Austin Smile Creations

I’ve dealt with chronic TMD for years, but when it escalated early this year, I had to get help. After researching my options in the Austin area, I read About Dr. Gotun’s approach and gave Austin Smile Creations a call. I felt so confident after speaking to Elle on the phone. She was informative, sweet, and encouraging. Dr. Gotun’s approach genuinely seeks to find the root of the problem, not just treat pain or sell you an expensive device. He is an amazing doctor — I went in barely able to open my mouth wide enough to eat with a spoon, and now I have no pain and the stiffness has been reduced to almost nothing. I’m so much happier, and my treatment isn’t even complete. Elle and Ashley are just the best, too. They’ve been patient and understanding, as some days at the beginning I could barely speak or smile. Thanks so much Austin Smile Creations! I don’t know what I would have done without you.

Finding Dr. Gotun and his team at ASC has been a complete God send! I had been suffering from sever TMJ and was at a total breaking point. My case had gotten so bad that dentists didn’t really know what to do with me and Oral Surgeons strongly suggested complete jaw reconstruction. Dr. Gotun and his team take a more patient centered approach particular to your specific situation. With a combination of laser treatments and splint therapy, I haven’t felt this good in years. Dr. Gotun himself, along with his wonderful team, have all experienced a form of TMJ themselves. This makes for a relatable and empathetic environment I feel so lucky to have found. If you are having TMJ and jaw pains, I strongly suggest having a consultation at Austin Smile Creations. You will gain a better understanding of such an overlooked disorder and I promise you will gain your beautiful smile and confidence back! :-)

I visited Austin Smile Creations for the first time in 2006 on a recommendation of a friend. I graduated from college the year before and had not seen a dentist in quite a while. My expectations were normal: x-​rays, tooth scraping, suction, etc. However, I was immediately impressed with Dr. Tor Gotun’s methodology. All the tools were there as expected, but Dr. Gotun took the time to explain the purpose behind each procedure, the tools available to the industry, and even his philosophical approach to addressing my dental health. Not only was I impressed with his knowledge and dedication to continued education, but with his ability to include me in the decision-​making process! Needless to say, Tor became my dentist. Austin Smile Creations was the first experience I had with a doctor that included me in the conversation regarding my health & how to best handle it and has become the benchmark for selecting my doctors.
If that wasn’t enough, I’ve never really needed any sedatives or pain killers for my cavities, crowns, or root canals. In fact, I ate a hamburger for dinner after my root canal a few months ago.

Dr. Gotun is aweome I started going when I was about 12 to get my braces. I was scared but he made me feel comfortable. He did an unusual procedure which was successfull! What I like a lot is that he can do everyting and you dont have to go here for cleanings for there for surgrey… Just called to talk about getting my wisdom teeth out soon… eeeekkk but I will be in good hands. My Father has been going for 30+ years for many different things. I love his office the chairs sit in front of a huge window looking into birds and trees. The office staff is just as good. Super friendly! I would refer him to everyone that ask! Thank doc-​TOR

I have been seeing Dr Gotun for 10 years and I think he’s great! What I like is how he explains what’s going on with me at my level of understanding. I like when my doctor’s explain what’s going on.
Dr Gotun does more than just clean your teeth. Any dentist can do that. If you have problems — Dr Gotun has a lot of options for you. He seems to know a lot about TMJ disorders and other strange problems. When I first went to see him, I had a plugged salivary gland. He helped me figure out how to take care of that. What I like is that his first question is «Is this impacting your life». Because a lot of issues can be fixed, but the cost of the fix might not be worth the small life improvement.
I just broke a tooth 2 nights ago and had to be seen quickly. Dr Gotun was on vacation unfortunately, but his staff got back with me right away with the name and number for two doctors that were covering for him while he was away. I went with Dr Lindsay at Balcones Dental. That was an excellent experience. I also recommend him as well.

Initializing rant sequence.
Ugh…REALLY, Tor Gotun? Really? Where should I begin? I go in for an exam — x-​rays, cleaning, the whole bit. I understand the obligatory lecture on flossing at the dentist. It’s to be expected. The physician is always going to tell you not to smoke, the dentist is going to lecture you on why flossing is so important, the sky is blue. But I could have done without the sarcasm and downright rudeness.
No, I don’t want cosmetic surgery my «disproportionate gums.» No, I don’t want to hear your lecture about why the doctoral degree I’m pursuing is going to be useless. No, I am not from a hick town where all we do is play horseshoes.
Then comes the crappiest cleaning of my life. He was done in under five minutes, I kid you not, all the while telling the following illustrative story:
«If a dog tracks mud in the front door, you’re just going to clean that area, right? You’re not going to go and clean the bedroom. It’s the same with cleaning your teeth.»
Hold the eff up – you are not going to clean all of my teeth?!
Admittedly, I hadn’t had my teeth cleaned in about a year, and I asked him straightforward, «How many cavities do I have?» I get a totally political response — «That’s a good question.» Ummm… he can’t read the x-​rays? Or he’s just trying to get me back into his office using scare tactics so he can make more money?
Avoid unless you like crappy medical care and the sweet, sweet feeling of belittlement.