I sent a certified letter dated Sept. 1 to Dr. Cohen, expressing my concerns about his dental practice. After much contemplation, I decided to make this letter publicly available, as I determined it is in the public interest and I have a moral duty to let potential patients know what has occurred. Here is a link to the letter. https://www.docdroid.net/GfRzDgj/20160901-letter-to-dr-stephen-cohen.doc.html If you are interested, you can read this, as it details how I came to my conclusion about his treatment. read more

I never knew that it was possible to give a dentist, let alone an endodontist, a 5 star rating...who knew...but this man is DA SHIZZZZZNIT, for real!!! I was in EXTREME (the kind that makes you want to slap someone just because...) pain due to a filling gone horribly wrong (for which my dentist wanted me to wait 5 days & see if the antibiotics worked; to which I responded "have you lost your damn mind?!?!?!?!"), and was referred to Dr. Cohen by another dentist. Now, after all of the horror stories I'd heard about root canals, to say that I was terrified was the understatement of the year. However, once I was in the chair AND HE WAS DONE TESTING THE TOOTH (yes people, the tapping & ice water is a regular testing procedure by ALL ENDODONTISTS & has nothing to do with the individual; I refuse to deduct a star for doing his job!), he reassured me that I wouldn't feel ANY pain (and I told him that was going to hold him to it), it was on...quick, and guess what?! HOT DAMN - NO PAIN...NONE...WHATSOEVER...that's right - NADA, ZILCH, ZERO...nothing during the procedure, & NOTHING AFTERWARDS!!! I think I'm in love. No, he isn't cheap...but who the hell cares?! You get what you pay for. The fact that I was in less pain than when I had what was supposed to be a routine replacement filling...PRICELESS!!! read more

How often do you give someone who gives you a root canal a 5-star rating? This guy is the shnizzniddynit. He's the dictionary definition of all business, and makes you feel completely at ease. He guarantees that you won't feel any pain and backs that promise up. This boy talks the talk and walks the walk. Aw yeah. Bonus points for the soothing music during the procedure. I also liked the cool-ass "isolator" he used to prevent crap from falling down my throat. I wish all dentists used this all the time. Dr. Cohen rocks da hizzouse. read more

Wow. I'm not going to say that a root canal is my idea of fun, but if you've got to get one? This guy is tops. My dentist told me this guy was the best in the field, so I was afraid it'd be some stuffy office (and the location between tiffany's and sak's doesn't make it any less intimidating). But Dr. Cohen and his staff are incredibly caring, funny, and kind. I felt very well taken care of. He was great at explaining what was wrong, what was going to fix it, and what would happen next. read more

It's a funny business with reviewing dentists (or related specialists) -- I always feel like my reviews end up terribly polarized with no middle ground. Dr. Cohen's office is no exception, although lucky for them that is because my experience was so thoroughly excellent that I have no reason to give them any less than full marks. I was referred to the office by my primary dentist for some checkups on an old root canal that had been acting a little off, and you can just guess how excited I was to have some maintenance done on it (read: I'd rather carve my eyes out with a rusty spoon). But all that said, I was immediately put at ease by Dr Cohen himself and everyone else on staff. Although some dentists seem to like the silent treatment, Dr Cohen made a point of walking through the various steps of his diagnosis process. He talked with me about what sort of tooth sensitivity I had noticed, why it might be this cause or that cause, and just generally made me quite aware what he was thinking. He ended up not finding anything and I was off on my way without any serious work getting done, but he left a great impression on me and I know I will gladly go here in the case I ever need an endodontist in the future. read more

A Terrific Dentist! Who knew a root canal could be a pleasant experience?! Like anyone, I was dreading this procedure, but Dr. Cohen talked me through it, made sure I was comfortable, made me laugh, and finished in a flash! He protected my veneer impeccably, and I haven't had a second of pain. I'm not planning on more root canals, but I wish he were my regular dentist. What made it even more pleasant was the friendly staff, beautiful office, and wide view of the Bay. I left feeling great. read more

Referred to him by my dentist - Dr. Suezaki. Wasn't in pain when I arrived. Really outstanding experience (for a root canal)- Dr. Cohen really seems to care about his patients. Explained all of the details to me as he did the procedure. Promised there wouldn't be pain - there wasn't. Very high-tech, tasteful and tidy atmosphere. Was out of there in a relatively short order. Hope I'll never need to come back, but if I ever get another root canal - here's where I'm going! read more

I am here from chicago on business, and had an unexpected dental emergency. I was a little freaked out, especially since I am seriously busy while working here and don't necessarily have time to spend in a dentists chair. I was referred to Dr. Cohen by another dentist, and she was able to get me confirmed for an appointment immediately! (almost unheard of for good dentists). I should also mention that I absolutely HATE going to the dentist. I've had some horrible experiences and always feel judged. I told Dr. Cohen this, and he responded "I think you mean you hate dentistry. Because you don't actually know the dentists." This is so true. Furthermore, I enjoyed his sense of humor and ability to explain what he was doing every step of the way. I was so impressed, I scheduled a followup appointment for my next trip to SF in two weeks! Dr. Cohen's team was just that AMAZING!!! read more

I was lucky to discover Dr. Stephen Cohen. He is a high level professional as well as an amazing human being. His assistant Marcella and office manager Heather are both phenomenal and the three of them make a power team. I can confidently say that this is the best dentistry to get your root canal done. Dr. Cohen is the author of Pathways to the Pulp and is truly passionate about his work. He worked on my root canal with amazing care and precision and was genuinely happy, chuckling with satisfaction, when he saw during the procedure in the x-rays how well my root canal was turning out. He is such a great doctor and a warm person - I gave him a hug after we were done! And... he has a pleasant radio voice. :) I absolutely loved my experience at his office. My strongest recommendations for Dr Stephen Cohen! read more

I was in a lot of pain and my dentist referred me to an endodontist down on the Peninsula (who didn't get great online reviews). I was already beyond anxious and upset that I had to get a root canal so I did a search and found Dr. Cohen (who has a strong background and received great reviews). Very happy I went to him! He was able to see me within a day, and explained why I needed a root canal and what to expect. The procedure was pretty painless...was on pain meds for just a couple of days afterward. Like others have mentioned, he makes you feel comfortable and explains everything during the procedure. His office exudes calmness...and is nicely decorated and clean. Front desk staff was great too. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a root canal. read more

We came to San Francisco for the weekend and were faced with an emergency for our daughter to have a root canal. We felt very fortunate to have located Dr. Cohen. He quickly put our daughter at ease and as promised eliminated the pain she was in. Many, many thanks to Dr. Cohen and his staff for all they did for us. They deserve 5 stars and many more! read more

Dr. Cohen was warm and welcoming from the second I met him! He was patient and thorough when explaining my options and making suggestions. I HATE going to the dentist and get anxiety when I go. One thing he promised me was 'not one second of pain.' Hard to believe when getting a root canal on a tooth that is in excruciating pain. He kept his promise! I actually FELL ASLEEP while he was doing the root canal. I've had some really terrible experiences with dentists making bad suggestions and taking advantage of the situation. The second time I came to visit Dr. Cohen, he actually told me that I didn't need the treatment! Sending me on my way and saving me almost $2000! He's honest, gentle, patient and very well versed in the options you have and implications of each. I wish he could be my dentist. I would highly recommend Dr. Cohen to my friends and family! read more

Dr. Cohen is the second specialist that my wonderful dentist, Dr. Michael Hine, DDS, referred me too. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Stephen Cohen. I have had extensive dental work done over the years so I know quality and what I speak of. My former dentist, who shall remain nameless, sort of ruined my back molar (long story). I was facing a possible extraction which was, for me, unacceptable. It was so bad that a root canal was not an option (according to the first endodontist I went to who was more worried about his concerns than me). The reason was that the nerve endings were so close to the root of the tooth that no one wanted to do a root canal as a precaution. Then I met Dr. Cohen. He saved my tooth. He performed a delicate procedure that took great skill and acumen and dare I say, confidence which allowed me to keep my tooth. Trust me, that's a huge deal. His office is state of the art, new equipment, he knows what he is doing. And I really really liked him. He's funny, warm and a nice person. I highly recommend Dr. Stephen Cohen MA DDS. I wouldn't bother going to anyone else. This is the periodontist you need. I think he went to UPenn so he's smart too. Had my dentist not recommended Dr. Cohen, I'm not sure what I would have done or how much misery I would have endured by following the opinion of a subpar endodontist. Thank you Dr. Cohen, you are really terrific and skilled and really came through for me. read more

I went to Dr. Cohen for the first time for a root canal very recently. My mother as well as my son had already visited him. Like them, I couldn't have been more pleased to have met someone as pleasant. I felt no pain, as he had assured me of. But in addition to that I knew from the start that I was in good hands. He is a professional and knows exactly what he is doing. He is also very detailed in the information he gives you. I felt very relaxed and comfortable in the office. He was caring and available at any time after the procedure. This is all in addition to the excellent tea he offers you as well as his humor. read more

Second time coming to Dr. Cohen in 6 years and just as good as my first visit. He's great at what he does and is very much a gentleman. His office staff is great. The view from the beautiful office is amazing. I feel lucky to have been referred to Dr. Cohen. read more

I completely agree with Margie -- this guy is tops! It's like a whole other world in his office...calming, quiet, friendly, safe. Little details like soft lighting and delicious tea (served in a cup and saucer no less) make you feel relaxed and completely taken care of. These people understand how to treat people in every sense of the word. I couldn't recommend him highly enough. read more

Minus one star because it HURT LIKE HELL when he tapped my infected tooth with a metal instrument and also sprayed ice water on it!! HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!! I had just given birth weeks ago and this torment was much more painful. Dr. Cohen held my shoulder when I burst out in tears. Root canals blow. However, this guy gets the job done with minimal pain (once you've received the anesthesia). read more

This review is long overdue on my part since it occured in April 2008. This is my first Yelp review that I had promised to write earlier. Struck suddenly with a dull, throbbing pain emanting from my poor dying upper tooth, I could not find an available endondonist to see me within a reasonable time frame on a busy Monday. The pain was so intense that I was ready to crawl into ER for some pain meds to alleviate my AGONY temporarily. (If it was the Stone Ages, I would have clubbed myself. If it were 200 years ago, I would have shot myself. Thanks to the miracle of modern medicine, I can overcome and survive the agony of an infected tooth.) Referring to Yelp, I started calling the endodonists that was listed. I didn't returm to previous endo since I nearly choked on myself after my second root canal with this person. To my dismay, endodonists do not refer emergency patients among their own colleagues. Left to my own devices, I spoke to the staff at Dr. Stephen Cohen's office. His office sets the standards of excellence for a medical office should be and should strive for. Over the phone, I provided the staff the with the requested information for new patient information and other related inquiries. The office was available to see me immediately. About 40 minutes later, I arrived at his lovely offices at Union Square. All the information that I had provided earlier was provided on the hard copies for review and for signing. Nary a dust bunny to be found or a filing room of piling patient files where to be found at the front desk (the sight of this makes me stressed out). I was duly impressed. Dr. Cohen is a pioneer and a rock star in his arena of expertise, endodontics. The sensitvity testing is never pleasant, but it is necessary to confirm the diagonistics. As a patient, it is your duty to be a self-advocate to the treatment that you receive. As a testament to his technical skills, I left the office in under an hour-out of pain-and with OTC medications instead of my usual Vi. I was in a completely different state of mind by the time I left his busy office. I returned to the office the next day to finish the procedure. Granted, a root canal is never a pleasant procedure, but he made my root canal experience as pleasant as possible with under the care of his expertise and his caring staff. After the procedure was completed the next day, I wrote a handwritten thank you note to him and his staff. read more

Here is my recent experience with Dr. Cohen. Dr. Cohen performed a root canal for me 3 years ago and charged a large fee for his services. Recently, I switched to new Dentist who pointed out via X-rays that I was having an infection above the treated tooth. After Cohen took new x-rays, he suggested a procedure to seal off the former nerve canals above the gums. (Sounded like lots of fun) My dentist suggested a full X-ray Cat Scan to see if the infection was affecting the sinuses. The cat scan made discoverable that my tooth had a 4th nerve channel, left undiscovered and untreated. Dr. Cohen offered to treat the 4th canal for approximately the same cost as 3 years ago for 3 canals. Thank you to the Cat Scan ($180) and my skeptic dentist. I will be getting the proper treatment with a more up to date endodontistry practice elsewhere. read more

Let me be honest, I hate dentists BUT I love Dr. Cohen. He makes a root canal easier than a teeth cleaning. He is sincere, sweet and will never cause you an ounce of pain. His dental assistant is equally as nice and will always ensure your comfort. read more

This guy is amazing. I got a root canal and had no pain during the procedure or afterwards. I didn't even need to take any of the advil that he recommended after the procedure. He has really top-notch technology in the office and it's a really nice and comfortable environment. Dr. Cohen is even a celebrity of sorts, he is an editor for textbooks on root canals and is a Professor of Endodontics at the University of California School of Dentistry in San Francisco. read more

I have had several root canals performed by Dr. Cohen. A couple of them were VERY painful and all of them were emergencies. His office fits you in ASAP and calms your nerves. Did anybody notice that he's the author to Pathways of the Pulp? He's the author of the textbooks out there. Do you need to say anymore? read more

One thing that comes to my mind when I go to see Dr. Cohen is the sense of security, i feel safe and calm. Dr. Cohen is warm and welcoming when you meet him. He is very human and treats his patients with respect and humanity. I have seen Dr. Cohen few times and all the time I go to see him I feel fortunate that I have met a great Doctor. Dr. Cohen is committed to provide patients with standard-of-excellence care. He is also an academic for having written a book on root canal that all Doctor Dentists have studied on this book. Dr. Cohen is also very well know around the world for his skills. read more

I primarily care about final results when somebody is working on my teeth. If you want the very best, Dr. Cohen wrote the book on root canals, literally (he authors textbooks, acts as an expert legal witness, and is a professor at UCSF). Additionally his bedside manner is exceptional - he is personable yet professional, providing a supportive (and painfree) overall experience while in the chair. If you want to actively manage your care, he will walk you through each step before he starts and as he is working in layman's terms. I didn't even need to take the pain killers afterwards. He uses the latest technology (e.g. low radiation digital x-rays), and maintains a modern digital office - you can fill out the new patient form online before you come in and email with his office staff. The office is calming, spacious, quiet - they know how to treat people well. Special thanks to his office staff - Norma in particular who was most friendly, helpful, and got me in within 24 hours! 5 stars... read more

Day One: I show up to Dr. Cohen and sit it the chair. I start bawling. I'm terrified of dentists, much less an endontist. He sat with me for a bit. Asked me if I could put words to the tears, what would they be. We talked a bit; I sobbed. So embarrassing... He said he'd prefer me to come back the next day when my anxiety level might be lower and promised me no pain and possibly a pleasant experience. "Fat chance doc", was what I thought... but he was very sincere in his bold statement. Day Two: In a more prepared emotional state, I returned. They gave me a little blue pill to dissolve under my tongue (highly recommend it, took the edge off but doesn't make you loopy). He again promised me no pain before he began the procedure. Guess what... no pain. Like none. Really. What I liked the most was his style, bed-side manner. He spoke soothingly but not at all patronizing. He understands the psychology around his profession. For example, in between drilling... you know how they take little breaks to adjust this or that... he would gently but firmly rest the heal of his hand on my shoulder. It would remind my very anxious body to relax. It was a non-verbal reminder from him to keep breathing and that it was all ok. I highly recommend Dr. Cohen and appreciate the passion he has for his profession. He loves his job. He will tell you that. He's written books on painless dentistry. I'm just so happy that dentistry is moving in a pain and fear-free direction and we can thank Dr. Cohen for contributing to these concepts. ps - i've never in my life written a review on yelp before. it was that good of an experience. read more

Who would ever want to have a root canal? Surely, not me. BUT since I've had two in the last couple of years, I could not be more grateful to Dr. Cohen, Marcella, and Kathy for making it the most pleasant experience possible. From the plush office space, to the sweet and professional demeanor of the staff, to the expertise and stellar chair-side manner by both Dr. Cohen and Marcella, Dr. Cohen's office is the only place I ever want to go for a root canal, should I ever need one again. Honestly, the best dental experience I've ever had. read more

Dr. Cohens office was nice and clean with a friendly staff and comfortable waiting room. Dr. Cohen himself was also very nice, thorough, and gentle. My issue is with the random $250 they took from me after I was under the impression I had paid my bill. Apparantly my insurance didn't pay the amount the administrative assistant estimated, so I owed $250, which is fine but my issue is they didn't give me any kind of courtesy call or try and contact me at all to inform me that they needed the balance paid. Nor did they give me the option to pay in cash or to even let me know they were going to charge my card at all, esp since I had told the asst, Rochelle, that I would prefer to pay cash and noted this on my file. Although I did sign a contract, the fact that they couldn't even give me a courtesy call before taking money from me, that I wasn't aware I owed, is a lack of professionalism and consideration for patients. read more

I have never had a dentist tell me I didn't need work done, particularly something expensive. Dr. Cohen just told me I don't need a root canal, just some new toothpaste. FIVE STARS, SIR! FIVE STARS! read more

OK, Here's the story. When you need root canal therapy, you want the person that wrote the book on it. Well, guess what, HE DID...It's sitting on his coffee table. Dr. Cohen and I are old friends and it never fails that when I visit his office, I come in as a train wreck and leave in no pain with all problems solved. Having a root canal can be a tremendously stressful, scary, and painful situation, but let me assure you, with Dr. Cohen it's no big deal. Just sit back and relax. He keeps you informed of how it's going, asks you if your ok more than once and gets you through it unscathed. Also, his assistant (sorry I always forget her name) has been with him for 20 plus years and is as skillful and caring as it is possible to be. If I could give him 25 stars, I would. Case closed. read more

Dr. Cohen is the best. I have had about 4 root canals done with him. He is the ultimate professional and very compassionate. I don't say his name unless I bow my head. By the way, I had a root canal done by someone else years ago, and it was not nearly the same experience. He is the endodontists endodontist! charlene read more

I was leaving on vacation in a few days and was referred to Dr. Cohen by my dentist. After exchanging pleasantries he got to work and explained my options. I opted for his advice and haven't had a problem with the tooth since. The procedure was relatively painless and he reassured me that if there was any problem with the tooth, he had someone I could see in Puerto Rico who would take care of the problem. I highly recommend Dr. Stephen Cohen! read more

My experience with Dr. Stephen Cohen was absolutely exquisite! This gentleman is a wizard - truly! I have had to undergo other root canals, and nothing came even close to this: quick, painless, free of residual after effects. What more could I wish for? I even got my appointment the day after my referral! Dr. Cohen explains everything that will happen, and he has to be the most gentle, caring dentist I have ever encountered. Everything was A++++ I won't go anywhere else from now on... read more

Sorry that I have to express my deeply disappointment of my trust to Dr. Cohen resume. I went with horrible pain to him and after the same day root canal on the wrong tooth I left with the same pain. There is no doubt of nice welcoming and caring behaviour of the team and himself, but now I would say you just are paying a lot for this. I wish at least you would pay for the right determination and at least getting responsibilty of the wrong determination after you figure it out. This was the worst experience of dental work I ever had. read more

Poker Bunny, I understand your initial discomfort at the endodontic testing--believe me, when I had my SIX root canals performed, I was in a lot of pain and very scared. But Dr. Cohen cares deeply about his patients and their fears and pain. He gave me a great book that he wrote to read before my root canals, and explained everything he was doing. The tests he performed--"percussing" the tooth to see if it was moving around (it shouldn't be) and the "cold/heat tests" (the longer the pain lasts--only ten seconds at the most, though it feels like more, I know) tells him if the tooth can be saved or not. In my case, the pain lasted too long--that let him know the teeth had developed something called "irreversible pulpitis" and couldn't be salvaged. He promised me I would feel no pain during the procedure. He and his excellent staff did everything they could to calm me down and help me. They served me tea, they took time to talk to me and joke with me, and Dr. Cohen even prescribed something I could take before the procedure that would lessen my horrible anxiety. No one likes needles--I'm TERRIFIED of them. But Dr. Cohen is an expert in pain management--after the initial two injections (he injects areas that most dentists don't, like the ligament, and it only really takes a few seconds), I swear--I felt NO PAIN during any of the root canals. I wasn't even halfway aware of the dr. working because he was so fast and had such a well-coordinated team. Every second he checked radiographs to make sure he was in the right place. Every moment he checked my condition to make sure I was feeling all right, both emotionally and physically. He GUARANTEED his work. He's not cheap--but unlike almost every other dentist I've encountered (and I've seen a LOT in the past two years)--he is worth every penny. I trust him and he is one of the best endodontists in this state. His staff has been with him forever, and they are sympathetic, wonderful people. If someone told me tomorrow I needed another root canal (and I pray that doesn't happen; I've had enough trouble with these teeth), I would go back to Dr. Cohen, no question about it, because I know he would treat me as carefully as he would his own mother. read more

I've been referred to Dr. Cohen twice across a 10+ year span, both ending in positive experiences. First visit ended with a root canal on a molar that has been trouble free ever since. The procedure was painless and relatively comfortable, with Dr. Cohen explaining the process throughout. Second visit demonstrated the benefits of his conservative practice. After a thorough test of the tooth he determined no procedure was necessary. My referring dentist tells me that most referrals to an endodontist will end in a root canal, but that Dr. Cohen himself carefully determines whether it is needed. He also drills very small holes which is important in cases like mine, where a crown is already in place on the affected tooth. A friend told me years ago that when it comes to root canals, "he's the man". It's still true. His office is very comfortable and calming and his staff friendly and professional. Moreover, he's a very kind & charming individual. I recommend his practice highly. read more

After 30 years of no cavities, I was horrified when I found out that I had to have a root canal. I was convinced that I was going to need heavy meds just to get myself to the office for the procedure. However, I was so relieved to be referred to Dr. Cohen for my root canal. He was really nice and calming and promised that he'd be able to complete the root canal in less than an hour and without an ounce of pain. He was right. I was out of there in no time and the only pain I felt was a slight sting when the lidocaine was being injected. This hasn't made me want to get root canals regularly, but at least I now know that it's not going to traumatize me for the rest of my life if I end up having another one. read more

I had a great deal of anxiety going in for a root canal. My dentist said I was a difficult case and referred me to Dr. Cohen. His office was professional and clean. Dr Cohen had an excellent manner and put me at ease. He promised no pain with the procedure which turned out to be a double root canal. I was skeptical but after administering the drugs I felt nothing but the pressure of him working on my teeth. It was painless and did I mention quick, he was in and out in 45 minutes. I highly recommend him. read more

I woke up with an awful tooth ache on a tooth that has been through two root canal procedures. When I got my X-rays done through my primary dentist, they said it might of been infected. For an infection, I was going through excruciating pain and chugging pain killers constantly just to sleep. They told me the soonest time I would be able to see the endodontist was Saturday and it was Monday at the time. It was the next day and I knew I wouldn't be able to last until Saturday to see one, so with some research, Jennifer, his lovely receptionist, informed me that he had an appointment open the following day, which was Wednesday. I just had to get through the rest of my Tuesday. When I got to see dr. Cohen, he was extremely compassionate towards me by asking about my dental history but not overly assertive. After a brief diagnosis, he concluded that I had actually fractured my root from a previous root canal which explained the awful pain I was having. He numbed me with anesthesia for the diagnosis to prevent the pain from bothering me any longer. He informed me that unlike a bone, the root would not be able to heal so unless I wanted to keep suffering, the only option was an extraction and implant of a new tooth. Him and Jennifer, knew how extreme the situation was, so they referred me to dr. Dos santos who is a dental surgeon and also happens to work in the same building. I'm super satisfied with my experience here and would recommend it to anyone. read more

Dr Cohen is the best!! I recently moved out here from NYC, and was really nervous to see a new Doctor. Dr Cohen was amazing. He is reassuring and honest, and was upfront that I had a complicated root canal to handle. He was soothing, kept checking in to make sure I was okay, and did a perfect job on the repair. He followed up often, made sure I was okay. I've grateful for having been referred to him. read more

Professional, knowledgeable, caring etc. everyone was awesome. Would recommend dr. Cohen and his staff to everyone!