Terrible Dentist. Constantly tries selling un necessary services and treatment. Shady billing!! Watch the billing department and check your invoices for accuracy. Do not go here!! read more

I've been in the Dental lab industry for nearly 43 years worked with hundreds of doctors, I have to say Dr Balikyan is one of the best !the office was very organized. Latest technology went to a doctor that didn't want to do a procedure Dr Balikyan Did it in no time made me feel really comfortable. I would recommend the office some of the best dentistry I've seen. read more

Michael Balikyan is an excellent professional dentist that is very knowledgeable and caring.

I have been coming here for years! Going to the dentist used to feel like a drag, but now I can honestly say I look forward to going to the dentist! Dr. Balikyan is the best dentist ever! Every time I visit/call I'm treated with the utmost respect. Dr. Balikyan is patient, kind, and takes the time to do a thorough job. I never feel rushed to leave the office and he is always nice enough to answer all my incessant questions without making me feel bad. Also, his staff makes you feel like family. It's one thing to be greeted with a smile, but they genuinely care for your well-being and will do everything in their power to help you however they can - whether that is calling to make sure you can make your appointment, accommodating a last minute change in scheduling, or fitting you in to a packed schedule for an emergency. I cannot say enough nice things about this office!!!! read more

I don't like the wait. But generally i needed emery service, i got it. Paid out of pocket, every thing went smooth and nice. Dr. Balikyan seems like capable , experienced dr. 4 stars only because i had to pay price out of pocket and hoped for better discount:) read more

Most people don't change dentists unless they have to. My long-time former dentist retired, and the transition to a new practice was, shall we say, bumpy (can you say Dentist Roulette?). The new dentist who took over that practice is excellent and so is the staff, but a scheduling issue that should never have happened sent me seeking a new dentist. Got a neon-bright glowing review of Dr. Balikyan and the staff at South Lake Dental from a trusted friend, who too had been having issues with her previous dentist, and was hooked up with Dr. Balikyan. Her whole family goes to South Lake Dental/Dr. Balikyan now. Now so do i. It was a little strange to me to go to a dentist in a big shopping center with a big sign on the building, having grown up going to ones in medical complexes where there's nothing more than a plaque on the door with the dentist's name. At the end of the day, a building's a building, and parking is hella easier in the big parking lot on South Lake Ave. than in my former dentist's typical medical complex with its smaller lot (which i'm mentioning just for you, dear reader, because i bicycle, so parking's not an issue for me). It was also a little off-putting to see more dental chair setups than in any dental office i've ever seen, not really cordoned off into different rooms as i'm used to from my past. Was this assembly-line dentistry? NO: it's EFFICIENT dentistry, in a clean, well-lit, airy, pleasant office. Sort of like an open floor plan for dentistry. Didn't check a timepiece, but wait time was brief, and everything seemed to be on schedule. As a new patient, X-rays were first. What i saw on the screen were the sharpest images i've ever seen... the equipment seems excellent. The exam came next. My mouth is a minefield of disaster, from heredity, decades of poor stress management, and in my past poor dietary choices. Dental stress is routine in my world, and exponentially higher with a new dentist who's never seen the horrors of my mouth before. Dr. Balikyan's innate natural demeanor is calming. He presented the facts in a straightforward, easy to understand manner that left me calm (not in tears, as i have been in the past at other dentists). The friend who recommended Dr. Balikyan repeatedly made the point that he's a conservative dentist, meaning he's only going to treat what you (or me) need treated, not push deeper work nor added services which aren't truly necessary for one's oral health. I'm financially challenged, thus price sensitive. I've done some shopping during the last couple of years (the Dentist Roulette period at my last dentist's practice), and Dr. Balikyan/South Lake Dental are excellent in terms of fair, reasonable, lower prices. My former dentist had kept his prices low, because he was very deep into his senior years (eyesight issues), and knew his equipment was old and his skills might not be fully up to date. The price quote i received from Office Manager Nohemy Gonzalez was right around what i'd been paying--excellent! I can afford this! I can keep my teeth! Dr. Balikyan did a thorough, efficient exam, focusing in on an area where i'd been having pain. He explained things about bone loss i'm having which i believe other dentists tried to explain in the past, but i didn't understand them. His explanation was clear enough that now i understand WHY i need cleanings more often than every 6 months (we're trying 4. It may go to 3) to maintain my bone and keep my natural teeth. No i'm not thrilled about spending the extra money, but less costly than the alternative, and my quality of life will be better if i can stop losing bone--which i now understand because of Dr. Balikyan's clear explanation. How much do Dr. Balikyan and the staff at South Lake Dental care about your (the client's) schedule?: noting that the hygienist(s?) was(were?) busy, Dr. Balikyan had a free moment and cleaned my teeth himself, to keep things moving! It's hard to imagine service getting better than that! (It should go without saying/writing that the cleaning was thorough and excellent.) This is only my first time. Things can go wrong, stuff happens, only time will tell. Given that my friend and her family repeatedly have great work done in a timely fashion (my friend is very time-sensitive, related to her work), i'm expecting things will continue to work for me at South Lake Dental. Odds are excellent they'll work for you, too. Oh--almost forgot: No Pain, and close to zero discomfort. Easy to forget when it didn't happen. read more

My third visit here, and I'm always impressed by Dr. Balikyan and his staff. They do their best not to make you wait, and I don't think I've waited more than 10 minutes past my appointment time. He recognized that I had an infection near an old root canal, and referred me to a specialist. Turns out that tooth may need surgery if this root canal isn't fixed asap. He spotted it before surgery became my only option. Some of their chairs have massagers too! I also hate shots, so he does his best to make them less terrifying. Update: my last of several visits (I had a lot of cavities and needed two crowns...) and I'm continuously impressed by Dr. Balikyan and his team. They're always friendly and knowledgeable. I don't think in my 7 or so visits over the past few months that I've ever waited more than 5 minutes for my appointment, and I don't wait much in the chair either except for the numbing to take effect. Love this office! (I don't think I've ever said that about a dental office before ) read more

Dr. Balikyan is great. You actually get real time to talk with him, which is not always the case at the dentist, and he is very good at explaining what is going to happen. He is careful about monitoring any discomfort, and I've rarely felt any pain at all in the chair! In addition to Dr. Balikyan, the whole staff is great. They are professional and nice and really make you feel like an important patient. I strongly recommend them! read more

I came here because of the 5 star rating. I have a dentist through my HMO insurance but opted out, decided if I was going to pay out of pocket I'd rather go with someone worth it. Lets just say Dr. Balikyan is very kind and very patient, I have somewhat of a dentist phobia and he's constantly asking me if I'm okay, or he'll crack a joke to make me less nervous, my appointments are never rushed, appointments are always on time, and his staff is very sweet. read more

He is great, I couldn't go anywhere else, I feel completely safe, , everyone working there have a wonderful attitude, very genuine and high quality dental office. Dr is amazing. Thanks doctor... read more

My dread of going to the dentist kept me from going for a couple of years (in spite of having excellent dental coverage). After having three children and losing lots of calcium, I desprately needed a dental visit. My desire to set a good example for my children prompted me to return to the dentist. I've been a patient for a year and a half and I'm very grateful to have found Dr. Balikyan. Dr. Balikyan, Noemi, and the rest of the staff are very professional and courteous. They do their best to make you feel comfortable. When I had a tooth extraction and some pre-bridge work done, they gave me a pair of video glasses ( I watched Pride & Prejudice) and turned on the massage chair. My experiences with them have prompted me to refer them to several co-workers. I'd give South Lake Dental ten stars if I could. Schedule an appointment, you won't be disappointed. read more

My experience with Dr Balikyan was fabulous! My dentist of many years sold his practice and I did not have a good experience with the buyer. I used Yelp to find a 5 star dentist and Dr. Balikyan Is definitely 5 stars! He has the latest updated technology and is very gentle and expedient! Yay to Yelp and the doctor!! read more

GREAT DENTIST, very excellent personality and has up to date office equipment. No pain.! I highly recommend him to anyone needing work on there teeth. read more

Dr. Balikyan is an excellent dentist! My family has been seeing him for a long time and our experience has always been very pleasant. He is very knowledgable, always courteous and professional. His office staff has always been very pleasant and helpful. I highly recommend! read more

Dr. Balikyan has the best and most soothing personality. I had two of my wisdom teeth removed and was beyond nervous. He made me laugh and feel like everything was going to be okay. Even if there is a little pain, he promises to stop and reapply anaesthetic. I felt very safe and in good hands during the procedure. He is very careful and patient while working on your teeth. Plus, the staff is all around helpful and friendly. I highly recommend South Lake Dental. read more

Dr. Balikyan is the best! He always maintains his professionalism, and is great at making you feel comfortable, (despite the fact that you're laying there with your mouth wide open). He takes his time in explaining all procedures and does what he can to make sure the patient is fully aware of each move he makes. The rest of the staff in the office is just as professional. I recently changed my dental plan (it was open enrollment) and had to call Noemi, the front desk clerk, who was so patient and kind. She explained what I should look for when selecting a plan, and was really great! Hands down, the best dental office I've ever been to. read more

I came in to the Sherman Oaks office and was greated right away in the waiting area. I waited less than 5 minutes once I checked in to see the Dr. I was then seated and taken my x rays. It was great to see my xrays come up on a screen right in front of me. Im used to the little x rays you never get to see. the Dr walked in and showed me one the screen what he was lookin at. Explained everything in detail. I thought something was wrong with a tooth. All it was is that I needed a good cleaning since I had no cavities or no other problems. I knew I was overdue for a cleaning too. I felt very comfortable and he seems to really care about his patience and makes sure he answers your questions. I never felt rushed. I will be back in 6 months. read more

My son loves this Dentist. He's fixed his front tooth a couple times. That's his dentist now.

I highly recommend South Lake Dental and Dr. Balikyan for anyone looking for a dentist in the Pasadena area. Dr. Balikyan has been patient with questions I have had, and all of the dental work I have had done there has gone smoothly. Furthermore, both he and the entire staff of South Lake Dental are very friendly and easy to interact with. read more

So happy to have found Dr. Balikyan and South Lake Dental! Super nice and informative and willing to take the time to answer all my questions big and small. Definitely recommend!! read more

Highly recommend Dr. Balikyan and staff to anyone who is looking for a dental referral. He is very patient and calm for those who fear the dentist like I do. His staff is great as well. You won't be disappointed. read more

I used to be the person who cried in the waiting room in anticipation of getting my teeth cleaned. After having several fairly nightmarish experiences with dentists in LA I went to see Dr. Balikyan after reading that he had a calming effect on his patients. No joke, I look forward to going in there now. He and the lovely Noemi at the front desk have completely changed my whole perspective on getting dental work done. He is so relaxing and funny and personable- and trustworthy. I've had dentists tell me that I needed all sorts of procedures I absolutely didn't. Dr. Balikyan has never done that, in fact he's very hesitant in his work, which I appreciate, he won't do something that doesn't need to be done. He's quick, entertaining, and his work is beautiful and expert. I never ever thought I would get over my fear of going to the dentist but Balikyan and his whole staff proved me wrong. I'm moving to the PNW in a few weeks and I swear I'm going to fly back to LA to go to the dentist! Oh and the chair you sit in is a MASSAGE CHAIR! Absolutely the best dentist experience. read more

I just wanted to say how wonderful Dr. Michael Balikyan is as a dentist. He is extremely helpful, professional and is willing to take as much time with you as you need. I have been seeing this dentist for about 3 years now and I am so appreciative of the care that he provides. I highly recommend South Lake Dental and Dr. Balikyan for anyone looking for a dentist in the Pasadena area. read more

I got deep cleaning and happy with a result. Friendly staff, good work.

Amazing denist! Very clean, professional atmosphere. I've been here 4 times in the past month for a series of procedures and I'm amazed at the fact that I experienced little to no discomfort or pain. Dr. Balikyan is an expert! He has a very calming personality and a nice sense of humor, which definitely added to the great vibe. Overall, awesome dentist and awesome place! read more

Dr.Michael is an amazing dentist , He genuinely cares for my smile and my dental well being. I went to his office in Sherman Oaks because my boyfriend has years going to that dental office and my first visit was so wonderful and relieving , my previous dentist was trying to get money out of me for no reason while Dr.Michael opened up different options for me that saved me lots of money and time, will definitely recommend him to all of my friends. And not to leave behind his right hand Man/Women Magy she is a doll read more