I never imagined I would be writing a review like this, but I feel obligated to share my experience…read moreso others know they should always seek a second opinion before agreeing to extensive dental treatment.
I initially came here because I had a painful tooth that I already knew likely needed a root canal according to my previous dentist. After beginning the root canal, I was told the decay was too extensive and that the tooth could not be saved. The dentist strongly recommended extracting it immediately. Trusting their professional judgment, I agreed. The tooth was extracted, a bone graft and membrane were placed, and I was told to return in about a week for a follow-up.
Two days later, the office called and asked me to come back because they had a cancellation and wanted to take a full-mouth set of X-rays to make sure everything else looked healthy.
That appointment completely blindsided me.
The owner of the practice Dr. Nadi, came in and told me I had six cavities, several failing fillings, two crowns that needed to be replaced, another tooth that urgently needed a root canal, severe gum inflammation requiring laser treatment that insurance would not cover, and that I needed to start treatment immediately.
For context, I had been seeing my prior dentist for nearly 22 years before making an emergency appointment with Dr.Smile, and had been there less than a year earlier and left with no problems other than eventually needing a root canal. I brush, floss daily, and use a Waterpik. When I mentioned that, I was told my previous dentist had done poor-quality work and that's why I supposedly had so many problems.
Then I received the treatment estimate.
With my dental insurance, the total came to $11,325, including approximately $5,200 for an implant to replace the tooth they had just extracted. The estimate also included numerous additional fees, such as multiple charges for desensitizing medication $95 each tooth for 5 teeth, expensive lab fees totaling $1,950, BioPure charges amounting to $800, laser gum treatment $600, and mandatory IV sedation for the future implant amounting to $1,000 for 30 minutes.
I was overwhelmed and honestly broke down crying in the office because there was no possible way I could afford it. I explained that to the financial coordinator, who left to speak with the dentist and returned with what was presented as a solution: the treatment would be reduced to $10,000 if I financed it through Cherry at roughly $400 per month, and they encouraged me to begin treatment that same day.
Thankfully, I decided to get a second opinion before moving forward.
I returned to my longtime dental office the very next day. They took new X-rays, completed a full examination, and their findings were dramatically different.
They told me I had no cavities, my back molar did not need a root canal, my gums were healthy and did not require laser treatment or a deep cleaning, both of my crowns were in good condition, and only one filling would eventually need attention. They also reviewed previous X-rays and told me they believed the tooth that had been extracted may have been salvageable.
They have since taken over my care, removed my stitches at no charge, completed my cleaning, and will be handling my implant for significantly less than what I was quoted here, and without mandatory IV sedation.
I understand that dentistry can involve differences of professional opinion. However, the contrast between these two treatment plans was so significant that I cannot recommend this office based on my experience.
If you are ever presented with an extensive or very expensive treatment plan here, I strongly encourage you to seek a second opinion before making any decisions. It gave me peace of mind, and it may save someone else from going through the emotional stress that I experienced.
I do want to give credit where it's due. Every staff member I interacted with was kind, professional, and compassionate. The assistants and front office staff treated me with respect, and I appreciated how friendly everyone was throughout my visits. My review is not about the personalities of the staff, it is about the treatment recommendations and the enormous discrepancy between what I was told I needed and what an independent second opinion found.
