Replace leaking silver filling from the 1950s before it failed. Work was very professional. Dr Jacobs used an 80% quartz filling composite that made the tooth look like it had never been worked on before. He used just enough numbing Lidocaine (I think it is called) to last during the procedure. I left with only a very slight amount of residual numbness and what looked like a new tooth. He had a photo of the tooth to review before I left. He explained to me how the current composite materials with 80% quartz increase the durability substantially over previous composites. Very comfortable throughout the procedure which including the discussion about the new composites lasted about an hour or less. I was with Dr Crawford for many years before he retired and he recommended Dr Jacobs. Until now I just had cleanings done there. This was the first dental procedure with Dr Jacobs and I as very satisfied with the result. read more

i had loved Dr. Jacobs until my last interaction with him. This last time, he put in a temporary crown that broke while I was on a trip out of town (arrgh!) I went back to see him to have the temp replaced, and the second temp broke a week later (double arggh!) I went back yet again for a third temp, and Dr. Jacobs said to his assistant in my hearing, "I told you that last one would break." If he knew it would break, why did he let me leave his office with it? When I returned for the final (permanent) crown, I asked if he could possibly give me a freebie on another small item I needed repaired (a chipped bottom incisor). It took him less than 5 minutes to repair, but nonetheless he charged me $250. I later wrote him and asked again for a refund for that, as I'd spent about $1000 in billable consultant hours going back and forth from Berkeley to SF and spending time in his office for the two temp repairs. He never responded. Most disturbingly, when I went for the second temp repair, Dr. Jacobs opined that he could do it without novocaine, and said "If you feel anything I'll numb you." I flinched twice while he was working on my tooth, but rather than stopping and giving me novocaine, he yelled at me to "Quit flinching!" and treated me to a story about how when he went to the dentist when he was a little boy and was wiggling around, his father told him to "Man up and stay still." Dr. Jacobs knows I'm a bit dental-phobic due to dentist trauma when I was little (an alcoholic dentist who slipped and drilled the inside of my cheek, among other incidents), and in any event I certainly have no interest in living up to Dr. Jacob's father's notions of "being a man." And frankly, lately Dr. Jacobs just seems a bit out of it in general lately. E.g., while working on me these last times he was telling me rather intimate stories about (1) ex-girlfriends and (2) how the son of the former owner of his house snuck in once to show it to a girlfriend and how he was going to get revenge on that guy. This is not the kind of thing one wants to hear while having one's teeth drilled. And it is simply not acceptable for a health provider to yell at a patient for flinching during a procedure -- or, really, under any circumstances. read more

Had my second visit with Dr. Jacobs and a second visit with his hygienist, Rachel today as well. They are both very efficient and kind...Also, Dr. Jacobs is a magician with the needle didn't feel a thing . read more

Dr. Jacobs and his team are the best. I had to go through some really hard experiences to find Dr. Jacobs. (The lesson is never trust dentists who use urgency and fear. They are just trying to hustle you for money and are often terrible at dentistry to boot!) Dr Jacobs is the opposite - honest, so good at what he does, and so well loved by so many people that he has zero need to try and sell you anything you don't actually need. You can trust him and know you are in great hands. I was referred by someone who has been seeing him for 25 years! That's how you know you have a great dentist. read more

My faith in dentists has been restored...as well as my teeth! I left my old dentist (who I had been with for over 10 years) with the feeling that I was being manipulated and overcharged for every procedure. In search of a new dentist, I checked out a few reviews on Yelp! and found all these great comments on Dr. Jacobs. Union Square area is very centrally located so I decided to give it a try. I mentioned my predicament to Dr. Jacobs and asked him for a second opinion on several issues that my previous dentist mentioned. He was so honest and sincere about wanting to do the best for his patients that I felt I could trust him. I've been back for three visits now and am really happy to have a dentist who knows the latest procedures, talks to me straight about my teeth, and gives me great service. I'm feel my teeth are in good hands! He even calls after a procedure to check if I'm okay! Thanks Dr. Jacobs! read more

Yep. Really that good. This is one of the best practices I've ever experienced. I've had the privilege to have had most of my dental work provided by family. Now that I'm (cough) "getting a little older" my lifelong care providers are all retired. My point here is my standards are impossibly high- super old school. Without writing a diatribe (there are enough of them here), I will tell any skeptics that after a single visit, I felt like I was being dealt with like a family member. Over a few weeks, I spent several hours "in the chair". The hygienist I worked with, Gina, was about the best that has ever cleaned these old choppers. Really good at understanding when conversation is appropriate, and when you either can't, or don't want to respond. Extremely effective and painless. Nailed the nitrous. As experienced, professional and friendly as you could ask for. The doc reconstructed a tooth that most others wouldn't go near- perfectly. The front office was incredibly proactive in scheduling around my very dynamic work hours. They contacted my lame insurance and made sure I understood what the (substantial) costs would be in advance of service. They were flexible with billing- allaying and grouping first few bills to correspond with my MRA requirements, etc., etc., etc., wow! Seriously. That good. Happy smiles everyone! read more

Seems like I am going to break the five star streak. Anyone seeking a skilled dentist will find Dr, Jacob's work stellar. I have an aversion to dentists and even need nitrous for a cleaning. Dr Jacobs replaced a crown. No complaints about his outstanding work. The miscommunication about fees is another story. He is one of the more expensive dentists in town. High rent district! I had dental insurance and was informed that my work was covered and my out of pocket expense would be minimal . This was not the case. The practice was out of network which was relayed to me after the fact and my out of pocket was a great deal more than I was led to believe by the office manager. I asked for some consideration under the circumstances and was told no the price is the price. Even though there was a personal connection. I find this to be bad PR. A professional discount would have been more appropriate. The bottom line- if you have dental insurance, get a written estimate first with the break down of costs and what your insurance will cover. Make sure you have a clear understanding of your portion of the bill so you are not surprised after the work is done. read more

Any dentist, whose hobby is fixing up a Victorian, is a dentist I want fixing my teeth! My new crown made my property value appreciate over night - thank you Dr. Jacobs! Dr. Jacobs is a perfectionist; he handles us "scared-to-death-of- the-dentist" types with extra care and has a way of making us feel a little bit more at ease because of his experience and trustworthiness. His entire staff is kind and welcoming; the text message appointment reminders are very helpful, the Christmas cards sent each year are so thoughtful and all the assistance with managing my dental insurance is an added benefit too. I'd have to say the kindest gesture was Dr. Jacob's personally calling me the same evening of my crown appointment just to check on me for no reason in particular. That is one thoughtful dentist! read more

Dr Jacobs is sooo into teeth...in a reassuring comforting way. He clearly is literally just fascinated by and loves dentistry. And he's just an all around nice and caring guy. Before I went to Dr Jacobs I had a really bad experience with a horrible dentist. I was literally afraid of going to the dentist. My previous dentist was the type that kept drilling after I pleaded that the anesthesia was wearing off. It was only after a toothache that got so bad I literally could barely brush that tooth it was so sensitive that I took a recommendation from a friend and went to see Dr Jacobs. Dr. Jacobs was completely understanding of my squeamishness. He was very comforting and explained everything he was doing as he was doing it. Ends up I had a weak tooth that had been slowly cracking down the middle. My previous dentist should have caught it, but didn't. And as a result the crack slowly had grown over 3 or 4 years killing the root. Instead of a filling, I now needed a root canal and a crown. Actually, Dr Jacobs had to perform a partial root canal on the spot - it was the only way to relieve the pain. Dr. Jacobs was very sensitive to my reactions, and got the job done. He restored my faith in dentists. I left with no pain in my tooth. What a huge relief. Dr Jacobs recommended a periodontist to finish the root canal. And then I went back for the permanent crown. And re-visited Dr Jacobs several times to fix a few other things my previous dentist had 'done' to my teeth (like what I call "shady fillings" that I suspect were to line my previous dentists pockets). Dr Jacobs was very upfront with cost and would advise me on what my insurance would and wouldn't cover. And helped me prioritize what was most important. He even fixed a couple small things on the fly for free (like polishing some chipped bonding that was irritating my tongue - that my previous dentist put in). He's a trustworthy guy - and I always feel like he has the best interest of my teeth in mind. Also his hygenists do really great teeth cleanings too. read more

My Entourage, My Dentist. I have been going to Thomas Jacobs DDS for about 5 years now. Great staff all the way around. Front desk to the Dental Hygienists, all are talented people. I had my first filling a few weeks ago after a cavity free life. Dr. Jacobs made that experience almost a non event. If you are looking for dentist in San Francisco I highly recommend the office of Thomas A. Jacobs. read more

I consider myself very lucky to be referred to Dr Jacobs. He's got to be one of the finest dentists in SF; in fact, he was just featured prominently in the Sunday Chronicle's, What to Look for in a Dentist, article which listed 493 Bay Area dentists. He explained to me, that when he gets unscheduled, high-priority (i.e. urgent) calls, he always seems to manage to find a place for them in his very busy daily schedule. You can't beat that for great service! His staff is excellent too, making sure that you're not forgotten--nor forlorn, while in the waiting room(s). Parking Tip: the Stockton Garage is The Place to park--while you're attending to your dental needs. It's one of the best in the City--plus, Sutter Street offers a fantastic window-shopping experience, after your visit. I can't imagine anyone but Dr. Thomas Jacobs as my dentist. Here's to 30 more years of great service~! read more

Let me do the first honors with an all-star review. I got Dr. Jacobs' name from my roommate, whose entire office turns to this class act with all their dental troubles. It's a total pain to try & find a new dentist when all of Sutter's like a giant cluster of DDSs & MDs, but I couldn't be happier. The office is clean & efficient, the staff warm (Diane does a great job of fitting you in for priority appointments), and the doctor himself is super-attentive. I had to get my fillings replaced, and Dr. Jacobs stopped to explain and demonstrate every step he took--although, the visual evidence of, ahem, the dental process was a tad horrifyingly grotesque...dudes, I am so flossing for life. Top-notch work! read more

Like most sane people, I look forward to my visits to The Chair with a certain degree of apprehension. I don't imagine I'll ever relish the idea of someone poking around in my mouth with sharp objects, but Dr J makes it as easy and painless as one could ask for. Dr J is one of those rare medical professionals who is both highly technically proficient and has a fantastic chair-side manner. I like to make informed decisions about my own health, and I like to work with doctors who ~want~ to help their patients do that. With Dr J, I never feel like I'm being condescended to or dismissed. He tells me what my options are and he answers every question carefully and thoroughly. The pride that Dr J takes in his work is very clear, and for me, nothing makes me more confident in a doctor than seeing how much they love doing what they do. There are dozens of perfectly competent dentists who are a lot more conveniently located for me, but I swear if I ever leave the Bay Area I will fly back here for my dentist appointments! And here's the icing on the cake -- those horrible Novocaine injections? With Dr J, you'll hardly even feel 'em. read more

I came here upon seeing all the positive reviews but had a mediocre experience. I arrived on time and no one was at the office, so I waited around a while before seeing anyone. The appointment was average -- not as good as dentists I've had at Univ of Michigan or Ohio State, but decent. The facilities seemed very old school. The dentist told me long stories about his taxidermy collection, which was unsettling to say the least. They scheduled a follow up for me, and when I called to cancel it, they tried at least 3-4 different times to get me to keep the appointment or reschedule it, which I politely rejected. Then, a few days later, I got a voicemail confirming my appointment and had to call them back again to cancel. "Would you like to reschedule?" No thanks, guys. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Jacobs for over 15 years. He is the best. When I come in for a teeth cleaning or a tooth repair, I get just what is needed. He does not add procedures that are not needed. I recommend Dr. Jacobs. read more

Tom Jacobs is somewhat cavalier when it comes to female patients. He likes to show magazine covers to encourage female patients to have their cosmethic procedures (crowns, in my case) comply to what he clearly thinks is a more desirable aesthetic. He talks a lot about what he considers acceptable - he really like dental symmetry - but he seems somewhat naive about the use of Photoshop wh e it comeyo editorial photography. But most of us aren't born symmetrical (but we are still attractive). Tomis a big fan of what he can do for you not what you want him to do. Disagree and there's trouble ahead. I had to have him recast my crowns which was something that clearly didn't happen very often at Tom's office -- my final appointment was put off four times. When I finally got the permanent crowns he gave me enough numbing to swell and distort my upper lip, making it very hard to see the final work to evaluate. He told me that the exact tooth replacement I wanted was 'aging.' Oh, and when I asked after the first shot if the post numbing swelling was normal, he said that it only felt like my upper lip was swollen. But I had my index finger on my upper lip - sensing the swelling - which he ignored. What can I ignorant patient know? Long story short: if you are a wealthy man in your 50's looking for a sympathetic ear, Tom's your dentist. You can talk about sitting In the . "man chair"while the wife shops and kibbitz about starlets on magazine covers. Otherwise, eh, he could care less. It's all about what he thinks his female patients, not what they tell him they want. read more

I like him, and have been going to him for years. Here's why -- he's not an alarmist - he tells you honestly what you need done now, what can wait a year or two, etc. He also did a novel bonding job on replacing an old filling on a cracked tooth, with requiring a crown. It saved me much agony and money. He's a good guy, good at, and really into, his job. I can go for years without having anything significant done, so when he says I need something done, I really trust him. It's like finding a great honest mechanic :) read more

class act all the way. Plus, where else can you get a deep sense of SF history dating back to Gold Rush days, directly from a direct decendent. Thanks Doc! read more

Called Dr. Jacobs on a Saturday morning with the worst toothache of my life (ah, tooth emergencies...) and he called me back personally as soon as he saw I'd paged him. After asking for details, he set my mind at ease and said he'd fit me into his schedule because I was in pain and he could help me. I wasn't even a patient of his. What a pro. So grateful! Thank you! read more

I have been to many dentists in the last 40-odd years an I can tell you for so many reasons that Dr. Jacobs is a rare and wonderful find. Rated as one of the top dentists in the country, he's a committed artist who obviates any discomfort through his deft application of just the right amount of dexterity, artistry, chair side manner and the most effortlessly delivered anesthetics. And his hygienists rock! I am so grateful to have found such a well-educated, professional, knowledgeable and competent dental maestro. Truly I am blessed. read more

Dr. Jacobs is great! We just started seeing him and my husband and I both had a great experience. He had some work done on his teeth and Dr. Jacobs even called that evening to make sure he was recovering! We have never had a dentist do that before. The hygienists and other staff were also really nice and helpful. read more

No kidding - Dr. Jacobs is one Great Dentist! You want teeth? Dr. Jacobs knows teeth. No B.S. or msg.

I have been Dr. Jacob's patient since 1989 and has never left him since. He is simply the best dentist in all the respects. I have moved from San Francisco to Alamo but I still go to him for all my dental care. Will give him 10 stars, if possible. Recently, I got the bridge work done and it is just perfect. All his support staff is top-notch too. Your teeth will last your lifetime if you to go Dr Jacobs on regular basis. read more

There are many dentists who'll take the easier and more expensive way of capping your teeth and then you have ones like Dr. Jacobs who cares about saving the parts of your teeth that haven't succumbed to cavities and will take the longer route of drilling out the old, leaky amalgam fillings in order to replace them with enamel-colored composites. For cleanings, Gina is very thorough and makes sure to get rid of stubborn stains and tartar. Thank you! read more

Dr. Jacobs is the best dentist I have ever had. He is an artisan when it comes to dentistry. I was recommended to him by a former colleague, and have been going to him ever since. (It's been maybe 8 or 9 years now.) My whole family goes there. My children come home on college breaks to see him. It would be hard to move from the Bay Area and find a dentist even close to Dr. Jacobs. I have had many dental issues, and he has kept my pearly whites healthy. More importantly, the procedures he does are permanent fixes. He doesn't believe in crowns, rather he "re-builds" your tooth and they look like it just grew out of your old gums yesterday! Go...go...what are you waiting for? read more

I have been going to Dr. Jacobs since he took over Dr. Nestler's practice over twenty years ago. His staff is top notch and I really enjoy seeing Gina for my 4 month cleanings. I had an incident where he bonded my two front teeth and one of the bondings chipped off. With no questions asked Dr. Jacobs redid the bonding at no cost to me. He's a real professional and he has a real passion for dentistry and it shows in his practice. He's the best!!! read more

I had not been to the dentist in a while... fearing the worst I walked into Dr. Jacob's office expecting the worst... my experience was A+, entertaining (he has great history stories) and comforting. After a receiving a filling, Dr. Jacobs personally called me later in the evening to make sure I was feeling well and that I was happy with my service. Best dentist EVER! read more

Dr. Thomas Jacobs I believe is the finest dentist in our country. I started seeing him in the early 80's when I moved here, he came highly recommended by one of my colleagues. We were both decades younger then but I knew from my first visit I had found one of the kindest, gentlest, intelligent dentists with a plethora or knowledge in his field even at a young age. He moved about 3 times in the city from day one to today as he preferred historic buildings and architecture. His assistant Anna is excellent and has been with him many years and my hygienist Gina is the best I have ever had. This team has kept my teeth in such great condition possible. Dr. Jacobs never recommends anything that is not mandatory and knows how to do work that most other dentists do not. He literally is a genius in his field. I was extremely fortunate to be in the right place at the right time or I would have not known who or where he was. I have recommended him to everyone I know both past and present. read more

Dr. TAJ is incredible. Yes, the practice is old school and yes, you still need to communicate over the phone to make appointments. With that said - the dental care is as good as it is going to get - anywhere, anytime. read more

One of the best dentists in SF!! I've been going to Dr. Jacobs for almost 10 yrs and would never consider switching. I've even converted many friends and my husband to Dr Jacobs - and all have been very pleased with his work. What's also great about Dr. Jacobs (in addition to him doing stellar dental work) is that he's truly into his craft. There have been many times that he's gone off on the world of changing dental technology and you can totally sense his genuine enthusiasm. Plus he follows up personally after any major or pseudo-major work (nice customer service touch!). The office is really nice and friendly as well. I agree w/the other reviewer that Diane is great! Super job getting you in earlier if you need to, etc read more

I have been seeing Dr. Jacobs for 13 years. This review is long overdue. Unfortunately, I was not blessed with perfect teeth, and I have been prone to cavities and periodontal issues over the years. I used to really hate going to the dentist. But that all changed when I started seeing Dr. Jacobs. He has a gentle touch and a skilled hand. He took the fear out of going to the dentist, and as a result, my oral health has improved dramatically over the years I have been seeing him. Not only is Dr. Jacobs the most competent, caring, and practical dentist I have ever seen, but he also employs great dental hygienists (Gina - you are the best!!!). Furthermore, Dr. Jacobs stands by his work, and always makes sure I'm satisfied with the service I received. If you need a dentist, pick up the phone and call him now. read more

If I could give my dentist Dr. Thomas Jacobs a million stars, I would. He's the best dentist in the world to me. Dr. Jacobs is patience and gentle. I have no longer fear going to the dentist. I recommend him to everyone, especially people who fear going to the dentist. I LOVE my dentist!!!! read more

Really the best in every way. I am not an easy dental patient; I am terrified (and I mean terrified) of needles, and have high levels of anxiety just visiting the dentist. I went to see Dr. Jacobs because I needed a crown for an implant, that was replacing my lower back molar. He was wonderful, intelligent, kind, competent and patient. He gave me the best crown. Personally, I would not want myself as a patient. I was afraid the entire way, and Dr. Jacobs was very reassuring but truthful. I am so grateful to the care I received from him. read more

Me and my friends traveled from SoCal to stick with Dr. Jacobs. His entire office is awesome!

I used to hate going to the dentist - always worried that I might not get a good dentist or that he/she didn't really care about the work quality, or I'd be in pain. I stopped worrying once I found Dr. Jacobs. Not only does he obviously care about his patients, his work is outstanding. I really trust Dr. Jacobs - been going to him for over 20 years. His staff are the same way too. The best! read more

Always great work, Dr. Jacobs studies dental history as well as the latest developments. Gina is great hygienist. The whole practice really seems perfect... read more

I have been going to Dr. Jacobs since I was 3 years old. He is the best dentist. I have never had a bad experience with him in 20 years. He took out all my wisdom teeth and I didn't bruise at all or swell. He is a gem and also a very nice person. read more

Dr. Jacobs is passionate about dentistry! His detailed explanations about all things "teeth," make me feel extremely confident in his recommendations. Gina is an outstanding (and kind!) hygienist. And, the office staff are always efficient and helpful. The office is very clean and a short walk from Powell St. BART. I highly recommend Dr. Jacobs and his team. read more

Dr. Jacobs is a tooth artist! He is wonderful, as are the hygienists and reception staff. Highly recommended.