A Century of Excellence
Jeffrey C. Grabiel, D.D.S. and John W. Mills, D.D.S. have occupied the same location on Old Woodward in Birmingham since 1989, but their practice actually dates back more than 100 years.
In 1896, Albert Legro, who helped pioneer the modern-day porcelain crown, had a practice in Detroit. In 1927, Avery Bartlett, a renowned dental educator, joined the practice and was followed by his son Dr. Jack Bartlett in 1953. While working as a clinical instructor at the University of Michigan Dental School, Dr. Grabiel was asked to move to Birmingham and join the practice upon Avery's retirement. "I think we have the longest continuous running dental practice in the Detroit area," says Dr. Grabiel, who grew up in Midland, but now calls Birmingham home.
The office has recently welcomed Dr. Ralph Wilke, in private practice in the Bloomfield area since 1981. His studies with top clinicians and post-graduate studies in many dentistry disciplines give him an edge in Periodontics, Implantology, Restorative, Crown and Bridge Dentistry.
And while their practice is rich in history, the doctors embrace all that modern dentistry has to offer.
During a patient's initial visit, a complete evaluation and multiple pictures of the teeth aid in diagnosis. Similar to detective work, the next phase will have your doctor using those collective images to help solve the mystery behind the patient's dissatisfaction with his or her smile.
Once the analysis has been completed, the doctor presents his recommendations, including the pros and cons. Certainly Drs. Grabiel, Mills and Wilkie are not one-size-fits-all dentists. They consider crowns, veneers, bonding and implants as tools that may be utilized to create a new and improved smile.
"It's not as simple as on 'Extreme Makeover' where everything is paved in porcelain," states Dr. Mills. Patients considering cosmetic dentistry should always ask for examples of past work, how many procedures have been completed, and about continuing education.
We also recommend that patients know the reputation of the dental laboratory used to make crowns, bridges and veneers, since there can be a huge difference in quality. The office uses only the most well respected labs in country. It also has one of the few in-office commercial labs in the Detroit area.
"It all comes down to trust between you and your dentist. Dentistry does not have to be painful and, with a pleasant and efficient staff, you can do it rapidly with minimal discomfort. In our fast-paced world, our patients enjoy the fact that we can correct their dental problems with minimal disruption of their busy schedule," said Dr. Grabiel.
Call our office on Woodward in Birmingham, Michigan at 248-644-3131 and start smiling again!
