Please avoid this dental practice. Their business practices could be considered predatory, any major diagnosis they recommend demands a second opinion, their communications from their receptionist to the dentist are poor and their billing practices suspect and not at all transparent. The quality of care, in my opinion as a 71 year old physician who has seen a lifetime of dental work, seems to be substandard. I rarely give poor reviews unless I feel that others well benefit from them as any business can have a bad day, or individuals can make mistakes, or so often poor reviews really reflect the biases and quirks of the reviewers. Google Aspen Dental and lawsuits and you will find that they have paid out millions of dollars in class action claims for the very sorts of practices we encountered. Our visit, which was just to establish care and get xrays lasted 2 1/2 hours. We waited 45 minutes to be seen, then my daughter waited another hour in the chair without being seen. I asked the receptionist if our wait was excessive and got the terse reply of "no", and "we are busy today". There were two other patients in the waiting room. The hygienist, who was the only person who made eye contact with either me or my daughter, stated that they were short staffed that day. Yet we could have been told this upfront and given the chance to reschedule. The receptionist, in her terse manner, had indicated that we weren't told this as such waits are not unusual for them. My daughter was told that all four of her wisdom teeth had to be removed. She has no pain, no impaction, the wisdom teeth are not crowding other teeth and no explanation was given for why they had to be removed. Our dual insurance was to be charged $6000 and we were expected to pay $1500 for what insurance would not cover. Aspen is in network for both our insurance companies, one of which is Blue Cross. Several studies of dental care document that it is common for one dentist to recommend extensive care such as removing otherwise healthy wisdom teeth whereas another dentist might simply closely monitor the teeth. There is a wide range of opinions for dental work and anyone going to Aspen should get a second opinion. A common tactic by unscrupulous and predatory dental practices is to overcharge insurance companies and then bill the patient for the excess. The purpose of seeing in network providers is to avoid these types of excessive charges. Blue Cross and others, when designating a practice as "in network" is an effort to prevent their consumers from being hit with these unethical but not illegal practices. Aspen Dental recently settled a class action suit for such predatory billing practices, but as the fine was only 3.5 million dollars, perhaps they see this as simply the cost of doing business. We were then told my daughter required deep gingival cleaning by the dentist. We were asked to pay 60% up front, even though both our insurances pay for such care and Aspen is in network for both of them. The hygienist apologetically told us that perhaps deep cleaning wasn't needed at all and that we could have our money refunded if it wasn't necessary when she presented for the work to be done. Aspen declined to discuss any of their billing practices with us, even the most common questions such as "how much is my insurance company going to pay" and we were told that they wouldn't bill our secondary insurance at all but that we could submit the bills after the fact and that the insurance company might reimburse us. The point of being in network is to avoid that sort of cumbersome process which can be difficult to get properly reimbursed. It is not surprising with such a predatory tone and seemingly unethical and poor communication and office organization in an office, that the employees seem very unhappy. In turn, they do not make eye contact, rarely smile, are terse in their comments and opaque when questioned on the most routine questions. Certainly that was the case at the Murrell's Inlet Aspen office where it appeared no one there wanted to be there. After spending 2 1/2 hours at Aspen for a visit that should have been 30 minutes at any other office, we clearly got the idea that these employees are embarrassed to be working there and very unhappy. In the Murrells Inlet area we have many many choices for dental care. For example, we go out of network to go to South Strand Dental. With the sort of predatory pricing seen at Aspen, it is actually cheaper for us to go out of network, which is precisely NOT the way the system is supposed to work. read more

I came in for a cleaning and an eval on a tooth. They never did the cleaning and and said the tooth needs a crown. I was supposed to get a cleaning and and a temporary crown and they told me that I needed an extraction and would get no cleaning or temporary crown. I asked them if I had any other cavities and they said "I don't know. I got a second opinion and they said I needed a crown with no extraction, gave new a cleaning and eval and same day. Aspen dental will talk to emeritus are fine, so it can get worse and they can do more money. Don't go read more

I moved here from Md four years ago. Everyone I meet around here is so pleasant and friendly. However today, Alaje was my technician for a crown prep at aspen Dental at Murrells Inlet. This young lady is a super star. She was the most pleasant medical person I have ever come across in my 68 years. Soft spoken, polite, gentle, knowledgeable and focused on her work. There is no doubt that she is going to be great in her career. Aspen Dental, you are blessed to have such a wonderful associate on your staff. read more

Crooks. I have a good dental plan, but every visit they charged me for trumped up care that my insurance wouldn't pay for. My first visit i was told I needed to replace a crown. I was not having a problem with that tooth, but the crown cost me $802.00. I went in for a cleaning and got charged $85, for a "paridontal cleaning". The dental tech didn't do anything different than any other cleaning I've ever had, and I had not been seen by the dentist, nor had I been told I had periodontitst (which I don't) On a privious visit, the tech handed me a bottle of mouthwash and a tube of special toothpase, for which I was charged $80.00. On my last visit, they took xrays for the 3rd time in a year. Then I was told the dentist I had been seeing was no longer there. The new Dentist, whom I had never seen before, and who had not examined me, looked at the xrays, pointed at some shadowy shapes and pronounced I needed 2 crowns and some other treatments. On the was out, the staff already had a completed treatment plan for a cost of around $2,700,00. I made an appointment at a different Dentist, who confirmed that I did not need any crowns., I will never again set foot in Aspen Dental. p.s. Don't plan on seeing the same Dentist for very long. They are all just passing through. read more

i made my appt with this dentist because they take my insurance. i get so nervous at the dentist because i've had some bad experiences before and i was a new patient. everyone there was very nice and professional. and i really can't say enough nice things about Dr. Ganthem. i especially like that he can take care of most things at his office. he even pulled a tooth that 2 other dentists said would have to be removed by an oral surgeon. saving me a few hundred dollars. also made sure that i was completely numb before he started any work. i highly recommend this dental office. read more

I DO NO NOT recommend Aspen Dental In Murrells Inlet SC! I am mentally disabled and was treated terrible by Javoni the receptionist! First off I had an emergency visit with extreme tooth pain and I needed my tooth extracted asap! But oh no, I had to get just an evaluation on that visit along with very painful X-rays! Then that dentist said yes you need your tooth extracted. So had to wait several days without eating again because it was just too painful to. Finally I saw another dentist that I never even met(Dr. Gantry) on Jan 13 2025. He came in told me a few things that I can't even remember because I have memory loss as well. Then shot some numbing med in my gums that was extremely painful and said he would be right back. Well I waited for about a hour until he returned. I was still a bit numb but he sprayed something in my tooth cause I wasn't all the way numb. When he began pulling my tooth I have never felt such excruciating pain in my life with getting a tooth pulled, and I've had several pulled! I really think he fractured my jaw! He said he was going to call something in for pain, but I got a call from jovani saying that he wasn't. My head is killing me, my jaw is throbbing and severe mouth pain! So if you're looking for a good dentis don't go here!! read more

Everyone was very friendly and kind, i came here after neglecting my teeth for a long time and haven't been to a dentist in 4+ years, they didn't make me feel bad and actually validated my struggles and focused on helping me move forward with a plan. I have a lot of pricey problems to move forward with but they sat me down and went through everything, and separated it into sections to tackle at a time. Not only that but put it in sections to minimize the cost that my insurance won't cover. They also offer payment plans that we went over on the spot. I'm so thankful to these kind people! read more

Dr. Wilson is Amazing & so is his staff. The receptionist Is amazing! His hygienist is amazing and so are his dental assistants. I highly recommend this dental office. I thought my appointment was today but it was actually tomorrow. I didn't have to wait very long and they worked me in today. Please give them chance! They are amazing! read more

Beware of this place. They are out for your money, not for your dental health. I went because i no longer have dental insurance and received a discount offer for Aspen Dental. After my free exam and very uncomfortable X-rays, the hygienist "checked" my teeth and said I had gum disease and would need a special cleaning. The dentist came in and told me that I needed 3 crown replacements and a cavity filled. I was sent to the front desk where I was told the total cost would be over $6000. The special cleaning alone was $750. I was also told that they have finance plans to help with payment. I declined to make a follow up appointment. I left the office and promptly scheduled an appointment with my regular dentist. I saw him within a week and have no issue; no cavity, no gum disease and my crowns are healthy and in good shape. it is appalling that professional health care people would knowingly perform unne procedures for financial gain. they should be procecuted. read more

The Murrells Inlet office has a receptionist named Alysa. When I made a complaint that she was rude, they called me to the Drs office and cancelled my appoi tment. He thinks this is good business practice. I think the pl read more

Really not impressed with my experiences here. I'm new to the area and wanted to find a convenient option for dentistry on my way to work. There were a ton of Aspen locations available within my insurance plan, so I went ahead and chose a location. On multiple occasions I have had Aspen calling to reschedule me with less than 24hrs prior to my appointment for various reasons. Since it happened repeatedly I considered it not a fluke and rather a continuous pattern for them. Also, I had 2 teeth cleanings here and I never saw a dentist. In the past at my previous dental office a hygienist would give me the cleaning and then the dentist would pop in to check my teeth, confirm no cavities, and make sure I didn't have any concerns. Just seemed like Aspen is stuck in a corporate hot mess that has issues with retention and/or organization. I am actively seeking to find a new practice that is not associated with Aspen. read more

Thank you Aspen Dental for responding, but unfortunately the phone number you posted puts me in the endless "VRU" circle. Sends me back to Murrells Inlet and of course they are busy and and had to leave another message with the 2 hand written the office took personally and the other one on the"VRU". I was always taught in customer service... if you promise to call somebody back, aways return their call even if you don't have a resolution. All I ask for is courtesy response...it would be nice if you had a resolution but I would just appreciate any response at this time it's only been a year read more

I am becoming very concerned. My 93 y/o mother lost her bottom denture. So, I made an appointment at the Murrells Inlet location where she had originally had the denture made. Upon arrival we were informed that their nationwide computer network had been hacked and the practice could not access patient history records. All clients were considered new patients. We proceeded with the appointment and were treated well, with the exception of the doctor who was impatient and condescending to my Mother, but I assumed this was due to their situation. After the visit we met with the insurance processor who complained about having to process every claim manually. She said it would take days to circle back around with me regarding the charges. It has been several days and I get no response to voice mails or messages left with the front desk. I cannot even reach Customer Service at 866-767-0890. Their message states, "All customer service representatives are in a meeting. Please call back during regular business hours." Does the right hand even know what the left hand is doing at this business? I am left to wonder if my Mother's denture is even being made yet since financials have not been settled. read more

I'm from out of town and I scheduled a cleaning since I'm a perio patient and get my teeth cleaning 4 times a year ... I called in December so I could get a March appt ( which I did) and explained that I'm a perio patient ( I have CURRENT X-rays , probing and treatment plan done and with me ) and have my teeth ( gums) cleaned and probed 4 times a year and I called in Dec to make sure I could get an appt in March. ... Well the other day I received a confirmation call stating that I would NOT be getting my teeth cleaned because they need to take xrays, probe and do a FULL treatment plan and educate me . I tried to explain that I didn't live in Sc and about me having my Treatment Plan , probings and current xrays with me and the " man" I was speaking to said, no, you won't be be getting your teeth cleaned because " your a new patient and we have to treatment plan take xrays and educate you. I tried to explain again and he hung up on me.... read more

False advertising. Not concerned enough with patient being in pain. Completely contradicts what it clearly says on website. A whole lot of confusing double talk. Will not honor advertised special even after it being confirmed through chat on website. One example: $299 for a replacement plate to current denture wearers. Manager at Murrells Inlet SC has NEVER heard of it. Another example: FREE exam AND 20% off of other services for the uninsured. This manager says "NO its one or the other" Well I'm sorry but that is NOT what is advertised. It's not about the money as much as the principle of it. They advertise things to lure you there, then while you are sitting there in pain, they refuse to honor them. Then they want to take a full mouth scan xray even though I had just had one 6 days prior that clearly showed that 3 teeth needed to be removed. Also very obvious by looking in my mouth. Oh but the dentist NEVER looked in my mouth once and refused to look at the xray I had 6 days earlier. He was more interested in finding out if I intended to be an on going patient to have other stuff done rather than focus on what I was there for. I am SICK to death of the lack of compassion and professionalism from some of these places. Double talk, trickery and old fashion bait and switch. Stop using people's desperation against them in a time of need and stop being so greedy... read more