Michael M Bukumira, DDS

I’d like to start this review off by saying check out that million dollar movie star smile in my profile picture because that’s the basis for this Unilocal review. I originally came to Dr. Bukumira’s office roughly three years ago for a routine teeth cleaning that turned into an epic invisalign journey ending in pearly white perfection!
I had been to several dentists prior to Dr. Bukumira looking for help tweaking my unbelievably ratchet teeth that had shifted and moved in a million different directions since I stopped wearing my retainer decades ago. Literally every other dentist kept telling me that they couldn’t help and I would required train-​track metal braces from an orthodontist. This option was out since a large portion of my job requires presentations, sales closing abilities, etc.
Dental Professionals of Lincoln Park to the rescue!!! It felt like the entire staff was working tirelessly to provide me with the smile I wanted. My case required Dr. Bukumira to
1a) establish enough space for a FULL TOOTH dead set in the front on my mouth using rubber bands and keeping my fully stocked in fake teeth for my invisalign trays (special shout out to Lisa for making about a thousand pontiffs on short notice whenever I I dropped mine down the sink drain)
2b) improve my bite as my front two teeth rested exactly on top of my bottom two teeth– well one top tooth rested on the bottom while the other one rested BEHIND the bottom teeth (I am not being hyperbolic my mouth was a mess)
3c) consult with periodontists to see if the space HE CREATED (let me emphasize again that I was born missing teeth and Dr. Bukumira created a space that was not even there) would yield enough room for an implant. And if not explore bridge options that committed as little teeth as possible
And that was just for inviaslign!!! Whew. Dr. Bukumira also did my veneers which look unbelievably beautiful and I get compliments on them daily. On a final note I need to say that his front of the house staff is pretty incredible as well. I travel extensively for my job which required creative scheduling on behalf of the staff and I cannot stress enough how helpful they were with getting me on the books for appointments. Best dental office ever!

I have seen Dr. Bukumira for a couple of cleanings over the last several years, but no actual dental work until recently. The experiences were never bad — he was always very nice, and from our discussions appeared to possess extensive knowledge of cosmetic dentistry. However, when it came time to repair two cavities, my experience was vastly different.
Over the course of a 6 month period I was rescheduled multiple times by the nurses. When the appt day arrived without being rescheduled again, I showed up and the office was closed. (I still have my appt card so know the date and time were accurate.) I left a voicemail asking what happened, and didn’t receive a call to reschedule for another two weeks. I was hesitant to go in for dental work at this point, but didn’t want the ordeal of starting over.
I arrived the night of my new appt and Bukumira seemed rushed, making comments about needing to get everything done quickly. He numbed me up, drilled to get the cavities removed, and I was out of the office within the hour (including checkout).
That evening, the pain I experienced was incredible. I needed lots of Tylenol and an ice pack to fall asleep. This persisted and worsened each day. I called them to get a follow up appt because it didn’t feel right — I couldn’t eat, was having trouble sleeping due to the pain, and my eye/​face/​neck/​jaw were in agony. They told me this was «normal» and that the filling was minimal — no where near the nerve. I called three times over a seven day period trying to be seen for a review of the dental work. Exactly one week following my appt and without being seen again, the nurse left me a voicemail saying I’d need my tooth pulled and directed me to a specialist for this. Bukumira did not feel the need to see me again. And when I finally received a live call from one of the assistants, she didn’t want to discuss the situation and cut me off.
I ended up calling up a dentist I saw to have a crown replaced in 2009. He found that the filling was far too large, and there wasn’t enough space between the teeth. He ground the filling down, and gave me some tooth separation. So far, my jaw and teeth are feeling better. He did say since the filling was touching my nerve (exact opposite of what Bukumira’s office told me), that I’d likely require a root canal — waiting to find out for sure on that. For now, I feel better and am extremely glad I did not continue with Bukumira’s practice. Accidents occur in all lines of work, and I can accept that. What troubles me most isn’t that I’ll likely need a root canal, but the poor quality and responsiveness in the follow up, as well as the carelessness of the staff and dentist after the damage was done. This was a very upsetting experience.

If there was ever such thing as a pleasant dental experience, this is it! So many exceptional things to compliment it is almost easier just to list:
*incredibly friendly staff (volunteered the Wifi password so I wouldn’t be eating my data!)
*hi-​tech equipment (offered me an iPad and headphones during my filling to avoid hearing the beautiful drilling)
*spa like experience (offer warm towels after the procedure)
Most importantly, I felt as if my teeth are finally in phenomenal hands. Dr. Bukumira spends as much time as necessary with patients discussing and educating. As gross as it seems, he actually showed me my cavity after my procedure so I could see what it was (as opposed to being pointed to a white circle on a X-​ray). His team offers great amenities and service, but ultimately my teeth are what I care about and luckily, those are safe and sound with the Dental Professionals of Lincoln Park!

He is the best there is. He’s honest and kind. I would recommend him to anyone.

I love Dr. Bukumira. I have been seeing him for almost 20 years. Over the years, because of insurance, I have had to use other dentists, but I always return to Dr. Bukumira. Other dentists have commented on my two bridges and always want to know who did my work as they are impressed with them. To me that is a sign of a fantastic dentist. Plus much of his staff has been with him a very long time. That speaks to me about how he runs his business. Several years ago, I was very, very ill and in the hospital for several weeks. The office found out and sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I was so incredibly touched. When I moved out of the city to Oak Park, I still continued to see him even though there were dentists all around me. I have yet to find another dentist at the level of Dr. Bukumira.

The staff there is absolutely amazing! For the first time, I will be sad when I don’t have to go to the dentist as frequently! They brighten my day every time I go there. Everyone is extremely friendly, upbeat and accommodating. Dr. Bukumira is the best dentist I’ve even met. It has been a long time since I’ve seen someone so into their job. You can tell he takes his job very seriously. He is also a perfectionist. I have gone to him for a crown and am in the process of starting invisalign. He’s also phenomenal with shots (which I typically hate and freak out about!)

Dr Bukumira is really communicative and has all of the fancy toys that a dentist should. He found a cavity that was missed by the dentist I’ve been seeing since I was a kid. I was told that I narrowly avoided a root canal. His staff is also quite helpful and friendly. Of all of my dental experiences this was by far the best.

My husband and I have been coming to Dr. Bukumira for many years now. My husband much longer than I have, probably 10 years or more. I’ve been going there at least 5, maybe longer.
We have no complaints and adore all of his staff there. The girls are friendly up front and the hygienists are all fantastic. My husband had Invisalign here and his teeth came out great. They are always great about reminding us about our appointments or being flexible if we need to change one.
After our dental insurance changed when one of us switched employers, Delta Dental required us to pay for our cleanings/​xrays up front and get reimbursed later. Because we are loyal clients, Dr. Bukumira had no issue with paying the service fee up front and when the checks get mailed to us from Delta Dental, we simply drop them off at their office. Now that’s great customer service and we truly appreciate it.
Customers for life.
PS — if you have a friend who does not have dental insurance, a great gift is purchasing a gift card for a cleaning and xrays. I did that for an employee and for a nanny.

Don’t go anywhere else! They are the best! Very friendly and most importantly, they are good at what they do.

I have been going to Dr. Bukumira for a few years and was happy until my most recent visit.
I was charged for having my gums checked which I was never previously charged. I would not have taken exception if I had been told in advance of the procedure or even as I was checking out. However, I was notified when I received a statement for the balance I owed after insurance.
I have a problem paying a $ 180 for a cleaning and exam from a hygenist, considering the dentist NEVER saw me during the visit.

So accommodating, friendly, and comprehensive! They even honored the «first time cleaning coupon» without even having it! Just be sure to mention it on the phone when you make your appointment.
Can’t wait to get my Invisalign!

Moving to a new city means trying to find new doctors, dentists, etc. It is hard to do this. who knows where to go?
I got a mailer with coupons in it that included one for this office. $ 69 cleaning for first time clients. Sold.
I had not been to the dentist for. ahem…um.a while. So I expected to endure some torture at the hands of a scolding hygienist. It wasn’t too bad and she was so nice that the experience was bearable.
Dr. Bukumira was very pleasant and professional. He let me know about things to keep an eye on (I’m a grinder!) without trying to force me into buying products or procedures.
Dentist down, gotta find the doctor next!

I have been a client of Dr. Bukumira for almost 4 years and plan to stay! I not only appreciate how attentive he and his staff are to my teeth, but to my general well-​being. I had Invisalign and couldn’t be happier with the results. Two years later I still get compliments on my smile! Dr. B and his entire staff are top notch. So far, I have referred 4 friends because of their services. Plus, they have flat screen TVs which makes the experience all the more enjoyable!

This is the office of Michael Bukumira D.D.S. who is extremely passionate about his job and THE best dentist I’ve ever had. In addition to his great qualities, I absolutely love his staff. They will do anything they can to make your visit as pleasant as possible. They always remember who you are by name and they treat as you as if you were one of their good friends. They even send you a Banana Republic gift card when you refer someone as a Thank You. They are just awesome.
I love this Dentist office.
They have a website: