Excellent experience! In short, I came to this office for the first time to get a second opinion. Dr. Albert did a great job clearly explaining his findings, worked with a light hand, and best of all... didn't try to rip me off (I'll explain later so those that don't want to read the boring details won't have to). I appreciated the professional service received from the Dentist and his staff. I definitely will return to this office.
For the long story... Started the visit with a full set of x-rays, which was quick and painless. Jonie, did a great job positioning the x-ray sensor so my gums weren't hurting after she finished. After a few minutes, Dr. Albert came in, evaluated my gums, then provided a clear and detailed explanation of what he found. Here goes, let's see how it matches up: Gums, not so good, I needed some deep cleaning (match). Angle of one of my wisdom teeth (yup, got them all still) causes it to push up against another tooth making it difficult to clean, need to start flossing or it will become an issue (not a match). One tooth had a cavity which needed to be addressed, and one tooth could become a problem if I don't start flossing or floss more often (slight match). A copy of the other x-rays were sent prior to my appointment so we could compare. Some teeth which the other office identified to have cavities, were not identified as having cavities at this office. I was also reminded of the importance of flossing (match), which probably happens at all offices when you answer "uhh, not really" after being asked "How OFTEN do you floss?". Overall, better results than the other office. Got the cavity and deep cleaning (one side) taken care on the same day, and then scheduled another deep cleaning appointment for the other side. Griselda did a great job with the deep cleaning, so I wasn't worried when I returned.
BACKGROUND:
I used to drive down to an office near Hollywood for routine check-ups and cleanings. Great place, great price (cash patient), no issues, but started having less and less time to continue driving through LA traffic for dental work (1.5 hrs, ONE way -- should only take 40 min); office is no longer there. I also started a family, which pushed "me" lower in priority so I can take care of others, and I ended up skipping dental cleanings. After about 4 years I see a flyer in the mail for a local dental office, "get a free Sonicare electric toothbrush with any service." Perfect, my Sonicare toothbrush just died, why not get a new one for free AND get a cleaning (poor reasoning). Day of my appointment, I walked into a nice modern looking office; opened with a year or so. I got full x-rays done which was OK; can't say it was painless, assistant had some issues getting the sensor positioned in a way that wouldn't stab my gums or make me want to gag. Dentist checked in to let me know she had my x-rays and would be right back... which was nice of her. When the Dentist returned, she evaluated my gums and then told me a few issues were found: saw six cavities on the x-rays, should try to take care of that now; gums look bad, should schedule some deep cleanings; you have all your wisdom teeth, should just remove those now because it's easy to get cavities there, so might as well take care of it now. FYI, I didn't have dental insurance at the time, so getting smacked with a $3K estimate for future work was a big surprise. Only had the cleaning done. Got my free toothbrush. Left the office. Didn't return.
BTW, the free electric toothbrush was a lower model than the one that broke; replacement heads I had were not compatible. read more
