Bellaire Dental Care

I chose this office because it was clean and listed as in-network with my insurance. While the facility itself is fine, my experience raised serious concerns regarding billing practices and clinical care. The first red flag was billing. I was told I would be charged more upfront “just in case” my insurance did not cover composite fillings due to a downgrade, with the excess left as a credit. I verified directly with my insurance that the office was in-network and that the quoted fees were incorrect and exceeded contracted rates, even when accounting for a downgrade. The amount was only corrected after I intervened. The more serious issue was the dental care. I have over 10 years of experience working in dentistry and take excellent care of my teeth. I typically only require routine cleanings prior to this visit. After fillings were placed on teeth #18 and #31, I developed jaw pain on the right side consistent with TMJ strain from a high bite. At that time, the pain was limited to my jaw. I returned requesting evaluation of my bite. I attempted to discuss possible causes of the pain, but every suggestion was dismissed. The dentist repeatedly stated he was not going to adjust the restorations. I was clear that I did not want my natural teeth drilled and that I did not have this pain prior to the fillings. Only after I stated explicitly that the pain did not exist before the restorations were placed did he proceed to drill. However, instead of adjusting the fillings, he removed structure from my natural tooth around them and stated, “I didn’t even touch the filling.” This immediately took that tooth out of occlusion. After this intervention, my symptoms significantly worsened. The pain escalated and began radiating to my ear and down my neck. Over the following weeks, my bite became unstable. My dental midline shifted noticeably, I began biting diagonally instead of straight up and down, and one of my upper front teeth (tooth #9) began to extrude. My smile appeared visibly crooked. I sought a second opinion. The new dentist immediately identified both restorations as extremely high. Once they were properly adjusted, the majority of my pain resolved. However, the side that was taken out of occlusion still causes ongoing discomfort. What should have been a simple bite adjustment turned into weeks of ongoing pain, permanent bite changes, additional dental visits, and significant stress. This experience was deeply unsettling, especially as someone familiar with dentistry who knew something was wrong and was not heard. Based on billing concerns, refusal to adjust restorations, alteration of healthy tooth structure, and lasting occlusal issues, I cannot recommend this office

Best dental experience I’ve ever had. Dr. Wood was incredibly kind and thorough. He made the entire experience enjoyable and informative. The staff is so welcoming and the office is a beautiful and relaxing space. …

Dr. Wood really cares about the dental health of his patients and he always takes ample time to address any questions or concerns. His cleanings and exams are very thorough and careful. His assistants and office staff are very friendly, helpful, and professional. I will be coming to this practice for years to come!

Dr. Wood and Valerie were awesome at my initial appointment today! It has been over 25 years since I have been to the dentist and I was extremely nervous to say the least. All the folks at Bellaire Dental Care made my experience enjoyable and stress free. The level of professionalism mixed with warm friendly care reassures me that myself and my family are in good hands!

Fantastic experience like always! It is so hard to find a great dental practice and Dr. Stepp and staff have nailed it! Dr Stepp has excellent bedside manner, spends time with her patients. All of the hygienists are personable, keen to your …