Dental Services in Chicago
Everything we do at Big City Dental, from a routine cleaning to a same-day crown or a full implant plan, explained plainly so you can see what fits.
Big City Dental is a general dental practice on Southport Avenue in Lakeview, Chicago. That means one team and one office for preventive care, repairs, tooth replacement, cosmetic treatment and emergencies, withDr. Nilay planning each case and the same people seeing you through it. If you want to know what that feels like before you call, ourpatient reviews say it better than we can. Pick a service below to read how it works, who it suits and what to expect, or book a visit and we will help you decide in person.
Preventive care
Dental Hygiene
Routine exams and cleanings are the foundation of everything else we do. Our hygienists work unhurried, with low-dose digital X-rays, an oral cancer screening at every exam, and a clear explanation of what we found and what can wait. Most patients come twice a year; if your gums need more attention, we will tell you plainly and plan it together.
Dental Hygiene in ChicagoPeriodontal Therapy
Bleeding when you brush, tender gums and bad breath that will not go away are usually signs of gum disease, and it is treatable. We start with a careful measurement of your gums, then a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) with numbing so it is comfortable. Follow-up perio maintenance visits keep the infection from returning and protect the bone that holds your teeth.
Periodontal Therapy in Chicago
Restorative dentistry
Restorative Dentistry
When a tooth is worn, cracked, decayed or missing, restorative dentistry brings back comfort and function. Depending on how much of the tooth is left, that may mean a tooth-colored filling, an onlay, a crown, a bridge or an implant. Dr. Nilay explains each option, what it costs and how long it is expected to last, so you can choose what fits your mouth and your budget.
Restorative Dentistry in ChicagoCrowns and Bridgework
A crown covers and strengthens a tooth that is cracked, heavily filled or has had a root canal. A bridge uses crowns on neighboring teeth to replace one that is missing. We shade-match every restoration to your own teeth and, in many cases, can design, mill and place a ceramic crown in a single visit with our in-office CEREC system.
Crowns and Bridgework in ChicagoSame-Day Crowns
With digital impressions and an in-office milling unit, a crown that used to take two visits and a temporary can be finished in one. You arrive, we prepare the tooth, scan it, design the crown while you wait, and cement it the same day. The result is a precise ceramic restoration with no goopy impression and no second appointment.
Same-Day Crowns in ChicagoSame-Day Onlays
An onlay rebuilds the damaged part of a tooth while keeping the healthy structure around it, which makes it a more conservative choice than a full crown. We scan the tooth, design the onlay digitally and mill it in the office, so it is bonded in place the same day. It is a common fix for a large old filling or a cracked cusp.
Same-Day Onlays in ChicagoSame-Day Restorations
A chipped or broken tooth rarely needs to wait. Depending on the damage, we can bond, fill, place an onlay or finish a milled ceramic crown in the same appointment, so you leave with a tooth that looks and works like it should. If the tooth needs more than a single-visit repair, we stabilize it that day and explain the next step before you go.
Same-Day Restorations in Chicago
Implants and tooth replacement
Dental Implants
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up: a titanium post in the jaw, a connector and a custom crown on top. Dr. Nilay plans every case on a 3D CBCT scan, so placement is precise and recovery is predictable. Implants protect the bone, leave neighboring teeth untouched and let you eat normally. We will tell you upfront if a bone graft is needed first.
Dental Implants in ChicagoSame-Day Implants
In qualifying cases, the implant can be placed and a temporary tooth attached in the same appointment, so you never leave with a gap. Whether that is right for you depends on bone quality, the position of the tooth and your bite, which we assess on a CBCT scan at the consultation. The final crown is fitted once the implant has fully integrated.
Same-Day Implants in ChicagoSnap-In Dentures
Snap-in dentures attach to a small number of implants, so they do not slip when you eat or talk and need no adhesive. They are removable for cleaning, more stable than a conventional denture and easier on the gums. If you already wear a denture that moves, or are facing the loss of several teeth, this is often the most practical step up from a traditional plate.
Snap-In Dentures in Chicago
Cosmetic dentistry and alignment
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry at Big City Dental starts with a conversation about what you would change, then a plan that fits it: professional whitening for color, bonding for small chips and gaps, porcelain veneers for shape and symmetry, or a full smile makeover that combines them. Every result is designed to look like your teeth, only healthier and more even.
Cosmetic Dentistry in ChicagoClear Aligners
Clear aligners straighten crowded, spaced or shifted teeth with a series of nearly invisible trays you change every one to two weeks. We scan your teeth digitally, show you the planned result before you start, and check progress at short visits. Treatment is quieter and easier to live with than braces, and a retainer keeps the result once you finish.
Clear Aligners in Chicago
Emergency care and protection
Emergency Dentistry
We hold time every day for patients who need to be seen now: a toothache that keeps you up, a broken or knocked-out tooth, a lost crown or filling, or swelling that worries you. Call first and we will tell you what to do on the way in. The goal of the first visit is relief, then a plain explanation of what the tooth needs and when.
Emergency Dentistry in ChicagoCustom Nightguards
Morning jaw soreness, headaches and flattened or chipped edges are signs you grind or clench at night. A custom nightguard is made from a digital scan of your teeth, so it fits precisely, stays put and protects enamel, crowns and veneers from years of wear. It is thinner and far more comfortable than a boil-and-bite guard from the drugstore.
Custom Nightguards in Chicago
Common Questions
FAQ's
What services does Big City Dental offer?
Big City Dental is a general dental practice in Chicago's Southport Corridor offering dental hygiene, periodontal therapy, restorative dentistry, crowns and bridgework, same-day crowns, same-day onlays, same-day restorations, dental implants, same-day implants, snap-in dentures, cosmetic dentistry, clear aligners, emergency dentistry and custom nightguards. Routine care, repairs, implants, cosmetic treatment and emergency visits are all handled under one roof by Dr. Nilay and the team.
Which treatments can be finished in one visit?
Crowns, onlays and many chipped-tooth repairs are designed, milled and placed in a single appointment using digital scans and our in-office milling unit. In qualifying cases, a dental implant can be placed with a temporary tooth the same day. Emergency visits are also seen same-day during office hours.
Do you work with my dental insurance?
We work with most insurance plans, just a little differently. We focus on your care first, then help you maximize the benefits your plan gives you. We submit claims for you and make the process as easy as possible. If you do not have insurance, our dental membership plan covers cleanings, exams and X-rays for one yearly price.
Happy Patients
What Our Patients Say
Our patients come from across Chicago’s Northside neighborhoods. Here’s what they’re saying about their experience at Big City Dental.
4.8 out of 5 on Google160+ reviews
Very good dental hygienist. Patient, answered all questions and cleaned my teeth with no discomfort
ruth R.Google review · I have been going to Big City Dental for year. The current crew is beyond exceptional. During my most recent appointment, Ashley provided a wonderful cleaning. Dr Patel and I sat down for a consultation for some work we will need to do in the near future. His clam demeanor and extensive knowledge put me completely at ease. I had a scan preformed by Yana she was great. Raquel checked me out in her usual kind and efficient way. She also created an estimate for the upcoming procedures. I highly recommend Big City Dental.
Pam W.Google review · Our family has gone to Big City for decades and we recommend the practice to our family and friends for gentle and comprehensive care. Great location too.
James C.Google review · Dr. Kalentsky recently sold the practice to a new dentist, and he's great! Had been a patient of Dr. K for years, and the transition has been pretty seamless.
Amy R.Google review · Always the best care and attention! Everyone is professional and friendly and always accommodating if I need to reschedule an appointment. Also, I really appreciate the reminders about upcoming appointments! Hooray for Big City Dental!
Sally B.Google review · I saw doctor Nilay yesterday for the first time and I had a great experience. He was attentive and guided me through the procedure and made me feel very comfortable. I definitely recommend Dr. Nilay Patel if you are looking for a great dentist!
Gui V.Google review · I've been going to this practice for over 30 years, and my long-time dentist finally retired a few months ago. I'm very happy to report that the new dentist who has taken over is a very sociable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy person. I'll be happy to continue going here for another 30 years!
Tom T.Google review · Ashley does a great job as hygienist- takes the time to explain what she's doing. Dr. Nilay also great and thoroughly explains procedures. Great location!
Julie C.Google review · I can’t say enough good things about this dental office. From the moment you walk in, everyone is kind, welcoming, and professional. The dentist truly takes the time to explain everything, answer questions, and make sure you’re comfortable throughout the entire visit. I always feel like I’m in great hands and that they genuinely care about doing excellent work—not rushing or cutting corners. The quality of care is consistently wonderful, and I leave every appointment feeling confident and well taken care of. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dentist they can truly trust!
Elli B.Google review · Been a patient here for years, and every time I leave, I swear I’m going to floss every day… it lasts about a week, but they never judge me! The hygienists are gentle, esp Abby. Dr. Nilay is awesome, and they somehow make dental cleanings almost enjoyable. Highly recommend this crew!
Megan L.Google review · Big City Dental was clean, efficient, and friendly. I will be requesting Abby every time I go now!
Patrick L.Google review · I would definitely recommend Big City Dental to everyone that I know. My Hygienist Ashley was very efficient and thorough and my teeth especially clean. I was totally impressed. I will definitely recommend Ashley to all my family and friends.
mark D.Google review ·
A selection of recent 4 and 5 star Google reviews. The rating reflects all reviews.
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Ready to Experience Dentistry Elevated?
Big City Dental on Southport Ave is accepting new patients. Whether you’re due for a cleaning or ready to transform your smile, Dr. Nilay and the team are here to make it easy!