I was referred by a friend, and Dr Wittenauer got me in the same day after multiple days of pain from a botched crown job by my now ex-general dentistry large practice composed of merry-go-round 1099 dentists--never saw the same one twice in over 10 years. Having a painful crown experience with the Brand X dentist, I was apprehensive about my first root canal. From the jump, ALL Dr Wittenauer's office, tech staff, and dental assistants were welcoming and very cognizant of a patient's apprehension with the old joke about root canals. This is a procedure where you want a specialist, an Endodontist requires an extra two years of specialized training above a general DDS, with the specialized training equipment, and staff who do these procedures all day with a rhythm between the staff and closed loop feedback between the patient that puts even the most apprehensive at ease. The old technique of doctors using verbal distraction when undergoing uncomfortable procedures is often centered on subjects like the weather, vacations, etc. Dr Wittenauer actually reviews in detail your personal info paperwork before he gets to work and keeps you engaged or quiet--your preference. Updates on how many minutes longer, what to expect, we're done--helped a lot, especially when you're in your mid-seventies like me, and a little anxious. Being an old shop teacher, I appreciated his meticulous work area with his specialized tools and equipment, and his dexterous technique in determining the best path to save my existing crown and tooth, while smoothly removing and "filing" material. His placement of hands, wires, and equipment always put patient comfort first, no dragging stuff across your body, dangling wires, dripping discharges, etc. Sunglasses to dim the glare of exam lights, and mouth "dams" to keep that gritty crap out of your mouth, I'm sure were his unique and effective developments from patient feedback. Also the digital xrays showing the before and after pics on a front centered monitor displayed the super smooth and gently shaped canals after the procedure. Any small "tweaks" to the bite and alignment were handled precisely with xrays, not just eyeballing it or settling for good enough. If I had to guess, he took a shop class in high school and got and "A"--a true craftsman. In summary, if your general dentist says that you need a root canal and wants to do it himself, take it under advisement and RUN to Dr Wittenauer. His calming atmosphere and demeanor, and NO PAIN procedure should allay your fears. His protocol of a personal followup call, and not assigning it to a staff member, on the day of the procedure was also much appreciated--not the norm of my other medical providers. Five days later-- no after effects except total pain relief. It was like flipping a light switch; walk in with pain, walk out pain free. One of his catch phrases heard more than once (my paraphrase) was getting that irritation and pain out of your life and getting back on track to normal. If this is your goal, he's your guy. read more

Route Canal. This was my first root canal and I was very apprehensive. Dr. Wittenauer was amazing in calming me down before the procedure. I was extremely happy afterwards and had no pain. read more

My dentist referred me here for a root canal and I'm so grateful! She's been sending patients here for 15 years and now I totally understand why. Dr Wittenauer is very skilled and did an amazing job. He even calls his patients to make sure they are ok at the end of the day. He took all of the fear away because he knows his stuff. I will not go anywhere else for a root canal, ever. read more

Dr. Wittenauer was extremely knowledgeable and professional. I got an emergency root canal done and they set me up with an appointment immediately. The staff were all so helpful and kind. Highly recommend! read more

My husband recently visited Dr. Wittenauer for a root canal after being referred by our general dentist. At first, I was hesitant because when I initially called, I thought the receptionist hung up on me. I decided to text the number on the voicemail to explain the situation, and Dr. Wittenauer quickly had Irma call me back almost immediately. I'm so glad I didn't let that first impression stop us, because the experience turned out to be excellent. From start to finish, Dr. Wittenauer was top notch. He took the time to do a very thorough consultation before beginning the procedure and even accepted the 3D X-rays we brought in from a previous oral surgeon. My husband had been in extreme pain for a month, and now he is finally pain free! What really stood out was the care and attention from Dr. Wittenauer. He personally called that same evening after the procedure to check in on my husband. That level of follow-up is rare and so appreciated. We couldn't be more grateful and highly recommend Dr. Wittenauer to anyone in need of an endodontist! read more

Great care, great staff, quick response & great Doctor. The Doctors cell number is given out by the office voicemail in case of an emergency. read more

If I could give 10 stars I would - Dr. Wittenauer is extremely professional and compassionate. I had an emergency root canal and he literally told my dentist that morning to simply come over and he would take care of me. No waiting days for an appointment, or "we're too busy." How amazing is that? I was in an hour of need and he and his team looked after me with great care. I can't thank them enough. He has the latest technology including a CT teeth scanner which is impressive. During the root canal he explained everything and asked me several times if I was comfortable. When I had some pain when they cleaned out the tooth he immediately gave me more novocaine. Later I sounded like Kramer in that episode of Seinfeld when he met Mel Torme which was awesome. After suffering for an entire day with extreme pain, tonight I am going to sleep like a baby. Thank you again Dr. Wittenauer and your team for taking such great care of me. read more

I have never had a root canal done before and was really nervous given the numerous horror stories I've heard about the pain. I can honestly say I felt zero pain and was in and out in less than an hour. Dr. Wittenauer has truly mastered his craft and couldn't recommend him enough. Pretty awesome to have a doctor call you the next day to check in and see how you're doing too. Shows he truly cares about his patients. Thanks to the entire team for a painless and seamless experience. read more

I was referred to Dr. Wittenauer, DDS by my general dentist for a root canal. I have had many dental procedures and have never had such an awful experience. Dr. Wittenauer injected novacaine and within a few minutes began working on the affect tooth. I stopped him because I could feel pain. He proceeded to inject more novacaine and immediately resumed the procedure. I immediately stopped him because i could still feel pain and pressure. He administered more novacaine and immediatly resumed the procedure. I still had some sensation but decided to bare the pain so I could get out as quickly as possible. At check out I was told there is a 5% fee added if a debit or credit card is being used. It's the 21st century and I don't write checks - I don't have checks. I have an HSA debit card for this purpose. Dr. Wittenauer is a network provider on my dental insurance plan. His staff grossly overestimated my share of cost by 42%! I shared this feedback with my general dentist and have strongly encouraged him to cease referring to this practice! I encourage others to do the same! read more

I'll chime in with yet another excellent review for Dr. Wittenauer! He took great care of me - fixed a failed root canal on one of my upper molars - and now I'm a big fan and recommend him without the slightest hesitation! So: first impression of his office - friendly and efficient reception and staff; billing process was very streamlined - they took my dental insurance and i had a very reasonable deductible to meet. Things were clean and orderly; equipment looked state-of-the-art and well maintained. But the key thing was Dr Wittenauer himself! He is so competent - very knowledgeable and experienced, he set me at ease and carefully and logically explained my condition, the proposed treatment, and the likely outcome. My appointment came quickly, with very little waiting. The procedure itself was alright, very little pain and discomfort - Dr. W took care to make sure i was OK during it - which involved a reasonably complex treatment (apparently my Texas dentist had missed a root, and over the years it had become infected and spread to the bone). And that evening Dr. W personally called me to make sure i was doing alright! So its been over a year since then and the tooth is doing great just like he said it would. HE SAVED MY TOOTH - HOW GREAT IS THAT?!!? So - look no further for your endodontic needs - Dr Wittenauer is the guy!!!! read more

Dr. Wittenauer is amazing! I have been going to him for years and each time he provides exceptional care. He listens attentively and is a very kind person. He is an expert in his field, the dental work I've had done by him is top-notch, and has gone smoothly every time. His staff, both front and back office, are also very helpful. They take great care of their patients, and they get you in right away for your appointment. I have recommended Dr. Wittenauer to many friends and family members! read more

Easiest most efficient root canal I've ever had. I've had to have a couple root canals in the past, always dreaded them. Called the office and made an appointment. The staff was friendly. They did a quick 360° x-ray, confirmed that I needed a root canal, and in less than an hour I was out of there. Didn't have any pain. That evening the doctor called me around 830 to see how I was doing. I was very impressed that he took the time to call, no one has ever done that before. As I told him when I left I hope not to see him again, but if you find yourself needing a root canal, I think you'll have a good experience as well. read more

If I could give zero stars I would. If you want to pay a high fee to someone who won't stand by their work and will charge you about the same high fee so he can fix his own botched up work, then go to him. Basically a sneaky way to double charge. This was my experience. Dr. W's work led to new pain - you touch my cheek in the area in front of the affected tooth and I felt pain. This wasn't even there before he did the root canal on me. So not only did he not fix my original pain, he created new pain. While he didn't say he encountered complications in doing my root canal, when I came back because I was feeling pain that persisted even a few months after his "treatment", he then said he remembered having difficulty getting thru one canal and blamed it on the condition of my tooth and canal. And then he said the only way to fix it if I want to save the tooth is do some surgery -- and pay again, about the same fee that he charged me for his original work. Blame the patient, do subpar work and take no accountability for it - that describes this Dr W. I ended up getting referred to another endodontist, who said we didn't have to resort to surgery yet. While reviewing the X-rays, this other Dr casually asked me how much time Dr W spent on me when Dr W did the root canal. Come to think of it, I spent more time waiting and doing the X-rays than the time he spent doing the half-assed root canal on me. This other endodontist ended up undoing and redoing Dr W's root canal work and got rid of my pains -- for less than what I paid Dr. Wittenauer. He did what Dr W alleged could not be done because of the condition of my tooth and canals. Wish I saw this other endodontist first! PS. I also stopped seeing the dentist who referred me to Dr. W -- went back to my previous dentist, and got the better referral. read more

Dr. Wittenauer is a miracle worker! He quickly pinpointed my jaw pain within minutes of sitting in his chair. This being my first root canal, I was very nervous and did not know what to expect. After a brief conversation explaining the process, I never felt more safe in his care. As I write this, which is one day after the process, I have zero pain and can eat and sleep normal again. Lastly, the evening after the procedure, Dr. Wittenauer called me around 7:30 to check on me. I was floored. This level of patient care is the likes I have never experienced. If I could give him and his staff 10 stars I would. If you live in the OC, and are in need of a root canal, I highly recommend Dr. Wittenauer. Worth every penny! read more

So I am a big giant baby when it comes to dental work and I had to come here to get a root canal which as you can guess I was not particularly excited for. If I had to get one again (which gods willing I don't) I would 10/10 come see Dr. W again. He's a super cool guy and really good at what he does. He numbed my mouth so well that I didn't feel anything at all. Totally painless experience other than the numbing shots which were not my fave but a necessary evil. Thanks doc, you're the man. If I had to have someone drill into my teeth again you'd be my top pick! read more

Went to this endodontist, Camden Wittenauer, on a referral from my dentist for a rework of a root canal. I have two insurance plans that usually cover the majority of my expenses. When I arrived, I talked to the person at the desk to confirm that she had my complete insurance information and verified the two accounts. After the first visit, I checked out with her and she immediately gave me the bill for several hundred dollars. I asked her why the service wasn't covered by either of my insurance plans. The second person at the desk then turned and commented to her and then she said I was fine without making a payment. I felt like she was just trying to test me to see if I would pay. Then, a few months later, I received a bill from Vital Endodontics for almost two-thousand dollars, which said the insurance company denied any payment. When I went to look at the claim on my insurance company's website, it said the claim was never officially filed because paperwork wasn't filed correctly by the endodontist. I then called the insurance company and they told me the endodontist needed to call them directly to get some information that VITAL failed to provide. I then had to call VITAL to tell them to contact the insurance company. Really, isn't this THEIR job?! In the interim, I continued to receive calls from VITAL to collect a bill and had to repeatedly tell them that they needed to call my insurance company to resolve their issue. Again, I feel like they were just trying to collect from me to see what I would pay (Of course, I would be on the hook for more than the insurance company would pay). Fast forward another few months, and the insurance company did pay most of the bill, but without some push back on my part and asking them to do their job, I would have been out thousands of dollars. BOO!! Be careful of this office. read more

The best dentist experience ever! Not sure where i can start but from the customer service, reception responsive and caring behavior, and the treatment itself I could not have asked for a better place. This dr and his entire team are magic. They have cared for me and treated me so fast and get me out of my constant pain.Dr Richard has been patient, caring, and he could diagnose the right treatment for my teeth. He is going to be the only dr that i would ever consider for any more root canals and the best dr I can recommend. read more

From the staff to the Dr. everyone was great! My procedure was quick and painless. The Dr. was excellent! read more

This review is LONG overdue! I needed a root canal and it was my first one so I was definitely a nervous wreck when I heard my dentist tell me that I needed one. I was referred to Dr. Wittenauer and as you can imagine, all the rumors about how painful this procedure is were starting to get to me. Well, this experience couldn't have gone any better. I didn't feel ANYTHING the entire time and he was also quick about getting everything done. I expected it to last much longer than the time I was actually there. On top of all that, he personally called and texted me to follow up with me later that night. If I ever need major dental work like this again or anyone I know needs it, I'm definitely referring them to Dr. Wittenauer. He was professional and certainly knows what he's doing. Thank you! read more

Referred by dr. Jeremy Heldt for a couple root canals that another dentist ruined. Very precise, super educated and straight to the point he knows exactly what he's doing. We all know everyone hates root canals but go to him. You won't be disappointed. There's a lot of bad dentists put there, so always do your diligence and find someone great. I'm impressed! read more

nobody wants or needs a root canal but I had to have one yesterday. Dr. Wittenauer and his office were fabulous. Very professional and detailed. I have no complaints just praises. They went out of their way to get me into their office last minute. I just received a follow up phone call from the doctor himself which by the way is not a standard thing. I sat with a doctor afterwards and had a nice conversation. He's a great guy and his service is wonderful. I highly recommend Dr. Wittenauer read more

Dr. Wittenauer is certainly skilled in his work; I had a successful root canal that was a bit complicated with some gum resorption. The front desk ladies were also really kind and helpful when it came to have trouble financing after the procedure. However, Dr. Wittenauer lacks proper bed side manner in my experience. He made condescending remarks about me being an art undergraduate student. The worst comment was when he said "you must be thinking about your boyfriend right now" while doing work on my teeth when he had no knowledge of my relationship status. Regardless, it was a very strange comment and made me feel really uncomfortable in an already uncomfortable position getting a root canal. I was taken aback having never received a comment like that at any dentist before with such an air of perversion. This instance will always stick with me. I wouldn't recommend this dentist to any ladies in the area. read more

He is great. He took the time how he is going to treat my tooth ache. While he is opening up the channel, he explained to me what is going on each and every step if the way. I wish every dentist is as kind as him. read more

I would like to recommend Dr Richard C.Wittenauer DDS to everyone because he is the best for root canal . I feel very comfortable during the process, no pain. The staffs are very helpful, office is very clean and the parking lot is big and easy to access. I am his patient today and very satisfied . Name: Phuong Nguyen read more

Had a root canal procedure by Dr. Wittenauer and his team today. Very happy to report it was as easy and pleasant as a root canal can probably be. The Dr inspires confidence with his calm, professional manner and engaging conversation. The office is very clean and nicely lit, and the staff is prompt and efficient. Very happy with the experience and results. The numbing agent had faded and my tooth feels normal again. I will recommend to all my friends. read more

Came here again for another root canal and my experience with Dr. W was just impeccable. He's very thorough, friendly, and I couldn't find be happier with him and his team. Aurora was excellent. The procedure was painless. Smooth. And, I was in and out in no time. They also got me in the same day! And of course, always happy to hear from Dr. W to check up on me the next day. read more

Amazing! Compassionate, thoughtful, precise, knowledgeable-cannot possibly say enough good things after taking care of family member who needed emergency root canal. Perfect in every way from greeting upon arrival to describing follow-up. We are ever grateful for the care. read more

Dr. Wittenauer is an amazing endodontist. He is extremely skilled, efficient, speedy, and very nice, as well as his whole staff. I am out of pain and feeling great several hours after my root canal. Best endodontist I have been to...hands down!! . Thank you so much!! read more

I just had a root canal done by Dr Wittenauer and I have to say it was awesome! I know that's kinda weird because aren't root canals supposed to be awful? Well I can tell you first hand that everything was great at Dr Wittenauer's office. The staff is extremely professional and so friendly. The office is beautiful and conveniently located right by Fashion Island. Dr Wittenauer is very laid back and professional and very efficient! I was only there about an hour and a half ! I was completely pain free and comfortable the whole time. I would highly recommend Dr Wittenauer for your root canal needs! Which is a very good thing because I need another one!!! And that's where I'll be going!! read more

I was referred to Dr. Wittenaur by my dentist for a root canal, and all I can say is WOW. I have unfortunately had a few root canals, and I can honestly say that this was the best experience I have ever had (if I am even allowed to say that about a root canal??!) Watching him work was like watching a master at his craft, and I felt at such ease with him as he performed a procedure that has so many people terrified to go to the dentist chair for. I woke up with next to no soreness the next day, and was just amazed at how effortless he made the process seem. The office was clean, warm, and everyone who worked in it, inviting and kind. Dr. Wittenaur was a true professional, funny, and just a really great man, and I felt so blessed that God led me into his office that day. It is so rare to find people these days who not only perform there job well, but actually love it, and truly care about their patients, and Dr. Wittenaur does all 3. I will be referring anyone I know to him, and I hope I don't have to go more often for myself, but if I happen to need to, I definitley won't be dreading it like so many other places before, but will just be grateful I know I will be going somewhere where I am truly taken care of. Thank you to the Dr. Wittenaur Team! You guys are the best! :) read more

Great endodontist and office staff. Professional and personable. I had to go in for what ended up being TWO different root canal's in one week, and they took the best care of me! So glad my dentist referred me to him. I would recommend him to anyone! I never waited to go back. Parking is easy, and they have a beautiful office. 5 stars for sure! Thanks guys! read more

What a great Job they did . Aurora was great and Dr. W was absolutely fantastic all around and I had a root canal!! Very impressed all around !! read more

I realize his office is fancy and it is Newport Beach but to be charged $2400 for a lower molar root canal is way over market. He is professional but so are other endodontists, you don't need to overpay like this. read more

WOW. I still cannot believe how PAINLESS my root canal procedure was. Not only that, but I was also expecting to be sore afterwards. NOPE not the case. From a 1-10... my level of soreness is MAYBE a one. I HIGHLY recommend Dr Wittenauer. I am beyond pleased with his services. His office staff are really nice and professional as well. And the office itself is immaculate. If somehow you've landed on his yelp page trying to look for a good Dr, look no further. TRUST ME! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT! read more

I had great pain and discomfort, concerns and complaints for well over a month after $2000 of dental work by this office. This office and doctor didn't support me in my concerns and acted very defensive. Didn't provide followup consultation in my calls. All they cared about was being paid. read more

Had pain for 3 days, finally decided to go to the dentist. He looked at it and said I need root canal. They called over to Dr. Wittenauer's office and they got me in within 3 hours to do the root canal because I was in so much pain. Once at Dr. Wittenauer's everyone was very professional and took great care of me. Absolutely no pain, it was the best root canal experience I ever had! (not that anyone looks forward to a root canal) It was very obvious that they squeezed me in right around closing time which I greatly appreciated so I didn't have to go another day in pain. I would highly recommend and I hope to never need another root canal but if I do, I will be going here for sure! read more

I had a bad root canal from another dentist, so I was in constant pain for over 8 months and the final solution (I was told) was an extraction after I had a filling and a root canal and a lot of $$$$. I decided to go to a different dentist Jon Glenn DDS who referred me to Dr. Wittenauer. He discovered an entire canal was missed in the previous root canal. As he did the redo he kept me informed through the process and I am now out of horrible pain. As for a root canal experience it was the BEST I could have had clean, timely, proper numbing, and informative all along the way with a very friendly staff. read more

Dr Wittenauer..........YOU ROCK!!!!! Thank YOU!!! Had to have an emergency root canal same day, Mesa Dental referred us to you. YOU and your staff were so Lovely. The root canal was seamless, NO PAIN!!! Called on us to see if everything was OK the next day, what a GEM you are!! Thank you! THIS IS the Place, he knows Exactly what he is doing all I can say is he is The Master of root canals!! read more

I had one of the greatest dental experiences of my life today, even though I had to get a root canal. After finding out I had an infected tooth Dr. Wittenauer was referred to me. I went in scared because many of my friends told me it would be incredibly painful. After a quick check up he went straight to work, and even though he was drilling a hole in me it was as pleasant as I can imagine it would be. Basically, he did a great job. On top of that the people working the front desk were cordial and accommodating. People seemed genuinely interested in your needs, and making sure you were completely comfortable. The icing on top of the cake was he called me tonight, hours after my appointment to make sure I was recovering well. Truly, a wonderful experience. I hope I never need another root canal, but if I do I know where I'm going. read more

My dentist told me I needed yet another root canal and called over to Dr. Witttenauer's office to find out if he could see me then for a consult. His office got me in within the hour for my consult, and then we scheduled my appointment the following Monday at the time I chose (first thing in the morning). After many awful root canals, I chose the pain-free method -- Dr. Wittenauer prescribed a pill for me to take an hour before the appointment; my husband drove me there, and I slept through the entire thing. That's what I call my favorite kind of dentistry. The best part -- everything is healed and fine, and I am pain free now. Dr. Wittenauer called that evening to see how I was feeling. I wish all my dental work can be done this way. A previous endodontist I had seen in the past offered to bring in an anesthesiologist for $600; the pills Dr. Wittenaur prescribed cost me $2. This is the way to go. I recommend Dr. Wittenauer wholeheartedly! read more