I had some dental work done by Dr, Paul Berger, including a filling for a tooth that had been bothering me. Weeks later, the tooth still hurt and when I went for my next visit, I informed him of the problem. Without even looking at my recent x-ray or examining the tooth, he said "you need a root canal". I asked why I had a filling done two weeks ago when you are now stating I need a root canal? He gave me a non-answer and told me to stop tapping on the tooth. My gut feeling told me something isn't right, so I got two opinions (which were both the same diagnosis), I did not need a root canal and the reason the tooth was still hurting is because the recent filling was incomplete. PLUS, I did not need three crowns, only one and on a different tooth than the scheduled three by Dr. Berger. He also tried (unsuccessfully) very hard for me to have me two mini implants, which the other dentists said I needed a bridge for the two teeth in question. Had I continued with Dr. Berger, I would have paid $2,000+ for unpleasant, unnecessary root canal and crown procedures. This dentist is a total scammer. read more

I've never felt the need to post a review of anything till now. I moved to Sonora to retire with my husband who lived here all his life. Living here has been such a great experience because it's truly a small town atmosphere. Word of mouth is important here. I had upwards of $30,000 of dental implants and a couple bridges done in my mouth due to my always having dental problems. I spent my inheritance on this to grow old without dentures. I went to Dr Paul Berger and paid cash to him for my needed work. Three years later I start having chronic infection in my lower right rear bridge he'd done. Food was getting trapped in a notch that has appeared and it caused me twice to go to my insurance company required dentists here in town and had him have to give me the painful shots and then he had to dig out the impacted particles and then put me on antibiotics. I had four sets of week long antibiotics for this problem over past two years now. I had called Dr Berger's office three years after having it done and was told they couldn't help me because I cannot afford to pay him for a visit and my insurance doesn't pay their office. I continue to suffer and haven't chewed on that side because I try avoiding this pain. There has developed a hole in my outside gum because of the chronic swelling from infection. This hole also traps food! Now I'm told he only guarantees his bridges for five years so he can't help me. I clearly reminded them that the first complaint was well before five years! I'm sad to say that they are choosing to ignore me. Please think twice about using this office for your patient care. I feel like I'm arguing with a furniture store about a refrigerator guarantee! Beware because this is expensive work that I had done and now I'm stuck with it. I'm desperate so I told him I'd not bother him again if he'd just yank the sucker out so I don't have infection. Already avoiding chewing on that side! read more

New patient here. My first visit was very pleasant. I had the best dental hygienist, Carolyn(I hope I spelled that correctly), and the dentist was very friendly and informative about the current state of my gums and teeth. I'll be back in 6 months for a cleaning, but even sooner for some fillings. Thank you all for being so kind and welcoming and I will definitely recommend your services to others:) read more

They make you very comfortable and put you at ease. Pretty much pain free. I just moved to Sonora and by chance I chose this dentist so glad I did. Thank you for the wonderful service read more

I am very pleased with Dr. Berger and his practice. He detected a problem with an abscess when I had no pain and only a little discomfort because of the type of X-ray machine he has at his practice. I had gone to other dentists in the Bay Area that told me that I did not have anything wrong. I think Dr. Berger saved me from a severe problem by detecting this. I was able to get on antibiotics and take the right course of action. in addition, I have had fillings done and they were virtual painless. I do not have dental insurance so price is a concern to me and I think here too that this practice is a good value for services rendered. The staff is friendly and professional. I feel confident that Dr. Berger will help me keep my teeth healthy going forward. read more

Thought it was going to be good at first. Originally received a post card in the mail offering a free exam and xrays for those without insurance. Long story short, I got my free visit and was told I needed thousands of dollars worth of work. I am 22, I shouldn't have the kinds of issues I was told I had. I was freaking out and didn't blame the dentist at the time, but fast forward a few weeks and my wife and I have our dental insurance figured out. Of course they don't accept our insurance, which is nobody's fault, but by this point we have both been told we need lots of work done and I've paid for a cleaning out of pocket. Now that I've seen a new dentist that's part of my insurance network, he told me that I didn't need nearly as much work done. He admits that he's conservative, but told me plainly that what was recommended at Sonora Dentist was overdoing it. This tells me they were just trying to make money off of me and I can't believe other people give 5 star reviews. Get another opinion before you spend thousands for dental "care" you don't need. read more

I was looking for a new dentist and am so pleased to find Dr Berger and his great staff! They were professional and very friendly. He took time to review the X-rays with me and showed me where work needs to be done so I feel comfortable with his recommendations. read more

Very pleasant experience, everyone made me feel reassured and relaxed right down to the rain we listened to on Pandora. (my choice, you choose yours) I was an emergency visit needing a root canal. They were able to get me in and out of pain quickly. Thank you to an amazing dentist & wonderful staff. read more

I had not been to the dentist in 20+ years. The staff at Sonora Dentist made me feel extremely comfortable and gave me great confidence moving forward with much needed dental services. Ashley did a fantastic job thoroughly cleaning my teeth and had a great attitude. I would highly recommend this office for your dental needs. read more

I came to Sonora Dentist on the recommendation of a friend when I was having a bit of a dental emergency. Sonora Dentist got me in right away and took care of me at more than half the cost of my former dentist. The staff was extremely patient and kind. I have been a Sonora Dentist patient ever since. I love when I come in they know my name and I always feel so welcomed. I actually enjoy going to the dentist...how often can you say that?? read more

Great staff hence the star. Not happy with the dentist. Went to him for years but since I rarely needed anything but a cleaning I always felt pushed by him for more costly things I didn't want. In addition I finally needed a filling and some kind of thing to make my front teeth not so rough on the bottom edges. Did the work and when I got home my husband said what happened to your teeth one front tooth is longer than the other! I looked and one tooth looked crooked at the bottom like he had added too much to one end. Not a big deal. I immediately called and said I think I need an edge ground down and they told me come right back, which I did. I'm in the chair and he looks at my tooth and tells me my tooth always looked like that and he gets paid thousands for shaping people's teeth. What? Anyway he took the 3 seconds to grind the long edge off repeating at least five times that he should get paid for reshaping teeth but how he's doing me a favor...I just paid the dude hundreds out of my own pocket in addition to my insurance! All the time with this big grin on his face. Weird. Needless to say I changed dentists immediately! read more

Not happy with this dentist at all. I went back several times due to problems that resulted after the work he did and he dismissed it every time and suggested different reasons each time for the problems. Not once did he consider that there was a problem with the work itself. I went to another dentist who did thorough evaluation concluding that the work was not done properly, hence the problems. I am having to now pay another dentist to re-do the work properly. read more

I came in as a walk in and I was treated with the utmost respect and niceness. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. The Dr did an amazing job on my procedure and did a follow up call to check my post op progress. I recommend them for all your dental care needs. read more

Great STAFF!!!!! Great office!!!! It's a pleasure to see all the girls... They are the best... I would recommend to anyone this is the office you want to be at !!!! The Dr. Is very gentle. read more

I'm new to Sonora Dentist and so far my experience has been wonderful. I have anxiety going to dentist and they most definitely made me feel at ease. Such a great environment and staff. read more

We were visiting the area on a 4th grade field trip when my 5year old son fell smack down on his mouth while climbing boulders. Our Pediatric Dentist back home was concerned of a bone fracture after seeing a picture of his mouth that I texted her, and said we needed to get it X-rayed. I was panicked and blindly looked up dentists in the area to find Dr. Sheperd. I believe I couldn't have found better care! Dr. Sheperd was SO kind, SO caring, SO gentle, and had EXCELLENT bedside manner. He put my mind at ease, calmed my son, and even followed up with 2 phone calls later that week just to check in! His staff was also amazing. Good people up in Sonora! THANK YOU DR. SHEPHERD and Staff!! read more