I write this extensive thorough review in the hopes that it gives any readers information & experiences that I was looking for when I was searching for an endodontic practice with particular, specific aspects...
Dr. Ahani and Bayside Endodontics looks so very promising!
Some background: I needed 3 root canals (2 molar, 1 bicuspid). Because of the extensive context of the situation, I looked through 75 endodontic practices' Yelp reviews around the whole Bay Area (from Walnut Creek to Palo Alto), highlighting those mentioning more than just local anesthetic practices -- particularly if it was possible for IV sedation so I can get all 3 root canals in one procedure so I wouldn't have to get injected & numbed on 3 different separate areas of the mouth on 3 separate occasions...!
The main reason I went for a consultation w/ them is because, through a Bard search, found that they were one of the few practices which reviews had spoken about doing 3 root canals within a single procedure; which Dr. Ahani later confirmed. They were one of the very few practices in the whole Bay Area that offer IV sedation as an option. Furthermore, they do offer inhalation sedation (nitrous oxide) & oral medication (Halcion); and another additionally impressive offering by them is that it can be done simultaneously (most others cannot)!
The practice is modern, spacious, very sanitary, & clean. The building itself seemed rather outdated and betrays what the office looks like as it doesn't allude how modern it was inside the office.
Calling to make an appointment, I was informed that they did not take my dental insurance (Delta Dental). I was also informed that he usually allots time for consultations at 8:45Am or 1:45PM.
The CT scan seemed to be a very advanced piece of machinery. Afterward, they also took x-rays as well.
Dr. Ahani is very personable, understanding, and empathetic. He understood my circumstance & my worries about it. He understood how, with 3 teeth at 3 different quadrants of the mouth, how I did not wish to go through multiple procedures for each of them, and was open & more than willing to accomplish doing it in a single procedure. He also assured me that, if I did not opt for the IV sedation that would require, he could offer both oral medication & inhalation sedation to assist w/ the anesthesia. After examining, he started explaining his assessment in which he took a page of paper and started also rudimentarily draw (doodling) what he was explaining & what was going on/happening with my teeth.
After he was done explaining it all to me & gave me my options, he left & I went to the front desk. There, they totaled up to give an estimate of what the procedure would cost; both what each individual tooth would be & the total for all 3 teeth. IV sedation would add $1500-$1800 on top of that & was not covered by insurance. How it worked w/ IV sedation is that it is provided by another company; the appointment is coordinated w/ them. I was told before finding them that usually the outside companies have it that there's a deposit to be paid (like 50% the initial cost), then both businesses coordinate to make an appointment, that you are given 1 or 2 hours based on the IV sedation company (2 hours w/ the one Bayside partners with), then it will be an additional fee ($25-$50) per minutes after.
In the end, together w/ the consultation and the root canal procedure on the 1st tooth, it would've been around $2500 -- if you look at the estimate, my/patient due is $2021 at the time of the procedure as about $500 was due right after the consultation; $245 for the consultation, $255 for the CT scan. Of course it only applied to the 1st tooth so it is $500 lower cost for any additional procedures (which I would need 2 more). Even with that, the other two is $3800 (for another molar, the bicuspid is $240 less). Also must again note, that that is not including the $1500-$1800 IV sedation if that is opted for. As you can see in the estimate, they charge for the nitrous-oxide, but the oral medication (Halcion) is included in the main treatment. I was told directly by Dr. Ahani the oral medication is offered & inclusive. All in all to do all 3 at the same time w/ just IV totaled around $7800!
The last thing I will fault is that he also missed that a tooth, after deep & further examination by another endodontist, was determined that an extraction should be seriously considered instead of a root canal as it seems there's a considerable chance the tooth will not hold up after a root canal & permanent crown after a certain amount of time (which the tooth DID end up fracturing before extraction).
After it all, I had to pass on this very promising practice and the great prospect that is Dr. Ahani. I found another endodontic practice that does take my insurance, and I just could not justify the cost difference between the 2 practices. I really do wish that it wasn't the case, or I would've gone with Dr. Ahani and Bayside Endodontics. read more