First things first, I HATE going to the dentist. I will literally wait until my teeth are falling out to go, and yes, that's a me problem (plus horrible genes). In an attempt to finally use the dental insurance I'd been carrying and not using for some time I found my way to Cabrillo. The front desk staff are the best & stayed the best for the entirety of my time there. Special shoutout to Carol my main girl who was so helpful, kind, & caring over the course of my long dental journey. Most importantly, they do great work, please bear that in mind for the duration of this honest review.
After my first appointment I was informed I had like 13 ish crowns I needed on my top teeth & because I needed so many, I wound up electing to also get 2 cosmetic crowns I didn't need so it wouldn't look weird on my front teeth. This took at least 5ish appointments & upwards of 10k.
It. Was. Hell. I cannot lie, this was the most painful dental experience of my life, and I've had a lot of dental work. The mentality was very much just stay still, open wide, & take it. I literally cried during my 2nd appointment it was so painful & even as tears were streaming down my face they were telling me "if you move now we're just going to have to start all over again." I swear I'm not a wimp, been through cancer & much more, but every time I went into those appointments I felt like a total wuss. They'd leave me inverted, feet above my head for like 30 mins, neck aching, light blasting in the face, while being told to clench your mouth "as hard as you can." Don't know if anyone has tried this but try clenching your jaw as hard as you can for more than a couple minutes, it's no easy feat. There was a tv which was never on or offered to be on during all my visits & I thiiink there was a massage chair which I know only because I was put in one accidentally on one of my appointments but never again afterwards. Everyone working on my teeth spoke only to each other in Spanish, which is fantastic, my partner is ESL, only there were times where I had no clue what was happening or what they were working on in my mouth & how I should respond, so at times my mouth felt like the interior workings of a dirty secret mess I was not privy to, perhaps that was for the best. However, it's kind of like when a hairstylist is washing your hair after dying it & has a lot of commentary but you can't hear anything they are saying & you are totally freaked out you might look orange & heinous, only it's your mouth & oh, it's permanent. Again, that is probably a me problem coupled with paranoia & shame on me for living in CA this long & not learning nearly enough Spanish.
Regardless of the pain (not every appointment just a good handful) & the cost, they did a fantastic job. The work was amazing & they definitely steered me in the right direction. They were very professional, courteous & never made me feel badly for my gross teeth. If you are looking for a new smile, this is a great place, just be sure to ask for what you need, & prepare yourself for putting in the work it'll take to get there. Thank you everyone at cabrillo for all your help & support!!!
I look forward to only cleanings from here on out. Thank god. read more