Howdy -- we've been patients at Lakeside Dental for about 2 years. Unfortunately, I believe we are…read morenow forced to move on. Honestly, I think this is for the best, and here's why.
I came to Lakeside Dental after being a patient here before, even receiving a root canal in the past. This time, I was in severe pain after battling symptoms for months, hoping for answers and relief. Instead, I was met with a dismissive attitude, no empathy, and a quote that was far higher than a competitor's. Through a second opinion, I later learned I actually needed three extractions, two failed root canals, and a cracked tooth--all of which are now being replaced with implants.
At Lakeside, I was told it was "just one failed root canal" and that it was infected. This was presented as the explanation for the headaches, sinus issues, and flu‑like symptoms I'd been experiencing off and on, missing work, and seeing my doctor without answers. I had a cleaning scheduled, the pain had become unbearable in the days leading up to it. At the appointment, after X‑rays, I was told I had one failed root canal and until I decided how to proceed, I would get no antibiotics, no pain medication, and no treatment unless I paid $4,000 upfront--even for a simple extraction. I was told, "we can accept two payments, but it must be paid in full before removal." Sitting in the chair in pain and being told this, felt frustrating but I understand . That night I went to the ER, where I was finally given pain medication and antibiotics to hold me over until I could see another dentist.
A few days later, I got a second opinion. That dentist actually listened. He found the real source of my pain--a cracked lower molar, not the upper tooth Lakeside focused on. He also diagnosed two failed root canals, one of which had been done at Lakeside the previous year. He charged $900 per tooth after insurance, worked with me on getting it done right and made sure I had an understanding , gave me antibiotics, and removed the cracked tooth. My pain was gone immediately. If I had followed Lakeside's plan, I would have paid $4,000 to remove the wrong tooth, then another $4,000 for the actual tooth causing pain, and another $4,000 once the second failed root canal was discovered--a total of $12,000 out of pocket after insurance. Instead, my second provider resolved all three teeth for about $4,000 total After insaurance
Meanwhile, Lakeside continues to act like they don't understand my frustration. I didn't initiate contact--they reached out to me about scheduling repair work. I responded that I went with a second opinion and explained why. now we're multiple texts and getting into emails, the office keeps boiling this down to a "miscommunication" over $4,000 with insurance vs. $6,000 without insurance. That completely misses the point. The real issue is that I came in sick and in pain, and was dismissed. I even had to go to the ER the same night after my appointment, adding another $2,000 to the cost of being ignored. a month later, I was texted again asking when I wanted to schedule repair work, i responded i went with the 2nd option and why and the replies were basically, "well, we were $4k." To me this is not just about money But a $12,000 difference is huge . And more importantly having the right tooth addressed !
Imagine buying a car that's exactly the same as the other one. Not only is it $12,000 more affordable, but it also comes with amazing customer service And when you have a problem with the car they fix the right parts.
The issue is that I came in sick and in pain, and was dismissed. Without a second opinion, I would still be suffering. Out a bunch of money right before holidays . Even looking at my chart, Lakeside only noted one failed root canal, while the second opinion discovered more. This is not just about numbers--it's about me as a patient. That is the core of my complaint, and why I cannot recommend Lakeside Dental.
I gave two stars because I appreciate a clean facility and the friendly staff. However, they lost a point on customer satisfaction, another on price, and another on the back-and-forth messaging.