I visited Marina Smiles in October due to a cracked molar causing significant pain when chewing. Despite my clear preference to focus on that tooth, Dr. Omar insisted I needed two root canals- one on the cracked tooth's neighbor and another on a tooth on my right side- both of which I insisted, were not bothering me.
I received a bit of pushback, but I held firm in declining the root canal on my right side, saying because I wasn't in pain and could chew on that side, I would like to wait to schedule something in the new year after my insurance coverage reset.
As for the other tooth on the left side, Dr. Omar insisted that this tooth was actually the one causing issues, not the visibly cracked tooth I felt was causing me pain. She stated that we should focus on this other tooth to solve the issue, as she did not want to over treat the area. Feeling pressured, I reluctantly agreed to trust her judgement.
The initial estimate was $9,147 without insurance and $1,675 with my insurance coverage. This included x-rays, cleaning, one root canal, and one crown (break down of charges below). They walked me through the major costs but skimmed over smaller charges, like varnish and an $88 fee for "oral hygiene instructions", (yes, $88 charge for instructing you on how to brush and floss). I ended up paying $850 down and $141.97 monthly, with a total cost of $1,312.90 after my insurance negotiated down some of the charges.
The root canal work done by their contracted endodontist was extremely quick, and beside the initial shot for numbing, completely painless. He did great work so I will leave some stars for that.
Unfortunately, the cracked tooth I initially sought treatment for still hurts. I maxed out my insurance for the year on a tooth I was gaslit into believing was the issue, and I'm still in pain and unable to chew on my left side.
Right before the new year, a piece of the cracked tooth broke off while brushing. I had to wait till my insurance reset, but I have an appointment with a different dental office to address the original problem this week. I am upset because I know this could have been avoided had my concerns been genuinely listened to. I wish I would've trusted my instincts.
Additionally, they awkwardly push for Google reviews by walking you to a QR code as you leave and hovering until you comply.
If you choose to visit, advocate for yourself and your needs. Personally, I won't be returning.
Pricing Information without/with insurance (I have Metlife PPO):
Office Visit (just for visiting the office):
$102 without, $0 with
Comprehensive Exam:
$120 without, $0 with
X-Rays/Photos:
$1,190 without, $0 with
Root Canal:
$4,382 without, $211.90 with
Zirconia crown:
$2,378 without, $436 discount applied, $874.50 with
Core Build Up:
$380 without, $61.50 with
Cleaning:
$600 without, $165 with
Break down of cleaning:
- Adult Cleaning: $139 without, $0 with
- Varnish: $115 without, $45 with
- Oral Hygiene instructions: $88 without, $0 with
-Antibacterial Irrigation: $258 without, $120 with read more