I honestly wish I had been more thorough and looked up all the reviews for this dentist!!! Feel I was taken advantage of due to being in pain. Was told that the everything was good and insurance had been approved. Kept getting calls and text messages to make sure I was going to make the appointment. Expected to pay for my co-pay and maybe a few hundred more for whatever else was needed to get rid of the pain I was in. Ended up being charged way more than expected due to "some procedures that they say insurance never pays for, although the were not even sent into insurance and was told they were my "out of pocket costs", Was made to feel if this was not paid, they would not continue with any kind of treatment at the time. I was in pain! Ended up paying way over $800. They never went over a treatment plan or shown the itemized cost of the treatment although I kept asking for that. Only thing I left with was my credit card receipt on that payment. Apparently, I had a massive gum infection, yet they proceeded to extract a tooth I was told was the problem and they insisted I needed a deep cleaning on my uppers, they would wait for lowers when I came back to remove stitches in a week. When returned to get stiches removed and continue with lower part of deep cleaning, I again had to pay another $200 because I was not billed everything the first time. I was labeled a problematic patient since I kept asking for a detailed treatment plan, what the insurance was billed and paid. Dr. had a talk with me wanting to know why I was so upset and angry. Not knowing my health history, I was body shamed and told maybe I should change doctor and get on "those drugs to lose weight". She might of meant well, but I took it as offensive. Since they kept refusing to give me the detailed treatment plan charges and what was billed to insurance my husband got involved due to it being his insurance plan from work and felt they were sketchy. Eventually, I received refund to most of my payments when we proved insurance had paid out. Having to go to another dentist due to still being in pain, seems that tooth that was extracted might not have been the problem. read more

I tried this dentist as I moved from my dentist of 30 years because they didn't take insurance, although they always used the customary charges when at all possible. 1) My cleaning contained an item that the insurance didn't pay for. When I asked the dentist office, they said they had pre-authorized the work and that they had good faith that it would be covered; I checked with the insurance co and they have no record of a pre-auth. I'm still trying to fight for the $86. 2) they said I needed at least 2 crowns to start with and the estimate was $1700 per crown. But in February they would give me a $200 discount per crown. Then after continuing to talk to them about it, she increased it to $300, just because. 3) I went back to my old dentist for a 2nd opinion. They did ex-rays complimentary to check things out. They agreed with one tooth but said the other didn't need to be done, they had been watching it and hadn't seen any sign of changes over several years. They gave me an estimate of the one crown, with my insurance coverage, with being out of network, the price of the one crown was $750. $1000 less than an in-network provider. I've reported them to my insurance and my claim about their bad practices. Do not go to this dentist. read more

Front desk workers are rude! If you don't like your job then quit! All I called for was to schedule an appointment, but couldn't work with the times she gave me. I know they're busy, but geez have a sense of humor and act like you want to be there! read more

Very sketchy place they will tell you all kind of things is wrong with your teeth how u have a gum disease and pressure you into paying 4k+ and won't stop calling , my wife ended up getting a crown and took 12 weeks just to get it with no type of update or communication, very sketchy and will try to get the most of of your insurance, I went to get a second opinion and what do you know .... No gum disease, I will not be returning and I do plan on reporting her to the board this is Ridiculous taking peoples hard working earning money read more

Beware of this dental office! I had extensive dental work done. I was a self pay patient, always paid cash. Paid over $4000.00. I wish I went to Yelp and read the reviews. I would of never trusted Dr. Balaraman and her associate dentists . I had cavities that needed fillings, one tooth was drilled too deep and I felt all the intense paid of her drilling, I told her I was not numb and the dentist stopped and gave me another injection and continued to drill. Never fully numbed the area, I FELT IT ALL! The dentist put too much resin in the filled areas of that tooth. It was the only tooth making contact within my mouth. This cause excruciating pain that prevented me from eating and sleeping. Needless to say the nerve in my tooth was bruised, swelling and in pain. I am not able to chew on that side of my mouth or have anything colder than room temperature . I scheduled with Dr. Balaraman and she saw that the error of too much resin on tooth, she called out the dentist on the error and corrected her in front of me. Dr. Balaraman tried to correct tooth, she took too much resin and left a dip in tooth. Dr. Balaraman recommended for me to wait two weeks, to see if pain would go away. Needless to say, it didn't improve. I went back yesterday and after the examination, I was told I need a crown $1233.00 for an error their dentist did. Jennifer receptionist/office manager explanation was that "x-ray don't indicate how deep the cavity is, the only way for dentist to know is to drill." Oh, they are willing to give me a discount of $211 for they filling they screwed up. I paid $300.00 for their in house discount plan. I requested a refund of remainder months of the in house dental plan and a refund of $211.00. Jennifer the receptionist/office manger said she needed to talk to billing office and she would call back. Still waiting! I believe Dr. Balaraman and her staff will cause injury to your teeth to keep you coming back and have you continue pay for treatment, so they can make profit from the misfortune they caused you. If you enjoy shelling out money during these trying times and leaving with more pain than you arrived in, then I highly suggest you come visit Pflugerville Smiles Dentistry! In summary Pflugerville Smiles Dentistry should be renamed to Pflugerville Frowns Dentistry, the only Smiles that are had there are the staff taking your money and checks and depositing them into their bank account. read more

Definitely not a place for kids they did not have patience for my child.I should of just sticked with a dental pediatric for kids I could not find a Sooner opening so I came here instead.i walked away without getting anything done because I could see how frustrated the doctor was getting with my 4 year old.I get that it's hard working with small children but she would give up so easily when my daughter would not open her mouth I wish she would of been more friendly ,She was so quick to say let's just put her to sleep which I am against I found somewhere else that recommended only using laughing gas. read more

I have impressively bad luck with dentists. From double charging me and my insurance by one, negligent treatment by another. One guy in Santa Fe told me to drink a bottle of red wine if I was feeling pain rather than write a prescription for pain meds. My first dentist in Austin was arrested for child pornography, I wish I was kidding. With this kind of luck I avoid dentists, which means that any problems I already have just get worse. Last year I decided to stare it down and finally get it all done. I took a chance with this dentist since there were no yelp reviews yet. Frankly I liked that she was close to my house. Admittedly not a great reason but...ok. After months of extensive work and a *whole* lot of money I've switched dentists. Let me give you some highlights. For my second visit I had asked for gas for an extraction. I'm extremely anxious about dental work after many bad experiences. I get there for the extraction and they couldn't find the key to the closet where the gas is stored. Seriously. They looked around some then kind of gave up so I tried to just power through it. At one point I signaled that I was feeling pain as I'd been told to do. It was ignored. I ended up in a complete panic and had to sit up and cry for five minutes. I've never done this at a dentist's office before, ever. I was sent to an endodontist to have him look at a specific problem. I paid a co-pay to him. Either he never got back to this dentist or she never got the report. No follow up. Eventually after asking several times I was referred to another endodontist. I had a permanent crown fall off three times within four months. After finally going to another dentist it turns out she had drilled the tooth down too far. I paid to have this tooth built back up with posts and get a new permanent crown. Insurance wouldn't cover it so I paid for this completely out of pocket. I'm not sure if this is a standard practice but she drilled on my natural tooth to make a crown fit better. That doesn't seem right, I don't remember a dentist doing this before. When I switched dentists I called to have my records sent to them. Six months later and they were never sent. Again, I paid out of pocket for an entirely new set of x-Rays. I was just over dealing with this person and was actually willing to pay to never have to face it again. Also, it took a long time for the checks to be cashed, which was weird. They've recently changed the practice name to Pflugerville Smiles. I'm wondering if it's because they can't legally use the term comfort since it doesn't apply. I hate writing mean reviews but this was just too bad an experience to not share. read more

I would rate zero stars if I could. This doctor is absolutely rude. It smelled like poop when I went.

Rude dentist, bad work, and the worst she didn't want to fix it. Of course she charged my insurance more than 1000 dollars plus the 900 dollar that I still paying her. 12/6/16 Wow they finally apologized after two years and with manipulated data! read more

Excellent receptionist at PSD. State of the art dental equipment. I had a great cleaning by the hygienist and she was very personable. But then, I met with the dentist. She looked at my teeth and said I needed to get my wisdom teeth removed AND I needed to have a deep cleaning underneath my gums. She did NOT have a good bedside manner. I went back to my original dentist for a routine cleaning and x-rays. This dentist said I do not need my wisdom teeth removed nor was a deep cleaning needed. I wonder how many other patients go here and are told to have procedures that are not needed. I am a medicare patient and I hate to think of how many others are talked into procedures they do not need. read more

Dr Balaraman is a crook who reccomended that I needed $3000+ of dental work. I also changed dentist because of her office incompetence and her being late to my appointments. My new dentist after three visits hasn't said anything about me needing $3000+ of dental work. Everyone should get a second opinion before letting her do any major dental work. read more

1st : im sorry doctor Lakshmi. I have to write this review. You are a nice doctor. I think you should NOT let your dental hygienist answer your business phone anymore. She is the reason people is canceling appointment. I really like the receptionist lady that you have/had (dont remember her name. But remember she has a scar on her face). 2nd : to miss dental hygiene that answered my phone : you was rude. You changed my appointment without letting me know. Luckily i called to confirm my cleaning appointment at 5 pm and found out myself that you changed to 4:45. At that point i told you i cannot come at 4:45. Then you were asked me : " you cant ask your boss to leave work early ?". I said no. And you were like : " ok then come at 5. Next time ask your boss 3 months ahead that you have appointment you have to leave early". Dear miss, you cannot tell your customers like that. So funny. You acted like you were my mom. Then, i found out that you didnt cancel my Orth invisilign appointment, you rescheduled on the same day of my cleaning without my knowledge. I was spoke to you over the phone in September about it. that i have to wait for my husband's insurance change to a new plan. I will let you know when im ready. Then you were more rude to me. You said you weren't there when i cancel my orth invisilign . Missy, the office only have you and doctor Lakshmi. I been going to your office for more than 2 years. I can recognize your voice. You were the one on the phone when i wanted to cancel my orth in September . Lie lie. I still remember you were also rude on the phone when i cancel invisilign appointment. You were like : " so, now you dont want to do it ? We already scheduled and ready" .Whole conversation over the phone you were very rude when found out i cant make it the way you want to. Please note that it wasnt my fault. You changed without telling me. And more important thing is you need me , i dont need you. There are many dental offices are waiting for customers. Dont act like that. And you didnt do good job either on cleaning my teeth. I can tell the difference between you and the others dental hygienist that i have had before. Now i know why everytime i were the only one in the office. There were no others customers. And you are loosing 3 more customers. My family is looking for a new dentist. read more

This was by far my worst dental experience in my life. I have had wisdom teeth removed, braces, and even a root canal... NEVER have I had to cry through a numbing procedure. I went in for a basic cleaning and walked away with half my face numbed from a deep cleaning (never had one in my life), terrifying news that I needed around 4-6 root canals (wtf?!), and just overwhelmingly upset with how rude and unsympathetic the dentist was. I will never go back here and warn anyone against going either!! I've been referred to a wonderful local dentist who I can't wait to see, and hear what he says about my teeth! read more

I would give more than 5 stars if I could! My kids have been patients of Dr. Balaraman for awhile and I've always appreciated her frank and down to earth approach. I feel like I am talking to a person, not just a dentist. She is honest but without making you feel like you are the worst mouth she's ever seen. Her office staff is accommodating and easy to work with. Knowing that I myself need fairly extensive dental work, but having had some negative experiences, I was terrified and put off seeing a dentist for awhile, but finally visited Dr. Balaraman myself. Again, she was honest but not condescending in what I was dealing with. My anxiety was a little over the top, but Dr. Balaraman and her staff bent over backwards to make my experience as pain free and stress free as possible. They seem to have a real understanding of how upsetting dental work can be. Here is the real reason they have a lifetime patient in me, though. This week I had two crowns placed in the back of my mouth. A procedure identical to one I had a couple of years ago at another dentist. I have no idea why or how it all works, but I can't tell you how much less pain was involved from beginning to end having this done with Dr.Balaraman. What was excruciating and almost unbearable with another dentist was mildly uncomfortable with Dr. Balaraman. I encourage anyone looking for a dentist in the Pflugerville area to visit Dr.Balaraman. I am so glad my kids and I have found her! read more

I've had such a horrible experience with Pflugerville Smiles Dentistry that I've signed up with Yelp just to make sure others don't have to go through this (I tried to write a review on the patientconnect365 website but I guess the office screens out negative reviews on that site)! I used to love going to the dentist (and still do, as long as it's not Dr. Balaraman). I seriously do not understand these positive reviews, unless they are fake or written by people who've never known going to the dentist could be a pleasurable experience. So, where to start. At my first appointment back in 2016 I revealed that it had been a few years since I had dental insurance and regular cleanings. Once the exam and cleaning was complete Dr. Balaraman seemed disappointed to discover I had excellent oral health; it would become clear to me over the next two years what this disappointment stemmed from, Pflugerville Smiles Dentistry seems to operate out of the hope that they can find something expensive to fix, and if they can't find it, they'll make it up. The last cleaning I had there (end of 2017) Dr. Balaraman claimed I had two cavities and the receptionist was able to book me back in that day (huge RED FLAG that the office rarely has other patients in it and is able to book you back in immediately for a rather intense procedure). I've since had other procedures, and an exam and cleaning with another dentist who could not find any trace of these mysterious cavities. I'm currently dealing with the repercussions of the office not knowing how to properly bill the insurance company. I really cannot stress enough how much of a nightmare situation going here has been. I should have listened to the other negative reviews on here when I was picking out a dentist! Dr. Balaraman's "bedside manner" is also horrible. She's not very nice and has insulted my appearance multiple times. She became incredibly rude to me at one of my last appointments with her when I said I did not want to have an expensive cosmetic dental procedure done (again, it's all about how much money they can get out of you here). read more

This may sound like another cliché but I honestly dread going to the dentist. I had not gone to the dentist in years for reasons of fear. I went to see Dr. Balaraman. I had many questions about the office practice and my dental care. I like she takes the time to answer my questions and concerns before starting any dental procedure. I took my teenage daughter to the office. Dr. Balaraman did routine cleaning on my daughter. She didn't find anything wrong with my daughters teeth. The Dr.'s assistant is exceptional. Everyone here is professional and courteous. I've recommended them to my co-workers. -Nefertiti read more

I've had years of miserable experiences with dentists in various places. But my last dentist in Calgary, Alberta was so good, I almost hated to move. He was a former professional hockey player, so he KNEW about dentisty from both sides. I finally bit the bullet and decided on a new dentist, Dr Lakshmi Balaramanam at Pflugerville Smiles on Heatherwilde. The location is convenient which means I'm not stressing about getting to the appointment before I even arrive! I've found the receptionist Donna to be friendly and professional. Both hygienists have been diligent in their cleaning, even considering the small size of my mouth and jaws. The trainee observer was friendly and helpful. Dr Balaraman explained the reasons for the recommended treatment using the xrays. One cavity was so bad even I could see it on the monitor. The other was in the gumline in a place that is virtually impossible to floss. Dr Balaraman was sensitive to my needs in a long & difficult procedure. She & Donna were also aware of the costs and offered various payment options. I have my next appt. tomorrow and I'm not already stressing about it like I used to because I trust Dr Raman and her hygienist to be able to handle it. Town under my initials should be Pflugerville, TX, NOT San F, CA. don't know how to change it. read more

I'm boggled by all the negative reviews... Let me provide my own personal experience in hopes it helps someones decision to visit. For 30 years I have been bouncing from dentist to dentist. I struggled with having insurance so I would only be able to visit any dentist when I had insurance.I often find that they love the fact that I'm just one big dental bill. They tend to make me feel embarrassed that I need so much work and it becomes very mechanical in the way that now I'm a cash cow. I have had several poor dental procedures that need to be corrected as a result. Fast forward to about 4 years ago where I landed at Pflugerville Smiles Dentristy. The staff is helpful and welcoming. They have customized my outreach and appointment making to fit into my hectic schedule. I've never had a billing concern or issue come up. Matter of fact they have assisted me with prepayment options to get work done. To that fact, Dr. Balaraman doesn't rush me to get work done she understands that I can only come in when I can afford it. She is patient and kind in this matter. These are all benefits that Ive noticed over the years the willingness to be flexible for me. The biggest selling point for me though is very early on in our working relationship I had to have a big dental procedure. It was not going well because I have a bad jaw and cant stay open for long couple that with a few unexpected hangups I would have expected the Dr to just patch it up regardless of the outcome. Not Dr Balaraman, she refocused took her time to make sure this procedure was done properly. I can remember sitting in the chair thinking this is my Dr. She takes pride in her work. She remembers all the little things that I need to have a successful visit. Like the fact that I need more numbing agent then most or that my jaw hurts. She and her hygienist will even rub my temples during breaks. I mean who does that? They do. Speaking of hygenist a big shout out to Carmen who is funny, warm, welcoming and very informative of her movements. They all ask about my family and my life! The testimony for me is that I have found my place at Pflugerville Smiles Dentistry. Thank you to the Dr and staff for always making me feel good. read more