Affinity Contemporary Dentistry

Reviews 4

JE

Jeffrey C Wang

During the Summer of 16, I visited Affinity Dentistry based on great reviews. Little did I know that Dr. Naguib Youssef would put me in a series of catch-22s and the worst dental nightmares of my life. Dr.Y replaced two fillings and installed a crown on 3 of my big molars, all of which created problems. Every procedure had leftover irritating debris (cement & composite) which Dr.Y failed to see and clean, and my repeated complaints would be denied with "I dont know how you can feel these things." I had to visit another dentist to have my teeth properly cleaned. The Cerec is the only crown choice at this dentistry, designed by Dr.Y and milled in-house. My 3-hr procedure completed fine until a final x-ray revealed a small ditch and uneven ledges around the margin, of which the assistant acknowledged. Dr.Y said everything looked good and that if they took another x-ray from a different angle, Id not see the ditch anymore. I felt intellectually insulted and left the office without resolve. Over the course of 4 months, I exchanged several emails and calls with Affinity to address my concerns. Initially, Dr.Y was positive and reassuring to stand behind his work. Later on at a follow-up, I continued to emphasize how my tongue was very uncomfortable due the lower molars were shaped too sharp and the upper too dull, and I still had unaddressed bite pain/sensitivities. After Dr.Y quietly listened through my concerns, his first response was "I cant believe Im hearing this; I have never had this conversation before you know?" I was uncertain what to make of his comment but was not satisfied with his egos response when the appropriate offer should be evidence based. As a patient, I returned because the work was improperly performed. Eventually, I received a partial refund and a letter stating that Dr.Y would no longer serve me under any and all circumstances. In order to fix the mess Dr.Y created, I spent a ridiculous amount of time & money seeking multiple opinions from 9 dentists. Why so many? Because many backed down and deferred me back to Dr.Y! Anyhow, the overall consensus was complicated, so difficult that one prosthodontist said: "Your situation is not in any textbook, I dont have the confidence to help you." Fast forward nine months, my problems were finally fixed by an excellent Seattle prosthodontist. He confirmed both fillings had air pockets with symptoms of bonding failure, and they were insufficiently built-up resulting in dangerously sharp edges that often sliced into my tongue. The Cerec crown was an economic solution and therefore reflected in its low quality, although Dr.Y charges on average $400 more than other Cerec dentists in the area. Overall, my personal experience and opinion of Youssefs priorities are as follows: Maintain reputations/ratings above all else, provide selective treatments to maximize time & income, at signs of complication refund money and decline service, and lastly, caring for patients true well-being. Its ironic Affinity emails monthly newsletters addressing psychological fears on dental visits, because every bite I take and every brushstroke of my teeth, Im constantly reminded of their incompetent works. The most important lesson is this: Do not naively trust any dentist based on what they tell you, especially when told to settle for any unsatisfactory treatment otherwise deemed clinically acceptable. The fact is todays progress in dentistry is far from being able to properly diagnose and provide guaranteed solutions. Its best said by my prosthodontist: "The tongue never lies" and "No dentistry is better than any dentistry."

---

DA

Daniel Tovar

I dont normally post reviews, but after this whole debacle Ive felt compelled to share my story! I broke most of a molar off biting down on a pebble in my food while hiking (dont eat food youve dropped on the ground, that is the real moral of the story) and while the pain wasnt immediate, a few months later it had made its way down to the root. Im thirty and have never had anything more serious than a cavity, so when I heard the term "root canal" I was not feeling too excited about the process. Luckily Dr. Youssef was confident that he could save what was left of my tooth and prepare a crown to step up my mouth game. The difference between his office and many others was the fact that I was able to have my root canal and permanent crown measured, prepared and installed all within one appointment. I came in and left all within about 2 and a half hours, and to my total surprise I actually fell asleep during the surgery. I had just a few shots for pain, and had the option of the nitrous to help which I took. Him and his incredible staff encouraged me to listen to my own music on some headphones while they worked, and they pop a pair of dark glasses on you to put you in your own little zone. Actually, Im not sure what the glasses are for but I sure appreciated them! They asked me to let them know if I felt pain, and they adjusted the numbing shots and gas accordingly to make me more comfortable. After settling into the process, its all just gentle pressure and I really did take a quick snooze. After they are done, they give you a quick synopsis of the whole procedure and how it went, as well as an opportunity to view some photos of the work before, during and after before they go into your file. Thanks Dr. Youssef and team, I am grateful for your skill and confidence. Youve gained a lifelong patient!

---

JO

Joseph Han

Hadnt established a regular dentist since I moved to Seattle in 2007. Recently had a filling break off and a co-worker recommended Affinity. Very easy to get into the system and set up an appointment. Friendly engaging staff. Obviously knowledgeable and experienced. Aside from everyone knowing my coworker and a little about what we do off-hand everyone is awesome. Lori at the front desk immediately made me feel welcome and disarmed any apprehension I had about a new dentist. Christina managed to make taking a full set of x-rays not terrible, considering she had to shove a gigantic, not-soft, not-rounded piece of plastic into my mouth several times — in fact, she made me comfortable throughout all of the procedures she took me through. Teri gave me the best, most gentle cleaning Ive ever had. I cannot stress how gentle this was. I quit smoking almost a year ago, but still drink coffee and tea, so I thought shed have to grip my head in a vice to remove the stains on my teeth, but she went at it like an art. My jaw wasnt even sore afterwards. And Dr. Youssef is a Tooth Wizard. Aside from the one filling Id gone in to replace, he somehow intuited that there might be something amiss with some of my other fillings, sans signs on the x-rays or anything obvious. Lo and behold, decay under old fillings! I was comfortable the entire time he was working in there — I seriously fell asleep for a bit while he was drilling and grinding. My mouth hasnt been this comfortable in years. This is a fantastic team!

---

JI

jim marquis

After years of being scared to go to the dentist, I was referred to this practice by 1800dentist. That was over 5 years ago. I now go every 6 months. Dr. Youssef and his amazing team, in particular Christina and Laurie, have completely cured me of my fear. Dr. Youssef is the kindest, most caring, thoughtful doctor I have ever had. He is down to earth, takes the time to know his patients and... goes out of his way to ensure I am comfortable, pain free and completely satisfied with the results of my treatments. After not being happy with my smile for years, I met with Dr. Youssef and he provided some options. He just completed an extensive transformation of my smile and I am really happy with the result. Because he really cared about the end result, he explained the importance of creating a smile that was natural. This was ultimately really important. Without his council and consultation, I could have ended up with teeth that looked like dentures or unnaturally white teeth. I now smile with my mouth open and feel good about it! Christina provided a huge amount of support and help throughout the process. I really appreciated her kindness and support. Laurie, the office manager is very sweet and helpful and goes out of her way to answer any billing questions. It is really amazing to me that I spent so many years being terrified of the dentist. I am truly thankful that 5 years ago I was referred to this wonderful practice. Both my husband and I are really happy to have Dr. Youssef as our dentist.

---

---