Main Line Media News Honors Dillon Family Dentistry as Best Restorative Dentist

 Dillon Family Dentistry has been recognized by Main Line Media News as Best Restorative Dentist, reflecting Dr. David Dillon’s 30+ years of expertise in advanced dental restoration, from implants to full mouth reconstruction, serving the Bryn Mawr and Main Line communities with patient-first care. 

I am extremely excited to announce that Dillon Family Dentistry has been awarded Best Restorative Dentist by Main Line Media News. Practicing in the exact same spot on Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr for over 30 years, this award means everything to my staff and me. However, knowing we have earned the trust of our Main Line community for so many years is even better.

When I consider the true meaning of restorative dentistry, it is not just about restoring teeth. It is about restoring function, restoring confidence, and allowing people to eat, speak, and/or smile freely without fear of drawing attention to their dental issues as a result of the restoration. Our philosophy is the same for anyone who comes to us with a crown that has cracked or needs their entire mouth rebuilt: we listen attentively, we explain in detail, and we create the last results.

To us, this is more than a decorative plaque in our office. It’s proof that our patient-first practice does work. To all of you wanting to have a restorative procedure done – whether you live in Bryn Mawr, Ardmore, Haverford, or any of the surrounding communities – I’m going to lift the curtain and let you see what amazing restorative dentistry is all about!

What Makes Restorative Dentistry “Award-Winning” in Bryn Mawr?

Restorative care does not mean every dental practice works on restorative dentistry in the same manner. Some focus on quick turnover of patients, while others put more emphasis on creating an aesthetically solid restorative option than on providing patient function. It is for these reasons that Dillon Family Dentistry was selected as the best dentist by Main Line Media News; they refuse to compromise on either of these two aspects of restorative work.

All practitioners who perform restorative dentistry will use a range of restorative treatments from simple fillings and caps through to more complex treatments such as root canals or dental implants, as well as full mouth reconstruction. However, every restorative treatment will involve restoring the patient’s teeth to a functional position while allowing the patient to have a natural-looking smile.

Our patients in Bryn Mawr aren’t merely seeking quick fixes; they want longer-lasting solutions that will function wonderfully for many years to come, five, ten, or even twenty years down the road. With this comprehensive perspective in mind, you can understand how much experience means to me. With over 30 years of clinical experience, I have provided thousands of crowns, restored hundreds of implants, and completely rehabilitated countless smiles from scratch. Every case provides me with another lesson in dentistry as well as builds upon my knowledge of performing these procedures, thus leading to more successful outcomes for my patients.

It’s not just about having technical skills; our practice stands out from others because of the combination of highly trained staff, state-of-the-art equipment, and true concern for each individual patient’s unique needs. When a patient enters my office, they will never be referred to as simply their patient number, but as one of my neighbours and fellow residents living on the Main Line who deserve to receive the highest level of service.

The Full Spectrum of Restorative Dental Services We Offer

Restorative dentistry isn’t a single procedure; it’s a comprehensive approach to rebuilding oral health. At Dillon Family Dentistry, we offer the complete range of restorative treatments, and we customize every plan to fit the individual needs of our Bryn Mawr patients.

Dental Crowns and Bridges

Crowns can be considered the most versatile type of restoration in the field of dental labs. Crowns can be used to restore strength and appearance to a tooth that has been fractured, has a large filling that has begun to fail, or has been weakened by a prior root canal treatment. Crowns are made out of very strong ceramic materials (such as BruxZir and eMax), which will allow the tooth to remain esthetically pleasing while withstanding the rigors of everyday chewing.

Bridges are dental restorations that can replace missing teeth by attaching to the adjacent teeth using crowns. Bridges have been used for a long time, and when properly constructed, they will have an appearance similar to the teeth that you were originally born with.

Dental Implant Restoration

Implants have changed how we do restorations in the dental field, and they are usually one of the best long-term options available for replacing missing teeth. Implants consist of a titanium post that is placed into your bone and acts as an artificial root for your missing tooth. After healing from placement, a custom crown will be placed on the implant to create a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like your natural tooth.

I have been placing implants for over 20 years, and if you follow proper protocols during placement, the amount of success you can expect is exceptional. If you need just one missing tooth all the way up to a full arch, an implant will provide you with stability and confidence that no other removable dental prosthesis can offer. For this reason, implants are the gold standard in replacing missing teeth for our Bryn Mawr patients.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

Many people come to my office with a long history of dental problems (e.g., untreated problems, severe decay, losing old dental work, trauma). Full mouth reconstruction treats these issues comprehensively by rebuilding the whole bite completely, starting from the bottom.

These may be very complicated cases, requiring extensive planning, and may require a combined use of crowns, bridges, implants, and orthodontics to get the best end result. The transformation can be incredible, with patients being able to bite into an apple for the first time in years after not being able to eat solid food. The excitement in a patient’s eyes when they can laugh openly and freely for the first time in years is an experience I will never forget.

Full mouth reconstruction is not something a person can typically do fast or affordably; however, for those in need, the quality-of-life impact is immeasurable. At Bryn Mawr Dental, we work with each patient individually to develop a phased treatment plan that meets both their budget and long-term goals.

Why Experience Matters in Restorative Dentistry

Complex restorative dentistry cannot be learned from books alone. It takes years of practical experience through hands-on training, ongoing education, and making some mistakes along the way to help me know how to improve the next time I do it.

When Main Line Media News selects dentists for their “Best Of” awards, they don’t just look at your credentials; they also evaluate how good the outcomes are, how happy patients are with your care, and how much other professionals respect you within the dental profession. To have other dental professionals in your area respect you means that you are trusted to provide care to their families, and that carries a lot of moral weight.

I have had the opportunity to study with some of the best in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, but learning from the patients I treated who lived here in Bryn Mawr has been the best form of education. Each patient presented their own unique case. A 35-year-old gentleman with a fractured molar will respond differently from a 75-year-old woman with multiple failed bridges. My 30 years of experience have taught me that each individual requires careful consideration of these differences – when to be conservative vs when to be aggressive.

Continuing education is another area in which our practice invests significantly. In dentistry, materials, techniques, and technology are continuously changing. In dentistry, what worked well ten years ago may no longer be the best choice. It is a responsibility of every patient who trusts us for their care to maintain up-to-date knowledge.

The Dillon Family Dentistry Difference: A Patient-First Philosophy

The reason we earned this award from the Main Line Media News is that we have never sold dentistry before. I know this may sound weird, but give me a chance to explain.

In our Bryn Mawr office, we do not have sales quotas or push treatment; when someone comes in for a consultation, my job is to educate them on their options, outline the advantages and disadvantages of each, and allow them to choose what works best for their individual situation. Some dentists may only suggest the highest cost option every time, but we present every option available to the patient, from least invasive to most invasive, and respect any decision made by the patient.

This is how we build something very special: trust. The patient knows that we are not trying to oversell them. They know that if I suggest a crown instead of a filling, it is because the tooth truly needs a crown, not because I am trying to increase production numbers.

We also have the ability to take our time compared to many other dentists. Dentistry that is rushed is bad dentistry. I check the margins on a tooth twice before I prepare a crown for it, and check them again when the crown is ready to be put in place. When I select a shade for a restoration, I look at it in all types of light to ensure it blends into the surrounding natural teeth. This attention to detail requires time, which is factored into our schedule. You will never feel rushed out the door because we need to see the next patient. We want to provide you with the most relaxing atmosphere possible while you are here for restorative procedures, which typically take time. You will feel the difference upon entering our Bryn Mawr office, located near Bryn Mawr College on Lancaster Ave. We will greet you by name every time you visit us. We will know your children’s names, where you work, and what your interests are because we want you to feel like you are a part of our dental family, not just another patient.

Advanced Technology Meets Personalized Care

Advances made in restorative dentistry are largely based upon technological changes: advancing technologies help your dentist perform better, faster, and more accurately than ever before. The advancements made through the use of current technologies allow our office to provide you with superior care. Consequently, all personnel within our practice use the latest technology as part of an effort to provide you with quality care.

We use digital impressions instead of the older, more traditional way of taking impressions from wax or putty (which tends to be messy and takes too long). Digital impressions can be obtained much quicker, with greater accuracy, and make obtaining an impression more comfortable for the patient than traditional methods.

Using CEREC technology, we can mill same-day crowns on occasion. In the case where a patient arrives at our office with a broken tooth, they can leave the office with a finished restoration (a new crown).

We also use three-dimensional imaging to help us know exactly where to place implants for complex cases.

Most importantly, technology does not supplant the human factor. I will not examine every restoration before placing it in your mouth without magnification. I will also adjust the bite to ensure that it feels like a natural fit. Lastly, I will still personally check in with you to ensure that your healing is progressing properly. While technology allows me to be more accurate/precise than ever before, it cannot replace the clinical judgment gained through decades of experience. 

In addition to the clinical benefits of our technology, we provide our Bryn Mawr patients with many minimally invasive options. Improvements in diagnostic tools provide earlier detection of problems; improvements in the materials used for restorations can improve their durability; improvements in techniques allow for less discomfort while healing and faster recovery time. All of these advantages contribute to an improved overall patient experience at our Bryn Mawr location.

What Main Line Patients Can Expect from Award-Winning Restorative Care

If you are looking into getting restorative dental treatment done at our Bryn Mawr dental office, what you can expect regarding our process is as follows:

The very first step in the process is to conduct a thorough evaluation of your mouth. I have to have all the information in order to recommend a treatment plan. I will evaluate not only the tooth in question but also your entire oral cavity, including your bite, how your jaws align, and all the other dental work you may have had done in the past. In some cases, we’ll discover that there is a larger problem than what we assumed when we originally looked at the one tooth that needed a crown.

Once I have all of this information, I will create a custom-made treatment plan for you based on your specific needs. I will consider your goals, budget, timeframe, and the level of anxiety you may have regarding undergoing various dental procedures. Some patients choose to have all of their restorative treatments done at once, while others prefer to have their treatments completed in phases. Either way is acceptable to me, and I will design a plan that meets your desires.

Your comfort is our priority throughout the treatment. Since some patients may experience anxiety about dental work. So we offer a variety of sedation options to help alleviate this anxiety. If you ever feel uncomfortable during your treatment, we will take breaks for you as needed, and we will continue to explain what we are doing at each step so that you will not have to wonder what is going on in your mouth.

We also follow up with you after the completion of your treatment; I want to know how well you are healing, whether or not your restoration feels natural, and whether you have experienced any problems with your restoration. Should you experience any problems, we are available to help, and with respect to restorative treatment, some minor adjustments may be necessary in order to provide you with the best possible result.

Finally, we will assist you in maintaining your investment; with proper care, restorations can last for many years, and we will instruct you on the proper techniques for cleaning and preserving your restoration. By scheduling routine checkups and cleanings at our office, we will be able to address any minor issues before they develop into major problems.

Serving the Bryn Mawr and Main Line Communities

For over 30 years, our practice has been based out of Bryn Mawr, and we are proud to provide care not only to our local patients but also to those who travel from all areas of the Main Line, including Ardmore, Haverford, Villanova, Rosemont, etc.

I enjoy practicing dentistry in this community because of the relationships I’ve created over the years through treating families. I have treated multiple family generations, such as being able to restore several smiles of Bryn Mawr College students, as well as their children, when they come in to see me years later. I also treat several colleagues within the community whenever they refer their patients; therefore, their patients feel comfortable coming to see me because I was recommended by someone they trust.

The expectations of Main Line patients are very high, and this creates the need for our office to always strive for excellence. Our patients are educated and well-informed; they are always seeking the best of the best. This is the reason why we want to provide the best for our patients. This award from Main Line Media News shows that we have been able to accomplish this and will continue to be motivated to exceed the expectations placed on us.

Conveniently located along Lancaster Avenue, there’s easy access from anywhere along the Main Line, and there’s no problem parking at our facility. We’ve designed our hours so that they fit well with your busy lifestyle. You can get high-quality restorative dentistry from the office of Dr. David Tain; it’s also easy for you to drive from your office in Radnor or your home in Haverford to receive quality restorative dental care.

When You Should Consider Restorative Dentistry

There are many reasons that people delay getting restorative dental work done, such as anxiety about the procedure, concern about the cost, or acceptance of the problem. However, putting off getting treatment typically results in a more complicated and more costly solution down the road.

Some reasons to visit a restorative dentist include the following:

Pain in your tooth that doesn’t go away. If you have been dealing with pain, it likely means you’ve either got decay that has gotten to your tooth’s nerve or you have a crack in your tooth that is getting deeper. In either case, waiting to get treatment will only make it worse.

Your teeth have visible damage (chip, crack, broken filling, etc.). If you have a small chip (for instance) and do not seek treatment, the small chip could turn into a root canal if bacteria make their way into the tooth.

You are missing teeth, which is causing your other teeth to move around. Teeth are constantly trying to shift around, and if there’s an open area (gap) where a tooth once was, the teeth next to the gap will move into the open space. This movement of the teeth will ultimately result in an improper bite.

Difficulty chewing and biting: If you’re trying to avoid certain foods because of difficulties with your teeth, using them, or chewing them, likely, that indicates that you have some type of structural issue developing that could use attention from a dentist.

Old dental work that is failing: Typically, crowns/bridges/fillings do not last a lifetime under normal wear and tear. If they are beginning to fail and break down, replacing them as soon as possible will help prevent any more significant problems from developing.

Embarrassment regarding the appearance of your smile: If you are covering your teeth with your hand(s) while laughing or hiding your teeth in pictures because of embarrassment, you might be a good candidate for restorative dentistry.

The bottom line is that if you think something is wrong with your teeth, it is most likely just as you imagined. And in most cases, the sooner you get treated for something wrong with your teeth, the easier and less money it will cost to have it fixed. We provide complimentary consultations at our Bryn Mawr location, so there’s no financial risk to find out what’s going on with your teeth!

How to Choose the Right Restorative Dentist in Bryn Mawr

Not every dentist is equipped to handle complex restorative work. When you’re choosing someone to rebuild your smile, you should look for a few key factors:

Experience with your specific needs. If you need implants, has the dentist placed and restored hundreds of them? If you need a full mouth reconstruction, how many has the dentist completed? General dentists can handle many restorative procedures, but complex cases require specialized experience.

Investment in technology and continuing education. Restorative dentistry has evolved dramatically in recent years. A dentist who’s still using 20-year-old techniques probably isn’t giving you the best options.

Before-and-after photos of actual patients. Any dentist can show you stock photos from a dental lab. Ask to see real cases they’ve completed. You want to see evidence that they can deliver the results they’re promising.

Patient testimonials and reviews. What are other Main Line residents saying about their experience? Awards like the one we received from Main Line Media News are nice, but real patient feedback tells you what the day-to-day experience is actually like.

Clear communication and realistic expectations. Be wary of dentists who promise miracles or who can’t clearly explain what they’re proposing to do and why. You should understand your treatment plan completely before committing.

A philosophy that matches yours. If you want conservative treatment, find a dentist who won’t push aggressive options. If you want cutting-edge solutions, find someone who offers them. The right fit makes all the difference.

Looking Forward: Continuing Excellence in Bryn Mawr Dentistry

Receiving the Best Restorative Dentist award from Main Line Media News is a great honour, and certainly it serves as an accomplishment; however, it reminds me that I (along with my entire dental team) must continue striving to live up to this recognition daily.

When any patient enters our practice on Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr, they can expect to receive this level of service, whether for a simple filling or a complete smile makeover. It is our commitment to every patient we see, and the reason we have developed such strong ties in our community over the past thirty years.

If you are experiencing problems due to damaged, missing, or poorly done dental work, please give us the opportunity to discuss your individual needs and options with you. We will help you formulate a plan to restore your smile to its full health and function, whether it is something you have been delaying dealing with for years or if you recently received a treatment proposal from another dental office that you are unsure of.

Dillon Family Dentistry offers more than just repairing teeth; we strive to help our patients regain their self-esteem, improve their ability to eat and chew, and recreate the smile they want. That is what we believe restorative dentistry should offer to our patients at Dillon Family Dentistry, and that is what we provide on a daily basis to our patients from Bryn Mawr and along the Main Line of Philadelphia.

Are you ready to begin your journey into a new smile by experiencing award-winning restorative dentistry? If you answered yes, please call Dillon Family Dentistry at (610) 981-1997 or come visit us at our office at 1084 East Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr, PA. We love serving our patients along the Main Line of Philadelphia; however, if you live in Ardmore, Haverford, Villanova, Rosemont, or beyond, we will be happy to assist you as well. Let us help you achieve a beautiful smile!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does “Best Restorative Dentist” mean, and why did Main Line Media News honor Dillon Family Dentistry?

Main Line Media News has presented the Best Restorative Dentist Award to Dillon Family Dentistry as an example of excellence in clinical skills and providing top patient care for restorative dental procedures, which include crowns, bridges, implants, and full mouth reconstructive work. This practice was awarded because of Dr. Dillon’s 30 years of experience, his advanced clinical training, the satisfaction that they provide to their patients, and also receiving recognition from his peers in the Bryn Mawr and Main Line area. The award represents both the practical skills of the practice, as well as their focus on patient care and the development of durable and functional aesthetic results.

2. What types of restorative dental services does Dillon Family Dentistry offer in Bryn Mawr?

Dillon Family Dentistry provides comprehensive restorative dentistry, including dental crowns and bridges, dental implant restoration, full mouth reconstruction, tooth-colored fillings, root canal therapy, and treatment for damaged or broken teeth. Dr. Dillon uses advanced materials like BruxZir and eMax ceramics, digital impressions, and CEREC same-day crown technology to deliver durable, natural-looking results. Whether you need a single crown or a complete smile restoration, the practice customizes treatment plans to each patient’s specific needs and goals.

3. How much does restorative dental work cost in Bryn Mawr, PA?

Restorative dental costs vary widely depending on the complexity of treatment. A single crown typically ranges from $1,200-$1,800, while dental implant restorations run $3,000-$5,000 per tooth, including the implant, abutment, and crown. Full mouth reconstructions can range from $15,000-$50,000+, depending on the extent of work needed. Dillon Family Dentistry offers complimentary consultations, works with dental insurance, and provides financing options through CareCredit to make restorative care accessible. The practice also creates phased treatment plans so patients can spread out costs over time while addressing urgent issues first.

4. How long do dental crowns and restorations last?

If appropriate care and upkeep are offered, dental crowns may last from 10 – 15 years on average, with many lasting more than 20 years. Dental implants have been successful in 95%+ of patients and, when properly taken care of, may last a lifetime. Bridges can expect to function for 10 – 15 years. Restoration longevity can be affected by oral hygiene, dentist visits for routine examinations, habits of grinding teeth, and the quality of the initial work performed. At Dillon Family Dentistry, Dr. Dillon uses the finest materials and detailed work to extend the maintenance period for each restoration. Routine checkups every 6 months provide a means to detect any issues early before they become major problems.

5. Is restorative dentistry painful?

Modern restorative dentistry should not be painful. Dillon Family Dentistry uses effective local anesthesia to ensure you feel no discomfort during procedures. For anxious patients, sedation options are available, including nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. After treatment, some mild soreness or sensitivity is normal for a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Dr. Dillon’s gentle technique and attention to patient comfort mean most patients report far less discomfort than they anticipated. The practice takes breaks when needed and explains each step to reduce anxiety.

6. What makes Dillon Family Dentistry different from other Main Line dental practices?

Dillon Family Dentistry stands apart through Dr. Dillon’s extensive experience (30+ years), commitment to never overselling treatment, investment in advanced technology, and genuine patient-first philosophy. Unlike corporate dental chains focused on production numbers, this Bryn Mawr practice takes time with each patient, explains all options honestly, and respects whatever treatment decision patients make. The practice’s longevity in the community, multiple-generation family relationships, and recognition from Main Line Media News reflect consistently excellent care delivered with compassion and integrity.

7. Can dental implants fail, and what happens if they do?

Dental implants have a high success rate of more than 95%, but there are times when a failure can happen for a few reasons: infection, not having enough bone in the jaw, or failing to integrate properly with your jawbone. Early failures happen during the early months after placement and will usually be replaced at no charge. Late failures, which occur several years after placement, usually arise from poor hygiene practices, clenching or grinding your teeth, and losing bone due to gum disease. By taking great care in selecting cases, making precise surgical decisions using 3D imaging, and providing meticulous follow-up, Dillon Family Dentistry, Dr. Dillon, keeps the risk of implant failure very low. In the event that an issue does arise, they address it in a timely manner to ensure that the problem is resolved.

8. Do I need to see a specialist for restorative dentistry, or can a general dentist do it?

Many general dentists like Dr. Dillon have extensive advanced training in restorative procedures and can handle complex cases that might otherwise require a specialist. Dr. Dillon has completed thousands of restorative cases, including full mouth reconstructions, implant restorations, and advanced cosmetic work. That said, he collaborates with trusted specialists when cases require it, such as referring to oral surgeons for complex implant placements or periodontists for advanced gum disease. The advantage of working with an experienced general restorative dentist is continuity of care; one doctor manages your entire treatment plan.

9. How do I know if I need a crown, implant, or some other restoration?

The right restoration depends on your specific situation. Crowns work well for teeth that are cracked, heavily filled, or structurally weak but still have healthy roots. Implants are the gold standard for missing teeth, providing permanent, independent tooth replacement. Bridges replace missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth. Root canals save teeth with infected nerves. During your consultation at Dillon Family Dentistry in Bryn Mawr, Dr. Dillon examines your teeth, takes necessary X-rays, and explains which options fit your case. He presents conservative and comprehensive approaches, explaining the pros, cons, and costs of each so you can make an informed decision.

10. Does dental insurance cover restorative dentistry procedures?

Many dental insurance providers offer some degree of reimbursement for dental restorations, but not always equally. Restorative treatments typically receive about 50% coverage (after deductible) for crowns and bridges, and 50% coverage for root canal treatments. While some plans cover dental implants with little to no reimbursement, others offer substantially less reimbursement. Complete mouth rehabilitation procedures generally receive some level of reimbursement based on medical necessity, with some requiring the use of multiple types of restorations to make them complete. Dillon Family Dentistry will work with you to understand your insurance coverage, determine potential out-of-pocket costs, and create a payment plan or set up financing through Care Credit.