Put Your Best Smile Forward
Known as a “master” in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Kenneth Siegel of Dental Excellence of Blue Bell offers multiple pathways to a bright, healthy, and properly functioning smile.
For more than 35 years, Kenneth B. Siegel, D.M.D., has stood at the forefront of cosmetic, general, and restorative dentistry in the Greater Philadelphia Area.
His practice, the aptly named Dental Excellence of Blue Bell, has evolved to fulfill virtually any dental need, from the simple to the complex. Over the past 37 years, Dr. Siegel and his team have transformed thousands of smiles through dental implants, full smile makeovers, and other specialized cosmetic procedures, as well as routine dental care.
Dr. Siegel treats every patient with kindness and respect. Patients have described him as “welcoming and personable,” “talented, patient, and excellent,” and, simply, “the best dentist in the area.” His patients aren’t the only ones who recognize him for his chairside manner and skills that are far beyond those of a general practitioner. Organizations such as the National Consumer Advisory Board, the Consumers Research Council of America, and Smile Source, as well as area publications such as Suburban Life, have all recognized him as one of the area’s top dentists.
His reputation as an exceptional clinician aside, Dr. Siegel sees himself as an educator, first and foremost.
“My team and I take the time to get to know each patient in terms of their dental needs and concerns, but also from a personal perspective,” he says. “It’s always a collaboration. Our goal is to gain a thorough understanding of what each patient is looking for so we can in turn give them a thorough understanding of their options, including what they can expect in terms of cost, timing, and results.”
Regardless of each patient’s goals, Dr. Siegel says the journey to a healthier, more beautiful, and well-functioning smile begins with a thorough exam. From there, doctor and patient have a frank discussion about appropriate treatment options.
“Normally we’ll take digital X-rays, a number of photographs, and, if needed, a 3D dental CT,” he says. “We can put those images up on a big 55-inch monitor so patients can see what I'm seeing. From there, I ask them to tell me what they don’t like about their smile. I’m there to advise them. I try not to prejudice their opinions until they ask me, ‘What do you see?’ When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, most people don’t really know which option would be best for them. Some have an idea, but if I think they’re heading down a path that will not deliver the outcome they’re looking for, I see it as my responsibility to tell them.”
Besides taking a hands-on approach to treating patients, Dr. Siegel and his team employ cutting-edge technology to enhance the dental experience. Examples include:
* A 3D cone beam scanner that provides highly detailed, 360-degree views of the mouth and jaws for use in patient diagnosis and treatment. This is especially useful for planning complex procedures such as dental implants.
* The E4D digital crown manufacturing system that enables Dr. Siegel to provide same-day crowns. After taking a digital scan of a patient’s teeth, he can then design, create, and place a perfectly fitted dental crown, all in a single office visit.
* The K7 Evaluation System (used in concert with the 3D cone beam scanner) that allows Dr. Siegel to diagnose patients who have pain associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). After using this technology to determine the source of the problem, he can then recommend appropriate treatment, such as the use of a removable dental orthotic appliance or the J5 Dental TENS unit, an ultra-low-frequency device that can promote muscle relaxation, blood circulation, and range of motion to alleviate TMJ pain.
* A computer-assisted injection system and a hard-tissue laser that helps Dr. Siegel take a minimally invasive approach to remove tooth decay and provide fillings, without the need for anesthetic injections. In addition, the practice offers NuCalm, a drug-free form of sedation that incorporates therapies such as headphones and a light-blocking mask to stimulate relaxation. These technologies and therapies can make patients more comfortable and less anxious in the dentist’s chair.
In Good Hands
A career in dentistry seemed almost predestined for Dr. Siegel, who knew early on that he wanted to pursue a career in health care. Having watched his grandfather and uncle operate dentistry practices of their own, he chose to follow in their footsteps by helping patients attain healthier, better functioning, and more attractive smiles.
Dr. Siegel earned his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry. Since then, he has undergone more than 1,000 hours of additional training emphasizing cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. He received this specialized training through prestigious institutions such as the Advanced Dental Implant Research and Education Center, the Global Dental Implant Academy, and the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies, where he earned the title “Master Aesthetic Dentist.” He also maintains his membership in organizations such as the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics.
In other words, continuing education remains a priority for Dr. Siegel.
“You don’t know what you don’t know, and you certainly don’t know how to do new things properly if you haven’t taken the time to learn properly,” he says. “There’s a big difference between reading a journal article about a cutting-edge procedure and having someone who has done that cutting-edge procedure multiple times show you step by step that there may be a better way to deliver results for patients.”
Dr. Siegel welcomes patients to come to Dental Excellence of Blue Bell for a dental experience that he has strived to make as comfortable and convenient as possible. From thoughtful patient comforts such as a Tempur-Pedic pad on every dentist’s chair to the availability of same-day emergency treatment to a broad range of payment options, he wants every patient who walks through his door to know that they are in the hands of someone who has exemplary skill and training, but also someone who truly cares about the health, function, and appearance of their smile.
Dental Excellence of Blue Bell
706 DeKalb Pike
Blue Bell, Pa.
(610) 272-0828
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Life magazine, January 2023.
