Whenever we crack or chip a tooth, life stops in its tracks. I musta been grinding my teeth like mad to crack not one lower molar, but two.... I've had root canals but not crowns, so had no idea what to expect yesterday. My appointment lasted 3 hours, during which time there was a lot of grinding, and not the good kind. The teeth had to be ground down, and then temporary caps put into place until the permanent caps can be made by the lab. Good news: no serious pain. After the Novocaine, Dr. Aaronson & his assistant worked hard while I reclined in the chair feeling bored, wondering if I could nap through all the noise from the drills & whatnot. There was a little aching in my jaw as the anesthetic wore off, that's it. Today, the day after, I feel nothing. This is quite remarkable, all things considered. So if ya need a crown or two, don't be skirred.....is my point. And I'm sure it helps to have a great dentist. I've been seeing Dr. Aaronson for about 10 years, and I like the doctor & his staff....they are gentle, caring, friendly, and fun. I guess they probably appreciate the fact that I'm no dental chicken, I just roll with whatever procedures are needed, happy to be living in current times & not back in an age when teeth were pulled with pliers & a bottle of whiskey. I do wear a lower night guard to protect my teeth while I'm grinding in my dreams, and Dr. Aaronson's staff even made the temporary caps fit the night guard. When everything was completed, before I was set free for the day, they handed me a fragrant hot towel so I could "freshen up". Hell, it felt like a spa..... The most painful experience of the day was writing the check to pay for all this cuz I have no dental insurance. But I've always found Dr. Aaronson's costs to be on the low side, even when compared to other parts of the country. Word of advice: don't wait long to get dental care when you think you need it. The sooner problems are addressed, the better. : D read more

Steven Aaronson, DDS - General Dentistry Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I am reviewing a few years after I had three crowns done by Dr. Aaronson. I believe he did a good job at them, as they are still there and I haven't had further complications with them. Not giving five stars because I believe they are too pushy with the crowns at this office. At first, he wanted me to get two crowns and one filling, recommended in a single visit. I was very surprised because I know my teeth and two crowns in a single visit is very uncommon in my case. Not only did they the two crowns, but when I was being treated for my filling, in the middle of the procedure they said they had to go with a crown instead, because it turned out to be worse than they expected. I don't have a way to know how honest that was. It was hard for me to look for a second opinion while I was in the middle of the procedure. I wanted it done, so I had to agree. Finally, they recommended to replace another old filling with a crown. I asked isn't it possible to replace it with a filling and they said no. I went to another dentist for a second opinion and it turned out to be okay to have it replaced by a filling. They did, and my filling has been perfect for a few years now (I visit a dentist every 6 months and it's all good). So, when Dr. Aaronson said the only option is to have a crown, he was wrong, according to the other dentist and according to the experience that followed. read more

I was visiting the Santa Monica area and I broke a molar. Dr Ellie was able to squeeze me into her schedule to make an emergency crown for the broken tooth. The staff was friendly, professional, and accommodating. Dr Ellie was amazing! I cannot say enough kind words. read more

I am one of the many dentist-phobic people inhabiting our fair city. In fact, I used my new found college freedom to elect NOT to go to the dentist at all. 4 years later, I was in trouble. I called Dr. Aaronson and he got me in right away. He told me, in the nicest possible way, that I needed an emergency root canal. He referred me to a specialist and it was all done that same morning. Dr. Aaronson and his team did a great job with the crown. I've been a patient for about two years now and couldn't be happier. Dr. Aaronson is not a lecturer or a guilt-tripper. He'll make you feel comfortable immediately and always asks "What's fun and new and different?" I'm a total convert and would absolutely recommend him. The entire staff is wonderful. read more

I have been on the hunt for a good dentist for the last 8 years (since I moved to LA) and had yet to find one I trusted and felt comfortable at. I've been asking around non stop for recommendations and no one could say they liked their dentist enough to recommend. I was seeing the orofacial clinic at UCLA for my TMJ and asked them for a recommendation. Without a thought the supervising doctor said Dr. Aaronson's office. I made a call the next day and they fit me right in. I saw Dr. Ellie who was absolutely wonderful. The X-ray technician and the dental hygienist were the best too! I avoid the dentist at all costs and the three of them made my experience comfortable and easy! Now I'm looking forward to going back for my next cleaning--A feeling I have never had in my life about going to the dentist! Thank you! read more

I was told that I needed to have crowns instead of fillings on two separate occasions by *the receptionist* after having chipped a tooth and getting food stuck between my teeth. On the first occasion, the dentist gave me a filling, and the second time they insisted to have crowns for fixing a gap between my teeth. I saw a different dentist for a second opinion, who gave me only a filling. I'm not sure why the receptionists are pushing crowns. It is too bad, since Dr Aaronson seems skillful and is nice. I wish they had given me a chance to save the healthy part of my teeth and save money. read more

Always able to fit me in an emergency over the years. Consistently good service and friendly atmosphere. I feel like I am in good hands here always. Aaronson is also a stained glass artist and understands details and color in addition to dentistry. Dr. Ellie is amazing and kind as well. Love my veneers, a second pair after stupidly chipping my first. I only wish they did root canals too. read more

I don't recommend this office to anyone who hasn't been to the dentist for a few years. I went in for a regular teeth cleaning and the hygienist did half of the cleaning and told me I would have to come back to do the rest because she had another patient. I understood because I hadn't seen a dentist in a while and I figured it may have taken a little longer. What wasn't right was that they wanted to charge me for a whole other visit. I have never heard of a basic teeth cleaning being an hourly rate?? I called back and spoke to the doctor and he did not clear up any of my confusion on the matter. It was a very disappointing experience for me. Never going back there. read more

Great Dentist, very gentle with good bedside manners --- this is always important to me... when you can't talk it's nice when the person talking to you interesting and considerate. The hygienists are also fantastic and very helpful. The entire staff is meticulous and does beautiful, precise work. Just the kind of people you want to go for more major issues - like the beautiful crown they did for me :) read more

Dr. Aaronson and staff are friendly and professional! I recommend going to see this office if you live on the Westside.

I actually met with Ellie Farahmand DDS, and not Steven Aaronson DDS (they're both in the Santa Monica Dental Office). Usually I write reviews about food; why my dentist? I want others to know that my experience was a good one (and maybe next time they'll hook me up with a free toothbrush or something cool like that). When I first got there, I (idiotically) told the receptionist that my dental insurance was Blue Shield. She tried verifying this with the insurance company, but they had no record. It turns out my insurance is through Met Life; somehow she figured this out right before I did, called them, and verified it. She wasn't upset about it. In fact, she was as nice as could be despite my monumental stupidity. So once the insurance was done and the requisite forms filled out, I was taken back to have my x-rays taken. It was very quick, and done with a soft touch. The x-ray person was very efficient and good. I then met Dr. Farahmand. She was very friendly, yet professional, and checked out my teeth. We talked about my dental habits and my history with dental exams. Very nice and respectful of me. I didn't feel intimidated or stupid for not having been to the dentist in two years. After that, I had my cleaning. It was thorough, and the lady (I fail to remember her name) did a fine job. She answered my questions and made me feel taken care of. read more

I've been going here now for a couple of years and couldn't be happier. Nancy is super.

Great dentist. Very friendly and does not push for treatments you do not need.

I went to Junior & senior high with steve Aaronson; so when I needed a new dentist about 10 years ago, I choose him mainly because I remember him as being extremely smart growing up. He & his staff have not let me down. I have problem teeth. Dr. Aaronson has done crowns, fillings,a night guard, teeth whitening, tooth extractions and I see a hygenist (Roberta) there every 3 months for cleaning. all work has been spot on. Frst rate dentist & staff, I highly recommend! read more

My wife and I have been going to Dr. Aaronson for years and we are always impressed with his professionalism and the efficiency and personability of the staff. I can say that my teeth are in their best condition in years, thanks in no small part to Dr. Aaronson's care. read more

Dr. Aaronson is a good dentist, very friendly and honest and does not seem to push procedures you do not need. I've since gone back to him several times. My only reason for knocking off one star is due to the other staff. The front desk staff is nice, however the women who bring you back to take x-rays and your teeth cleaning are not. I'm assuming they're dental hygienists, but not positive. I've had negative experiences with the two I've met so far, both are unfriendly, rude, and always act like they're in a rush. However, as long as I like the dentist, it's worth it to go back for me. read more

I dont know the doctor much( cause every time a new person does my cleaning ) but staffs are pathetic. I needed 2 filling and i asked for pre authorization; they took more than 1 year( ONE YEAR) to get that and that to also wrongly send my previous company's insurance provider. When you have your office staff that inefficient what else you expect from the doctor. I am so glad that I changed this doctor as my current dentist is awesome. In fact i dont want to give any star. read more

Dr. Aaronson is always so nice and professional. The office staff have been there forever and are all so nice as well. I highly recommend him. read more

This morning I went into the office today to get a teeth cleaning. The office was very clean and the staff was very friendly. The hygienist that cleaned my teeth was amazing! I'm not sure of her name, but she was a nice blonde lady. She was very informative and told me what I should do to get my teeth in tip top shape! I would highly recommend anyone going here, and especially getting her! I'm enjoyed my time, and next time I go in, I will DEFINETLEY request to have her again! read more

This is my first time writing a review, but since I used yelp to find Dr. Aaronson, I thought it only fair that I return and write about my experience. The front office environment is comfortable and the staff is friendly. I did not have to wait at all, in fact they were waiting for me to fill out my new patient paperwork, so that they could take me back. I liked that the paperwork asked about health conditions and dental history. I know that it should be a given, but it isn't always the case. I was taken to the x-ray room and was attended to by a competent, friendly and very quick x-ray technician, she seemed to really know her job. Next I met Dr. Aaronson, who is warm and professional. We discussed why I hadn't seen a dentist for 6 years, he asked me some other questions, and gave me a quick exam. He told me that he would see me after my cleaning, with the Hygenist, to go over my x-rays. The hygeniest made me feel at ease, even though I was a little embarrassed at having waited so long to have my visit. She was chatty, but also very aware of what she was doing and making me comfortable. I felt like I was in good hands and could relax. I was with her the longest. She finished up with some advice about flossing and then escorted me to Dr. Aaronson's room. Dr. Aaronson gave me a thorough exam and went over my x-rays with me. He told me about some wisdom teeth that showed up on the x-rays that could give me trouble later, but since I'm not having any now, recommended that we not do anything. He also noticed some slight grinding, he asked me some questions related to symptoms, and since this is old activity and not a current issue, it's just something we're going to watch. I got a clean bill of health and made an appointment to come back 6 months from now. I am completely won over by their service and will now stay on track of my dental health. I told Dr. Aaronson when I was there that they have beautiful offices and staff, and that goes for him too. The office itself is clean and modern, even cheerful feeling. They have a high level of professionalism. For each of the steps during my visit I was immediately escorted to a private room. There was only one time where I had to wait and that was for Dr. Aaronson, however it was only for 10 minutes and I was told ahead of time and given a magazine. This I find quite unusual and worth mentioning. I felt that my time was valued - very rare. Thank you Dr. Aaronson and staff, I will certainly be back, and I'm happy to say that I have finally found a dentist that I like. Keep up the excellent work! read more

I've been going to Dr. Aaronson for many years. He's an excellent dentist, period. He never recommends anything that he doesn't feel strongly about. There is no upselling here, no pushing you in to procedures you don't really need. He's very sensitive to those of us who are terrified of dental procedures. He's a gem. The office is well-run and organized. read more

I think everyone in this office should be jailed for torture and aaronson should lose his license for having bryman school dropouts practice dentistry. I needed a crown and it wasn't fitted properly during my initial appointment at this office. I went in to have the permanent crown implanted and these two maybe 20 year old girls spent two hours trying to jam this flawed piece of porcelain and metal into my mouth. I was screaming and crying and cringing and begging them over and over to try and reduce the pain. I even made them stop so I could get tylenol out of my purse in an attempt to stifle the pain. I'm positive it was two hours because I had to leave after about an hour and a half to put more money in my parking meter!!!! I was walking down Wilshire to my car in near hysterics that I had to go back there. Incompetent and Incompetenter literally kept trying to jam the crown onto my tooth. FINALLY after two hours, they called aaronson in who spent about a minute messing with the crown before declaring it an improper fit. I actually had to have them re-mold the crown and come back! I had no choice. I had a ground down tooth and a temporary crown in my mouth. . . Adding insult to actual injury, I only selected this office in the first place because I wanted a woman dentist. I went there about two years and only met her once. But I spent more than two hours over multiple visits with girls who were so unprofessional and immature, I wouldn't hire them to answer my phones. And one of them even told me, unsolicited, that I needed to get my teeth whitened. She said, "If you were my sister, I would tell you you need your teeth whitened," as though she was giving me some advice one wouldn't get except from someone very close to them. How lucky I am to have met such a thoughtful person. . . Crap! I'm 41 years old and people have always, since childhood, commented on the whiteness of my teeth. I'm older, and of course they're not as white as they used to be, but I don't need unsolicited moron advice from junior college dropouts trying to supplement their 12 dollar an hour jobs with teeth whitening sales. . . When I'm there for a crown! I paid something like $525 out of pocket as an insurance copayment for two girls a couple of years out of high school to torture me for two hours. I had one crown before, and oddly enough, it was implanted by my actual dentist--with an assistant in the room! I hope aaronson enjoys the extra money he's making by having idiots practice dentistry in his office. I paid very dearly for his extra 500 dollars or whatever. . . I hope he really got a lot of enjoyment out of that money, because I suffered for weeks after the appointment and think they may have done permanent damage to my jaw, since 18+ months later, I still have pain in that tooth. read more

This letter is to complain about service I recently received from a Santa Monica Dental. I called Santa Monica Dental on numerous dates to find out how to deal with a billing problem. I had to explain my problem several times because the front desk staff did not seem to be listening and therefore asked me the same questions repeatedly. SM Dental did not provide me with the correct information I requested on numerous occasions. The front desk staff then hung up the phone on me during two phone conversations. Needless to say, I was quite frustrated. I expected a much higher level of service from your SM Dental, and I am quite disappointed. The front desk staff is very unprofessional and I would never recommend them to anyone, which is such a shame because Dr. Aaronson was so nice and welcoming. Please think twice before visiting the office and dealing with the imcompetent people behind the desk. read more

Unbelievable service and technical work. I drove 75 minutes from Santa Clarita to get my crown done due to recommendation from a periodontist. Dr. Aaronson did the mold and Dr. Farahmand did the final fitting. The whole team works together seemlessly. They are polite and efficient. All my questions were answered. Sonia, the office manager was excellent as well as my Adriana, the assistent who fixed my dental appliance for free (from another office). They don't waste time making the customer sit forever in the chair. It's a one person at a time type place, not a free for all rat house. I don't usually do yelp reviews, but this place deserves 10 stars! read more

The office is modest and the staff isn't LA glossy -- and that's all good. Dr. Aaronson has caught issues other dentists haven't and yet never does more than necessary. He's professional, thorough, kind and funny. He's fixed a crown, saved a cracked (front!) tooth, and kept my gums from going any further north. I just feel comfortable and comforted in his office. And that's saying something. read more

Dr. Aaronson and the staff are excellent! Friendly, knowledgeable- I feel at ease. Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience. From the X-rays to the extraction I was treated very well. The staff was super nice and friendly, and Dr. Aaronson was great, I felt like I could ask all those 'stupid' questions without feeling stupid. Recommending them to my very picky bosses! read more