but he didn't push anything on me and didn't pressure me to get everything done at once. Go here!
The dental technician worked quickly getting all my xrays/pics done. The front office staff was very knowledable and helpful in arranging payment and planning future visits. Dr. Gilmore knows I need a lot of work done, but he didn't push anything on me and didn't pressure me to get everything done at once. Go here!
Andrea M.
Aug 03, 2012
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.
Matt J.
Sep 30, 2009
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.
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.
