Northwoods Shopping Center, 18160 San Pedro Ave #104, San Antonio, TX 78232

Meet The Doctors

Irene K. Blaess, D.D.S.

Dr. Blaess became a dentist because she wanted to show people that it is possible to have pain free dental experiences. As a child, she had a very traumatic dental episode and it took years to be able to stop being sedated for dental work. Her goal is to ensure children never feel the terror she experienced and have a pain-free dental visit. Her gentle touch and caring manor is what makes her one of the best dentists in Texas. She has won numerous awards for being one of the best dentists in San Antonio, including Top 10 dentists of the year, Top Women Dentists of San Antonio and Best San Antonio Dentist by the express news.

She is a platinum Invisalign provider with over 1000 cases under her belt, and is skilled in doing regular braces too. Dr. Blaess believes it is vitally important to commit time to keep learning. She attends many hours of continuing education courses every year, far beyond the necessary amount required to maintain licensure. The office undergoes constant improvements in equipment, materials, and techniques. She has extensive training in many aspects of General family dentistry including Laser dentistry, Orthodontics, Dentures and partials, Veneers, Root canals, Dental Implants, Full mouth Makeovers and restorations, Snoring and Dental Sleep Appliances, and Kor Tooth Bleaching. She is the right dental choice whether you are looking for an emergency dentist or a five star dentist for your entire family.

Dr. Blaess grew up in Houston from the age of eight, graduating from Sharpstown High School. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Texas in Austin. She is a Longhorn but treats everyones with the same caring touch. Upon receiving her dental degree in 1997 from the UT Health San Antonio she opened DeZavala Dental (the original) and 2003 Northwoods Dental Spa became a reality.

She is mother of two boys, Michael Blaess and Brian Levin. Michael is a local realtor and Brian is at San Antonio Boys Academy. They love to travel, spend time together and with friends and they scuba dive whenever possible.

Craig A Long DDS

Dr. Craig A. Long is a graduate of the University Of Missouri Kansas City School Of Dentistry, 1979. He received BA – Zoology and BA – in Biochemistry in 1975. Dr. Long and had a thriving private general practice for 30 years in Vandalia, MO. He raised three children Christine, Brian, and Megan.  He currently practices and lives in San Antonio, TX with his wife Tish and step children Madison, Davis and Riley Olson.

Dr. Long is a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cranio-Facial Pain, American Orthodontic Society, Academy of General Dentistry, and Fellowship status in the International Congress of Oral Implantology.  He published articles on LANAP in Dentistry Today and the Missouri Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. Long began instructing in 2003 for the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry. He is educating dentists on the low invasive Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP).  He treats and trains dentists on the healing art of treating gum disease utilizing a laser that reassures no bleeding, no stitches and minimal pain. The LANAP procedure enables patients with gum disease to regenerate healthy gingiva and bone.

Juan Hernandez

Dr. Juan Hernandez takes time to connect with his patients. He patiently listens to all their issues and their dental goals. He loves dentistry and was inspired to be a great dentist by his uncle. Whose gentle touch and quality of care he brings to his dental work. Patients enjoy visiting him as he works with them to correct their oral health issues and develop their beautiful and healthy smiles. Dr. Hernandez is a San Antonio dentist who provides comprehensive dental care for the whole family. He focuses on general dentistry, including preventive care, fillings, crowns, and bridges. He is also experienced in dental implant procedures, making him a great choice for patients seeking tooth replacement options.

Dr. Hernandez grew up in Puerto Rico, so he is fluent in Spanish. He attended the University of Puerto Rico where he obtained a bachelor of science in premedical sciences. Then he received a Doctor of Dental Medicine at University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine. Upon graduation he moved to New York City to do a two year general practice residency program at Brookdale University Hospital and a fellowship in Oral Implantology and Biomaterials.

After working at a dental clinic in New York City for a few years, Dr Hernandez was given the opportunity to work for 12 years in Saudi Arabia. He understands and speaks some Arabic. They missed being close to family and because his wife’s family lives in the San Antonio area they made the move back to Texas.

He is married to a fellow dentist Karen Fraticelli. They have 2 children and are very excited to be back in San Antonio because they are now close to family. When you are looking for an emergency dentist, a dentist who is great at dental implants, someone near you or a general dentist for your whole family he is the best dentist to choose. Schedule an appointment today for a healthy and beautiful smile!