I've never had a cavity or dental problem in my life. After one visit with Claypool, I was told I needed 5 fillings and all of my wisdom teeth extracted, despite the fact that I've never had a cavity and all my wisdom teeth grew in straight several years ago. I was also told my gums were at "Stage 3" of inflammation and without an immediate deep cleaning, my gums would advance to the 4th and final stage. When I demanded more answers about what the deep cleaning woudl accomplish, I started to get really frustrating answers. For one, I was told I could cut down on the cost of the procedure if I only had "one side" cleaned. Then, I was told, the dentist could tell me if cleaning the other side was necessary. I asked why they would suggest having only one side cleaned if my gums were in such disrepair? After fumbling around, the dentist finally told me that the diagnosis of inflammed gums and recommendation of deep cleaning isn't exact. To go from showing me stock slides of what inflammed gums look like and what would "likely happen" to me if I didn't get the deep cleaning, to then telling me they would deep clean half my mouth to "get a better idea" of if my gums were really unhealthy at all is quite a turnaround. I'm just glad I was pissed off and asked more questions instead of submitting to all of their requests. As a side note, the basic cleaning they gave me made my gums bleed for the ensuing hour. I'm sure these people aren't evil, but it's a problem that they can justify jacking up our bill by claiming they are being "preventative" and "patient focused." read more

I agree with most of the reviews that have already been posted. I had a terrible experience at this dental office. The staff is not friendly and if anything they are all socially awkward. I take really good care of my teeth and only went in for a cleaning, but they quoted me for some outrageous services and I find it hard to believe that anyone can acquire what they were suggesting (when I felt no pain) in less than a year since my last dentist visit unless I were only eating sugar. The office is really fancy and spa like, which is nice - but you tend to not appreciate it once all the dental procedures are complete and you're left with a ton of flaws with the dental work. I had an expensive crown put in and I was a student at the time and no billing plans were laid out for me... ahhh, definitely try to avoid this dental office. read more

One could also take your well maintained car to a crooked auto repair shop and ask them to find some imaginary problems. Things to watch out for - 1) Do you need to go on a "four month" plan after a lifetime of good oral hygiene? 2) Do you, all of a sudden, have 6-8 "pre-cavities" that need immediate attention? 3) Do your gums show signs of inflammation and need a "deep cleaning?" 4) Do you need a number of extra products that this office happens to sell? Mind you, all of the above are not covered by insurance. One star for the warm neck pillow. read more

I made an appointment. The Dr. Was late. The stuff weren't nice to me. I don't know what's wrong with them. When they checked my insurance benefits and found out I have benefits of 2000$ everything changed. I don't trust the Dr. She is fishy somehow. She kept telling me I have a problem with my teeth. I told them all they all I needed is just deep cleaning. I don't recommend this Dr. Although I wish her the best in her career. read more

Have been going here for years. Everyone is always so friendly and professional. Dr. Claypool is great and really knows what she's doing. I finally got my wife to give her a try and she is very happy as well!!! read more

THE GOOD: Service. You feel as though you're a big shot at a fancy hotel. They offer water, heated neck pillow and are at your becking call. The office is state of the art and looks like the inside of a mansion. THE BAD: Any time after the 2nd visit, the service and quality of work go down hill. Girls working there talk to each other nonstop. THE UGLY: The billing is sketchy and questionable. If you're pay cash as a private patient, don't expect a receipt. However do expect another bill for the same service you already paid in cash several months later. This is a corporation type of business, therefore be prepared to pay top dollar for a root-canal or anything like that. read more

I signed up for yelp specifically to write this review. PLEASE read through all of these reviews before you decide to book and appt here. I wish that I had--I made the mistake of reading these reviews AFTER thousands of dollars were wasted on poor dental work. Each review I read stunned me because they were EXACTLY the same encounters I had. The staff is very friendly and warm but the actual quality of dental work was very poor. I went into this office about 8 months after my last checkup. I wasn't expecting anything bad (except maybe some nagging about flossing or coming in sooner for my cleaning) because my previous check-up yielded no cavities or concerns. Like the many other reviews posted, I was also completely shocked that I had to get several crowns and several cavities filled. Instead of going for a second opinion or maybe looking up some online reviews like I should have, I trusted Dr. Claypool and went with several months worth of dental work. Bad idea on my part. Something I noticed immediately about Dr. Claypool is that she is always walking in and out of the room to tend to another patient--While you are sitting in the chair...mouth open... getting two crowns AND fillings. After my first treatment, I guess all the dental work was a little bit too much trauma for my mouth and I broke out into cold sores that evening. I called Dr. Claypool's office the next morning to see if she could prescribe something (since her website advertises "cold sore treatment"). She dismissed my concerns and told me I should rinse with biotene, and get biotene toothpaste and told me it was a canker sore. I was stunned that she actually said this to me. For people who suffer from cold sores (HSV-1), we know that a cold sore is NOT a canker sore. I gave her one last shot to set it straight and asked her a second time "so are you telling me that a COLD SORE, is the SAME THING as a canker sore??" She said yes, same thing. I went to my Doctor immediately and told him the story, he thought it was ridiculous that a DENTIST would tell a patient that a canker sore and a cold sore are the exact same thing. It was a little annoying, but I kept with the treatment plan. I figured, as long as I get my teeth fixed, and it's a job well done, then fine, whatever. Very bad idea. 6 months and 6 or so procedures later, I am in pain, can't eat or drink regularly on one side without feeling pain and cannot floss easily in an area because of a jagged filling. After reading all the other reviews, even though I have maxed out my insurance and paid thousands more out of pocket, I plan on going to another dentist immediately to get Dr. Claypool's work evaluated. I would stay away. She is not a very skilled dentist with questionable methods of practice. read more

I have been a long time patient of Dr. Claypool's dental office and she is hands down the best dentist around. The other review by an Emily T is downright wrong. Any patient of Dr. Claypool's knows that she doesn't do extractions, root canals or specialist work herself, as she has super qualified specialists do that, as that is what they're trained for. Her office is absolutely beautiful, her staff is extremely delightful and make every effort to make sure that we as patients are comfortable and relaxed. I recommend Dr. Ronelle Claypool to everyone i know, and will continue to do so. read more

I have been visiting Dr Claypool for ten years. I started with her because she was covered by UCLA insurance, and have continued after graduation. I have enjoyed regular cleanings, replacement of aging metal fillings with ceramic, and veneers on my front four upper teeth. All of her work has been good, and has lasted well. Also, who can refuse a soothing hot towel at the end of your visit? read more

Dr Claypool and her staff are not competent to do any work and I also have similar experiences as these posters. I went in for minor tooth pain to heat 2.5 months ago. They told me I need 6 fillings, a crown and a cleaning. I am in such worse shape now, 2 teeth hurt so bad I cannot chew on the left side of my mouth. Dr Altman there did not listen to my requests to have an endodontist look at the tooth in question and she drilled up 2 teeth and replaced with fillings instead of finding the root cause of the problem. One tooth was filled and it's been in pain since. The other tooth that was suppose to get a crown then needed a root canal. Their expert recommendation I think botched my root canal, one month later I'm still in pain. The spa like treatment is a sham, I noticed as did the other posters, other patients needing many fillings, cleaning and crowns while I was there. They will come up with a 'treatment plan' for you and will prescribe multiple fillings, crowns and deep cleanings. This place will scam you into thinking you need lots of work and then do a shoddy job. I do not feel confident in their knowledge of dentistry or to find the true problems. To put it bluntly they are only there to make money off of you, not provide good dental services. read more

Buyers beware! I went to Dr. Claypool's office because she was in my Dental Insurance network. On my first visit, I was seen by her associate and told that I need NINE fillings AND deep cleaning. I have always been complimented for my teeth so not really sure if I needed them. Like Sarah T. I wish I had gotten a 2nd opinion but was afraid I need to pay out of pocket because I already used up my visit with Dr. Claypool's office. The reason to choose an in-network provider is that they contracted with the insurance company to be capped at certain amount of money for reimbursement and pass the saving onto you. However, Dr. Claypool make you sign a form stating that you will pay any difference between their billed price and reimbursement. So right now they have gotten ~$500 from me ON TOP OF the ~$1300 they got from the insurance company. One reason is that they will ONLY do resin composite filling even for rear teeth so those are not covered by insurance. Sure the atmosphere is like a "spa" but I would rather use the 500 dollars to go to real spas. I will never go back to this office again. read more

Worst dentist ever. Told me I needed dental work I never needed. Charged too much. Rude, unprofessional staff.

I found the office to be highly unprofessional and would not recommend it to any friends or family.

Dr Claypool's office is like a wolf in sheep's skin. She and her staff are very nice and friendly. I had a great time talking to them when i would go in. They charmed me with the warm towels and serene environment. BUT, after that...they told me that I needed so many fillings and they made tons of follow-up appointments to drill...drill...drill. I don't remember if i ever had a cleaning in the two years I went to Dr. Claypool, even though a cleaning is standard. But, I definitely had a root canal, an extraction, and a schedule for several other fillings. I lost trust in them and found another dentist. And guess what, i didn't need all those fillings after all. Since i left Cali, my new dentist has also confirmed that I need no fillings and I do a very good job taking care of my teeth. Be very wary if they plan a schedule for you that involves multiple fillings, root canals or extractions. Oh yeah, and they are good for charges for cancellations. I remember one time they charged me $150 bc they signed me up for a two block appointment, when i only requested one procedure and they wanted to do two procedures. It was a hassle but I made them reduce the charges. read more

Dr Claypoole and her staff are very professional. I never get the impression I am at a used car sales lot and if I'm not ready to do a procedure I just let her know. I've been going here for 3 years now, had some good work done and plan to do some more. Office and location is great too. read more

Dr. Claypool and her staff are an asset to this community. They are highly professional, efficient and caring. As a professional, Dr, Claypool knows her stuff and communicates it in a way that is clearly understood. Common routine for her is to explain the science behind the technique ensuring that things like X-rays and prognosis are fully described and understood. Thanks to this, I have been able to make educated decisions about my dental health. When it comes to the actual hands-on procedures, she has an amazing technique with gifted hands. When I first came to her office, I was in an awful chronic pain, a result from previous poorly done dental procedures. I was using only one side of my mouth to chew. I clearly remember her words after all the technicalities were in place. " There is no reason why you shouldn't be using your full mouth to chew, "We'll get you back in shape." Did she ever? I am so thankful to her. Needless to say that after this first experience, I "moved in" with my family and a couple of friends. I hope Dr. Claypool never retires. As it is true with successful individuals, people supporting them make the difference. Doctor Claypool has a staff that clearly supports her, acting on core values that put patients' interests first. They are absolutely responsive to my needs by showing concern and giving me personalized attention. This is true from the hygienist to the office manager. With them, I know that I am in good hands. I am so thankful (and glad) that Doctor Claypool and her team are part of this community. They bring a service to people with a strong sense of professionalism and genuine care for the individual. read more

It definitely was a spa-like experience. However, they recommended a lot of work (crowns and new fillings) that the previous dentist I had visited 6 months prior had not mentioned at all. Suddenly my mouth went haywire in 6 months? I wanted to trust so got two crowns and a replaced filling (I'm 29 and never had issues like crowns before) and they said that another (third) tooth will probably need a crown next time. Actually the second crown they did they said they hoped they could just do as a new filling however when they got in ended up having to drill off the side of one tooth so said they then would have to crown it. Just got a bill a couple months ago with another $250 and found out that they had maxed out my PPO insurance for the year (set at $1000 in coverage) - which they were supposed to check since they give you a price quote before they do the work. Now I can't get a 6-month cleaning without paying out of pocket. My husband just went yesterday since he figured he might as well get a cleaning with them at least, and suddenly he needs a crown now too! As did the person coming out of the chair in front of him. Hmmm. Sorry, I'm just suspicious that you get what you pay for and that we are really paying for the spa-like experience. read more

I went to Dr. Claypool for a few years, initially drawn to her office by their spa-like environment, cool technology, and very friendly customer service. Dr. Claypool and her associates always knew me by name, and offered hot neck pillows, bottled water, hot towels, and gift bags whenever I went for a cleaning. They have this cool tooth camera where they would take pictures of your teeth up close to show you where your cavities were and where you needed fillings. I always enjoyed my cleanings with her, and never felt pressured to do any cosmetic treatments. After going to her for a few years, however, I noticed that she had recommended that I get 5-6 fillings on two different occasions, which seemed suspicious to me. However, she was able to show me on the camera where my "pre-cavities" were, so I went along with it. My dentist friends later told me that filling these pre-cavities was ok, but perhaps overly conservative, so I decided to switch dentists. I still have yet to find a new dentist that I like, and I may end up going back to Dr. Claypool in the end, so I guess my bottom line is that if you prefer a conservative dentist who will treat you well AND give you a spa-like experience, then she is the one for you. read more

I have always had very healthy teeth and so I was shocked when, on my first visit to Dr. Claypool's office, I was told that I needed 6 crowns and root cleaning. I should have ended the visit then, but went ahead with the root cleaning. HUGE mistake! It was a nightmare and I decided to try another dentist-who told me I didn't need any crowns at all, in fact the only thing I needed was replacement of my one filling because it was very old and was starting to expose the tooth around the sides. Please think twice before being drawn into the "spa" experience - the doctor has two offices and once you actually agree to a proceedure you are sent to another location that is not spa-like at all. read more

THE F#$%^^G WORST DENTIST EVER! EVER! Let me extol upon you my horrible nail biting experience with Dr. Claypool and her staff. The dentist I have been going to for the past 5 years died and I needed to find a new one very soon. I visited my PPO's website and selected a dentist close by-- I work in Century City. Upon visiting Dr. Claypool's CC office, I like many of the positive yelpers here was blown away by the decor and supposed accommodation. I was met with a spa like and inviting environment with seemingly friendly staff. Although, I was only visiting to check up on a horrible abscess in my mouth, the lead dentist instructed me to come back for a full check up. I obliged as I thought, I had found my next dentist. Upon making the appointment with the receptionist, I informed her that my schedule is inflexible and unreliable and I may need to cancel. She casually said, "Sure, just call us and let us know". My appointment date was approaching and I realized the day of that my appointment was later at 4pm and I had an immediate conflict. I sent an email to the reception reiterating the situation I had explained before. I received no confirmation that they received my cancellation. (This office sent me an email about my visit; they have a very sophisticated tech based communication strategy and outreach). That said, they never recognized that they had received my cancellation. Here is the kicker: A week later they sent me a bill for $203- $150 for a cancellation fee and $53 for a "limited oral evaluation" THEY CHARGED ME $150 BECAUSE I CANCELLED and another $53 for a oral evaluation I NEVER RECEIVED. I thought to myself this must be a mistake; this fee is OUTRAGEOUS. I called Jerrod their accountant who informed that a) I never cancelled, which I did (and sent them the email) and b) I signed a paper acknowledging their cancellation policy. I'm smart; I'm the Vice President of my company; I've purchased a house. Needless to say I've dealt with plenty of business' and business practices in my day. NEVER have dealt with a more cold and unforgiving office or more fraudulent business practices in my life. I sent their office a letter stating my case in a very nice and agreeable tone; even indicating that I would return as a customer if they forgave the fee this time as I was a new customer and not fully aware of their completely draconian cancellation policy. Jerrod,thier clinical and cold-hearted accountant, call led me back to say they had rejected my plea. I told them that I refused to pay such a high cancellation fee especially after I sent them an email to that effect. Less than 10 days later they sent me to Collections and now, I have a horrible blemish on my credit and still have to pay their cancellation fee. This blemish RUINED my otherwise PERFECT credit. Lesson from dealing with Dr. Ronelle Claypool, Inc.: DO NOT VISIT THIS DENTIST CORPORATION. THEY TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS LIKE DIRT and will send a potential future patient to collections rather than forgiving a first-time cancellation fee and seeing the benefit of future patronage. The facade of their office environment is just that a FACADE. You would be better visiting a regular dentist who has a history with his clients and a positive reputation about patronage read more

Dr. Claypool and her staff are awesome. I have been seeing Dr. Claypool now for about 7 years and have had some dental work done over that period of time as well and she has always done a great job, provided a warm and inviting atmosphere and was very reasonable with pricing. I always ask before any procedure gets scheduled what the out-of-pocket costs will be so there is no surprise and so I have had no issues with costs/pricing as I always know what to expect based on what my insurance will or will not cover. Her office is very clean and high tech, the staff offer warm neck towels while you get your teeth worked on and then a warm face towel is also offered after the appointment to freshen up, which I think is a nice little touch and very appreciated. Dr. Claypool is very sweet and pleasant and does a thorough job; she explains everything clearly and with concern and care. read more

Really thorough cleanings. You feel like she enjoys taking care of your teeth. And the warm neck pillow is to die for. If you're not the kind of person who wants to fill "pre-cavities" (and I'm not), then when she asks if you want to, you say no (as to the bad reviews below). I've never had them act weird or make a big deal about those things. And it's nice how when something is wrong, like you have a cavity, they take pictures and show you what's going on so that you can see it too. I love this dentist. read more

I must say that Dr. Claypool is a very knowledgeable and a thorough Dentist. Being a professional myself it is very important to find a doctor who is well rounded in every aspect of Dentistry. Of course I can't forget her wonderful staff and hygienist. They know you by your first name and treat you with great respect and care. I highly recommend Dr. Claypool she is an amazing Dentist. You will not be disappointed.. read more

Had a great cleaning , no hidden charges and lovely customer service. In addition, the dentist made me feel at ease and the office is very nice, clean and comfortable. read more

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Claypool recently. I went to see her because I was told by my previous dentist that I needed a root canal as well as other major dental work. After my exam with Dr. Claypool, she assured me that a root canal was not necessary. I did not need major dental work. It was refreshing to see that Dr. Claypool was more interested in my dental health than doing unnecessary treatments. I found Dr. Claypool to be very professional. The service was great and her staff is very pleasant and helpful. I am definitely referring Dr. Claypool to all my friends and family. read more

It is with great pleasure that I'm writing this review of Dr. Claypool. First, as a dentist she meets and exceeds your expectations in every way!! She has been my dentist for over 8 years, and no problems at all. I'll add, modestly, that I'm no mean judge as my personal Doctor was my Dr. for 24 years until (God rest his soul) he died one year ago. I'll word it this way: when I find a Dr. that is fabulous I see no need to change!! The pricing is reasonable and the service is five star. Hot towels for your neck and to clean your face after the cleaning etc. The staff are simply the best in the west...plus tax!! On top of all of this, the ambiance is warm and inviting, and Dr. Claypool is sweet, charming and simply a lovely lady. What else could anyone ask?? read more

After having gone to Dr. Claypool for 7+ years, though I think she is nice personally, I have to give this bad review based on a bad crown she gave me. I've had loads of dental work performed here, only to find out that the latest 2000$ painful experience was completely unnecessary and due to a mistake they made on previous work they did. I deeply regret not getting a second opinion (having trusted Dr. Claypool) and after seeing two other specialists was horrified to learn that the crown she said I needed to get ASAP was pointless, they took out a perfectly good tooth for no reason other than to cover some bad previous work that had been done (bonding that had gotten lodged into my gum) -- which, guess what, after seeing recent X-rays... that bonding is STILL THERE. I went through so much stress and physical pain (even though they said it wouldn't be painful) and annoying appointments disrupting my extremely busy work schedule for no reason. Not to mention the cost. For cleanings this place is fine, but for anything else, they try to up-sell you and my once perfect smile now has a tooth near the front of my mouth with a black line across it. Unfortunately, I have to go through another awful round of re-doing the crown (by a different doctor this time) and there's no guarantee that it will go back to looking normal. read more