It's rare that I leave a low-rating review. I'm a huge supporter of women-owned and local…read morebusinesses, but after my experience with All Smiles Family Dentistry, I feel it's important to share my story.
I originally visited because of a painful cracked tooth. From the beginning, I explained my fear of dentists due to past experiences. I'll take responsibility for avoiding routine visits, but all I asked for was patience, communication, and explanations before procedures.
Annie recommended extracting the cracked tooth and performing two root canals with crowns. The estimated cost was over $5,000 + with insurance. The shock of the sticker price I tried to lighten the mood I jokingly said, "Well, I guess I'm rich and somebody has to pay for that Porsche out back, right? So I guess we're doing this!"...
Apparently, my comedy career wasn't taking off that afternoon......
Anyways, I was referred to another specialist for the extraction and implant, costing an additional $4,000. Credit where it's due, that experience was fantastic! Professional, efficient, and comfortable.
Now, back to the remaining dental work.
During an afternoon appointment, Annie appeared rushed while managing several patients, speaking with her assistant, making phone calls and stepping away to see another patient. Leaving me sitting for approximately 10 minutes with my mouth open, open tooth root exposed and dental equipment still in my mouth.
After seeing the other patient Annie came back and aggressively got to work with the root canal that when I suddenly experienced an incredibly sharp pain that felt like an electrical shock through my entire body. I don't know what happened medically, but my heart began racing, and I genuinely felt like my heart might be exploding. Without question, the worst pain I've ever experienced.
I tried calming myself enough for her to finish. Yet immediately afterward, the receptionist made sure I signed a liability waiver for the second time. Given what had just happened, the timing caught my attention.
Unfortunately, my heart continued racing, and my blood pressure wouldn't settle down. I eventually went to the ER for medical attention. At the time, I didn't know I had high blood pressure, something I later discovered and communicated to the dental office.
Afterward, I intentionally started scheduling morning appointments, hoping for a calmer experience. However, some visits lasted what felt like seconds, with little explanation of their purpose. Time lost at work only to prewarm the dentist's seat for the next patient.
Again, communication was all I was asking for.
Nearly six months later, after numerous appointments, delays, pre-warming seat for patients and issues with the sizing of my replacement tooth, the implant crown and both root canal crowns were finally completed.
You'd think the adventure was over.
But wait! There's more!
I noticed the two crowns didn't look or feel natural, felt overly bulky and bite was off and hurting my other teeth. Something I mentioned during my appointment which Annie 'adjusted' quickly yet still wasn't feeling right. Their shape and definition weren't quite right, especially considering the investment in restoring three teeth.
I understand dentists manage multiple patients, but being left mid-procedure without an explanation wasn't reassuring. At that point, I was considering charging rent for how much time I'd spent in that chair.
Unfortunately, my concerns continued. I eventually sought care from another dentist to address reshaping the crowns and replacing the implant crown so everything would fit more naturally. I also had to address an infection that developed beneath one of the crowns.
After nearly six months, approximately $9,000+ in dental work, multiple procedures, an ER visit and additional corrective treatment, this experience was far from what I'd hoped for. However, after everything I've experienced, they can send me the final bill as I have no intention of returning for additional treatment.
I genuinely tried establishing a positive relationship with the staff throughout this process. I understand dentistry is complicated and healthcare professionals are human. But when someone communicates their anxiety, invests thousands of dollars and places their trust in a provider, patience, communication, and attention to detail should be part of the experience.
I wish Annie and her team the best and hope my experience encourages greater awareness of how patients are treated, especially those struggling with dental anxiety. Highly recommend hiring a secondary dr to help with workload.
And after this experience, I've earned a vacation from the dentist's chair. Preferably somewhere with a beach, a cocktail, and absolutely no dental equipment in sight.