COEUR d'ALENE - Three dentists are better than one.

Especially when they've known each other for years, respect one another and happen to have a modern facility with the latest technology and a terrific staff.

The eight-person North Idaho Dental Group was created this summer when Dr. Ben Gates welcomed to the practice Dr. Jim Landers and Dr. Paige Landers. Jim Landers is Paige's father in law, and Ben and Paige have known each other since childhood.

The facility is state-of-the-art and beautifully appointed, designed to make patients feel as comfortable as possible.

But don't let that scare you.

"I had built a practice which for whatever reason, mostly my location, had the public perceiving it as exclusive or expensive," said Dr. Gates, who grew up in the Coeur d'Alene area and has been practicing dentistry since 1998. "That's not the case at all. We're accessible to our community and we do everything."

"Everything" includes keeping costs affordable despite offering top service with superior technology and expert care - especially when the lingering effects of the recession haven't lost their impact on patients.

Dr. Jim Landers, a Coeur d'Alene dentist for more than 35 years, said the rationale behind taking care of your teeth isn't much different than properly maintaining your car.

"People say 'I can't afford it now," he said.

He begs to differ.

Dr. Landers explained that filling a cavity costs about $150 - not chump change for most people, but a sound investment compared to the alternative.

"If they don't get the filling," he said, "that cavity turns into a root canal at $800 or $900," he said. The root canal is followed by a post and a crown, bringing the total cost of a neglected $150 cavity to about $3,000.

"And the thing is, that filling is the best treatment for the cavity," he said. "If you wait, you pay so much more for a lesser result."

Dr. Paige Landers, who graduated from dental school in 2008, said that for those who haven't seen a dentist in some time, a good starting point is to simply make an appointment for a check-up to get teeth examined and cleaned.

Dr. Gates said North Idaho Dental Group serves young children, the elderly and everyone in between - in other words, entire families.

He explained that opening five days a week and being available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. has helped make the practice more accessible to patients. Further, he said, the staff at North Idaho Dental Group works hard to help patients understand their treatment and insurance options.

"With good communication we can use benefits plans to assist in achieving good care and dental health for our patients," he said.