I spent about 4 1/2 hours in his chair (did I mention I have bad teeth?) & I did not feel a minute of pain. The most discomfort I felt was a little dry mouth from keeping my mouth open for so long, for which he gave me a bottle of spring water afterwards.

It was my first experience with laser dentistry & I found myself wondering "why don't all dentists do this?" It's a quick & painless procedure (so much so that I couldn't figure out which tooth he was working on at first).

Even when he had to use the traditional drill, Dr. Alvarez was very gentle with the novacane injections & gave me enough of it so that I didn't feel the drill. (Usually I have to stop the drilling to ask more novacane - ok, so I'm a big baby).

I'm so excited to have found such a great dentist. I'll never go to anyone else again. Plus he has such a pleasant way about him, you instantly feel like you're talking to a friend.

Dr. Alvarez has been practicing for about 10 years and has a small practice in Murray Hill. He performs all procedures, including routine cleanings, himself and is one of the friendliest doctors I've ever had in any field.

He also is a pioneer in the use of lasers in dentistry. On my first visit, he used a laser to look for cavities and found one that otherwise wouldn't have been spotted. For fillings, rather than using novicane and drilling the conventional way, he uses a laser drill that is completely painless. He's since upgraded lasers to a more accurate and comfortable water laser (before you could feel something, but it didn't hurt; now you don't feel a thing). I went this morning for a filling (yes, I was bad) and the whole process took only about 20 minutes and I was able to go right to work with zero discomfort.

I also hear that he can use lasers for cosmetic dentistry and is an expert in the field, but haven't taken him up on these services yet.

He has a gentle hand which is important to me because I am very afraid of going to the dentist. Dr. Alvarez had alot of work with me, because I had a bad infection, but he was just as patient when he finished and explained everything that I should do when I got home. I followed his instructions carefully, and I was back at work the next morning with no pain!!

My criteria for picking Dr. Alvarez were very demanding. I would only see a dentist who could do LASER - ASSISTED extractions. I felt no pain during the surgery. After studying lasers for a year, I found out Dr. Alvarez is one of few doctors who could do this surgery. I found that to be superior because the majority of laser owners and laser trainers don't do this surgery. To me that makes him one of the most skillful dentists in the country.

Dr. Alvarez always looking for the newest technologies that enhance the dental experience. I know he is close to purchasing a CEREC system which will enable him to do crown, inlays, and veneers in one visit. This shows that he cares about his patience time by doing a procedure once, which would usually take two visits. I'm already scared enough to go the first time.

The best part is he drove me home in his convertible Mercedes because my mouth was pretty swollen. Talk about a doctor who cares. Now that's SERVICE.

Every procedure I've had has been painless and the occasion where I had the laser used to clear a cavity was amazing considering I did not need any novicane!

After chatting just a few minutes with Dr. Alvarez, it's obvious that he keeps up with the entire field of medicine, not just dentistry, and he loves his job quite a bit.

Scheduling an appointment is very convenient, and his staff is extremely pleasant, always helping with paperwork and going the extra mile to help you out.

I have been so impressed with his services that I brought my 7-year-old daughter to be treated by him. His relaxed chair-side manner has made all her visits a breeze. When she needed two fillings, he used a laser instead of a drill, so there were no shots, no numbness, and no pain.

I have found Dr. Alvarez to be a sensitve, professional, and above all a good listener which is rare in the world of healthcare today.

We would not dream of going elswhere for dental care.

I only wish my other medical specialists were like him.

Also his staff is great at making you feel at home.

About Hygienist: GREAT!

I am having invasalign treatment and all along I know what is going to happen next due to the constant information being provided by the doctor. He has been highly professional and being so knowledgeable he is sure what the perfect result should be and has been persistant in pursuing this.

I am very satisfied and would recommend him to anyone without any reservation.

I had a full dental exam, a cleaning, a gum treatment, and two fillings done. I can't imagine that an exam could be more thorough; he checks for any possible problems not only with your teeth, but gums, jaw, etc.. The gum treatment, done with laser, fixed a persistent problem that I have had for a couple of years and that did not respond to other treatments. The fillings were done as painlessly as possible, one with the laser and the other with a combo of drilling/laser. As a result there was very little residual pain the next day.

Dr. Alvarez's staff is also very pleasant. His prices are in line with other NY dentists and I was able to get an estimate in writing before undergoing treatment.

Obviously, I highly recommend Dr. Alvarez.

He has ANGEL hands...I have had 3 root canals (2 together)

and haven't felt any pain. I haven't even needed to fill out the prescription he gave me! Dr Alverez and his staff are both friendly and efficient.

I actually don't dread going to visit the denist.

Without question I'd have to say that Dr. Alvarez is beyond compare in all of these areas. He's incredibly knowledgeable, apt, and personable. He discussed exactly what was going to be done and what I should expect thereafter. The procedure was, shockingly, totally painless and the results were unbelievable! Absolutely incredible! I am so happy with the results and the change in my smile.

Even after my crowns were done he extended all of his contact information for me to call at any time in case there were problems afterwards. Let me be clear, the job he did to my teeth was perfect, absolutely incredible. Those who have seen my teeth cant believe it.

His staff, Karen and Tracy, have both been helpful and patient in answering questions and assisting during my follow up visits. I've never felt so comfortable as I have in any dentists' office.

I was immediately impressed with Dr. Alvarez's staff before I ever reached his office. Although I downplayed my symptoms over the phone, Karen and Tracy were able to ascertain that I needed to come in right away. Concerned that the pain I was feeling would get worse, they set up my appointment for that very day  literally within a couple of hours of my phone call.

What was even more impressive was the fact that Dr. Alvarez was technically still on his vacation but was in the office seeing other patients needing emergency care. Such dedication is rare these days! I was relieved to be there, as the pain had already worsened.

Dr. Alvarez greeted me with a warm smile and calm demeanor that put me completely at ease. He explained thoroughly the treatment options for my cracked tooth and made sure I was comfortable and not in any pain.

I am so grateful to Dr. Alvarez for seeing me (a new patient) on such very short notice. I am also grateful to his staff for making a better assessment of my condition than I did.

I fly all the way from England to use Dr Alvarez.

I had a root canal usually a very painful experience however it was painless and very comfortable. very reasonably priced.

overall great service.

Everything came out perfect -- and here is an example of why: When I first met Dr Alvarez, he had taken over my former dentist's practice and I was in the middle of a crown procedure. The tooth, a molar, had already been prepped (not by Dr. Alvarez) and the new crown had come back from the lab. Dr. Alvarez made a trial fitting... and decided it did not seat properly. He could have cemented it in place and called it done....

My teeth really started to bother me a little over 2 years ago. Id met Dr. Alvarez in the neighborhood where I live. My first impression was that as a human being, he was kind and compassionate. His office was literally the next building over from me, so I bit the bullet (so to speak) and paid him a visit. I knew I needed a lot of work done, having avoided the dentist for over 16 years (I think) and was embarrassed to even open my mouth at first! Dr. Alvarez listened to my fears and assured me that the road ahead (which included several cavities and root canals), although long, would be painless and they would make me as comfortable as possible. Aside from being the best dentist there is, he is exceedingly true to his word. A little over 2 years later, Im almost done! I can honestly say, the process has been painless! I have gone from wearing headphones while in the chair (so as not to be aware of my surroundings) and needing gas (even when Im having my teeth cleaned), to using a laser to fill my cavities without Novocain! Dr. Alvarez is aces in my book. I can now say Im not afraid to go to the Dentist, but only if its Dr. Alvarez.

As the result of an accident, my two front teeth were dead and dark. I had veneers put on by my former dentist, which was a real mistake. They looked awful -- bulky, blue-ish, totally fake. I never smiled. Everyone thought I was a real grump. Maybe I was, because my teeth looked so bad.

As dentists know, the hardest thing is to match a dead tooth to the adjacent healthy teeth. After doing tons of research, I picked Dr. Alvarez. He was very accessible, forthcoming and communicative, and answered my zillions of nitpicky questions. Some other dentists suggested overintervention -- veneers on four front teeth, which is much easier for them to match (and also more lucrative for them) -- but putting veneers on healthy teeth is not something I would ever agree to.

Having a lot to live up to, Dr. Alvarez has met every expectation: the office remains a very pleasant environment; the staff is a delight; his treatment procedures and equipment are cutting edge; he's affordable; and is both extremely prompt (a must for busy working adults) and very flexible (I missed an appointment recently and was forgiven for that oversight - and NOT charged a fee).

I can unconditionally recommend Dr. Alvarez to individuals or families looking for a Manhattan dentist with a gentle touch and a solid practice.

I left Dr. Alvarez's office and felt like a new person. I was finally able to smile with pride again. I couldn't stop showing off how great my teeth looked.

He was very clear in communicating my options and what to expect during the treatment and follow up. He made me feel very comfortable and there were no surprises. I had the work done about 6 weeks ago and am as happy with the results today as I was the first day.

---extemely capable

---cares about patient comfort and is always asking patient if he can make them more comfortable

---state of the art equipment and technolgy

---up-to-date on newest trends

---satellite radio listening while he's wking on your mouth

---1 of few dentists who use laser to fill cavities

---sticks to appointment times

---and a nice person!!!

recently had cavity filled with laser instead of drill---

---no pain

---no novocain

---no drooling because of numbness

---able to eat directly after leaving his office

- --the only way to go to fill a cavity!

He is careful in evaluating the problem and thinking through treatment options before making a recommendation. His work is excellent. Best of all, Dr. Alvarez is kind and very sensitive to the comfort of his patients at all times. His staff members are like him, very proficient, attentive and considerate. No, I am not a relative, just a very satisfied, appreciative patient.

Not what I wanted to hear after years of braces, self care, and regular dentist visits.

I went to Dr. Alvarez for a second opinion. He didn't charge me, even though I offered to pay him, for what turned out to be an hour appointment and one x-ray. He was sensitive to my concerns and patient in answering my questions.

I decided to let him do the filling, even though he told me ahead of time that he couldn't use the laser (which is why I had gone to him in the first place).. Dr. Alvarez was very gentle w/the novocaine, first explaining exactly what he was going to do.

Dr. Alvarez did a fabulous job and saved my tooth. I'd never hugged a dentist before, but I did this time. He's a great guy: Smart, warm, friendly, and sincere.

We watched movies and listened to music while he used state of the art equipment for the most pain free visit as possible. I would be lying if I said there was no pain whatsoever, but the ambience and care given made it as smooth as possible. My teeth are now finally finished, they look and feel great, for once in my life I am not scared of them breaking or falling apart. I would recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone, he will give a bright big smile and as pain and worry free an experience as possible to anyone who walks through his door. His staff, especially Tracey, are also very personable and kind. Dr. Alvarez is a nice guy, and a very wonderful dentist, easy-going and personable. Go see him and you will not dread the dentist ever again.

I had an upper denture that made me feel so self conscience I had no confiedence at all. He made me a new upper denture that has changed my smile and my peace of mind. He did it quickly and got it right the very first fitting!!!

He has done (other) wonderful work in my mouth and enormous favors so I could get the dental work I need. He is a GREAT DENTIST and an INCREDIBLE PERSON!! He is the best dentisit I have had work on my mouth!! He really cares about his patients!

I would recommend him to anyone who cares about their teeth.

And his staff is equally wonderful! GO see him!!!!

I live on Long Island, but make it my business to travel to his office because of his excellent service, care and followup. I have had cleanings- teeth whitening- Invisalign - and root canal done by Dr. Alvarez. No pain- no hassles and what a wonderful staff. If you think I am kidding call my office and I will return the call -516-357-9500 x462.

If you want a great place for any dental procedure- call and make your appointment now. I am sure you will experience the best in NY Dentistry.

LG

His treatments are for the most part virtually painless, and his demeanor is extremely pleasant. He takes the time to make sure his patients are comfortable, and asked several times during the procedure how I was doing, and if I was in any pain.

So far he has performed 2 root canals and replaced an old filling. Dr Alvarez takes the time and measures necessary to make sure his patients are happy, and that the job is done impeccably. His staff is professional and courteous, and will always answer any questions you have. In addition he is very flexible and accomodating with his hours. He is willing to take the extra 30 minutes necessary to complete an intricate procedure. Dr Alvarez recently performed a root canal, and discovered that I had 2 roots in my tooth instead of the usual 1. He took the time to finish that root as well, where my past dentist would have made me schedule another appointment.

I cannot say enough how much Dr Alvarez has alleviated the stress and anxiety I used to feel over an impending dental appointment. I would recommend him to anyone in the New York City area.