DO NOT GO HERE. PLEASE READ FULL REVIEW!!!! He performed not one, but two FAILED root canal procedures. I did not have any pain in my tooth before the procedure, and after I left in ridiculous amounts of pain. He then proceeded to tell me there was no inflammation, but prescribed me pills for inflammation... Also, few times during the procedure, I couldn't breath whatsoever because his arm was blocking both nostrils. During my second failed procedure, he kept groaning and shaking his head, which gave me so much anxiety. Scariest person I have ever been to, and I don't want anyone to ever experience what I went through. Not to mention, there is dog hair EVERYWHERE (probably not up to standards!!) I also called to see if I could get a refund for the failed procedure and they ignored me so here we are. If you're reading this Tom, please do better. read more

I had the best experience at this office. I was very nervous about my procedure but the doctors fun and light hearted energy really kept me calm. Office was nice with feel good music. Procedure was quick! I'm very grateful! read more

Friendly staff and doctor. Had a root canal on short notice. The Dr did a great job with a difficult situation! read more

May 2025 I was referred to this office by my dentist for a root canal. I had to take my 5 year old son with me. Upon entering the office, it was empty and no one greeted us. We patiently waited 5-7 minutes while periododically and politely asking if anyone was available to check us in. Still no answer. I called the call center worker (who was at a separate location, which is common) who I made the appointment with. I called them to please contact someone at the office to check us in. After that call, a woman arrived to check us in. She gave me a device and I entered in all the information. We again waited patiently as I voiced again and again, that the information has been entered and we're ready. I did this for the next 20 minutes. At this point, it was a "red flag" and did I want this Endodontist working on my teeth? As we waited to be assisted, I called my dentist and got another referral. This time to La Jolla Dental Specialty Group. I made an appointment for the following day. I saw Dr. Michael Do, who was very professional, talented and easy going. To this day Thomas Acierno's office has yet to contact me regarding this visit or lack there of. I guess they never wanted to assist me. This was my experience. read more

Dr. Acierno and staff are incredible! They will take care of your root canal needs and not break your bank. Friendly staff and highly skilled doctor. read more

Very caring and fair pricing. Good follow up care. Explains procedures well and easy to understand. Had a root canal done on a calcified tooth and he did a great job of saving the tooth. I will definitely use him for any future possible root canal treatments. read more

Very unhelpful you'd think a doctor would care a little bit more for their patients I haven't felt as disregarded by a doctor as I have with this man. read more

Dr Acierno combines dental professionalism, technique and humor to make any trip to the Endodontist that much better. Highly recommend his services to anyone! read more

Had a root canal this morning, everything went well. Great staff and Dr. Great experience considering it was a root canal with 4 shots. Dr. Acierno does sing along with the radio. read more

Hate that I'm updating this review in less than 24 hours but oh my god I'm in so much pain. I don't think a route canal is supposed to feel this way after. The next day I went immediately to My primary dentist and she said he MISSED A TOOTH? I told dr. Thomas to check the tooth next to the one he was working on and he completely disregarded my comment, shot me up with numbing very aggressively & not only did I have to pay out of pocket but now I'm being referred to a different location with a much better attentive doctor. The new doctor said I DID need the tooth next to it done & I had to pay out of pocket AGAIN. Make sure your doctor doesn't just take your money and give you perc referrals. I am very unhappy read more

The dreaded day had arrived - I was supposed to get 2 root canals done. After Jolene took xrays, Dr. Acierno came in & spent time reviewing the xrays. He explained that I need to see a periodontist, due to bone loss (osteoporosis) which would make a root canal impossible. I am thankful for his honesty & he wrote up his findings for my dentist to review. Sydney @ the front desk was friendly. Good vibes thru out this office. thx, Carol J read more

I was referred by a dentist for evaluation on two of my teeth affected by a large cavity. Dr. Acierno saw me and one x-ray was done. Upon inspection, he told me he believed the teeth could be saved and was willing to try. He worked on my teeth for about 1.5 hours and said the work would have to be continued at a later date. I had to pay a $200.40 co-pay before leaving the office. I experienced severe pain and swelling after the work he performed. At the next appointment where he was to continue the work on my teeth, I told Dr. Acierno I was not able to go through further work from him due to the pain he had already caused me. The next day I received a letter from my Dental Insurance with the information of the amount Dr. Acierno was billing them for the work done on me. The amount was for $1,491.00. At no time was I given information from Dr. Acierno or his staff about the cost of the needed procedures to be done. I went to the dentist office to talk with the office manager, Sydny Acierno. She told me the price was for all completed work done and would be done on my teeth. I asked why I was being billed for all the completed work even when the work was not completed and there was to be no further work? She, Sydny Ocierno, advised me this is how they do the billing. I requested a revised cost for the actual work performed. She told me that she would call the Dental Insurance company to change the billing amounts. When I got home, Sydny Ocierno called me and said the insurance company would not allow her to correct the billing. I called the Insurance Company to discuss the "Over Billing" issue. They advised me to submit a complaint to them with documentation for them to work on getting my bill corrected. I received a letter from my Dental Insurance company dated 2/9/2023. A copy of the letter they sent to Dr. Ocierno was enclosed. It stated an overpayment in the amount of $1,263.00 was issued on 1/9/2023. The letter instructs Dr. Ocierno to return this overpayment. "Benefits for this claim were issued for incomplete services. On 3/4/2023 I received a letter from the Insurance Company stating Dr. Ocierno had submitted another bill to them on 2/27/2023 for actual work done, billing $684.20. On 3/4/2023 I also received a bill from Dr. Ocierno for $350.00 for the unpaid portion not covered by insurance. On 3/6/2023 I went to Dr. Ocierno's office to talk with the office manager, Sydny Ocierno. The bill for $350.00 was another "OVER BILL". I had already paid $200.40 back on 1/4/2023. That amount showed nowhere on the current bill of $350.00. I talked with her for about 20 minutes before she agreed the $200.40 needed to be deducted from the $350.00. I paid the $149.60 owed to Dr. Ocierno and received a receipt for a remaining balance of $0.00 owed and "Paid in full" written on the bill. This has been a very stressful experience for me. The OVER BILLING and extreme pain from the partial work done on my teeth by Dr. Ocierno is not something I want anyone else to have to go thru. I think anyone going to this dentist to be aware of this terrible experience. Be aware, be very aware. read more

Dr. Acierno is amazing! Who's a fan of dental work? Not me! Dr. Acierno has alway done a fantastic job of making it seem like nothing. You can't go wrong here. read more

I visited this endondist a few years ago, I was referred by my dentist Paul Taylor (somehow my previous review got deleted). DO NOT go to this DDS, it was the most uncomfortable and unprofessional doctors appointment I have ever had. His voice went up several octaves during my assessment (he took on the voice of several characters during our exchange) and he felt it appropriate to reference my teeth as virginal and very sexy during the entire appointment (totally what you want to hear while you're trapped in a dentist chair with your mouth open and no exit in sight). The staff seemed indifferent, which lead me to believe this behavior is typical. I couldn't get out of that office fast enough. Immediately afterwards I called and wrote a letter to Dr. Taylor suggesting he never refer another patient. Oddly enough, I spoke to my mother afterwards and she had the SAME thing happen to her a year before with Acierno. Proceed with caution y'all! read more

This doctor did next to the impossible. I was told that the two root canal's that should've been done by my former dentist 3+ years ago, may not be able to be done because at this point the teeth were probably calcified. My new Dentist sent me to Dr. Acierno to see what, if anything, could be done. Dr. Acierno made it very clear that this was going to be a challenge but that he would get in there and see if it was possible. Not only was it possible, but you could tell by the x-rays that it wasn't easy and yet he did it on both teeth. He saved the teeth (what there are of them), and probably saved me thousands of dollars not needing to have implants now. He has an incredibly positive attitude, and this is a man who truly cares about you, your health, and your pocketbook. His staff is just as joyful and professional as he is and I would refer anybody to him. Thank you, Dr. Acierno! read more

I went to visit Dr. Acierno yesterday for a root canal. While I have an unnatural fear of dentists, Dr. Acierno was so calm and understanding and explained exactly what needed to be done. He was professional and funny and took the time to make sure I was comfortable with what needed to be done. The procedure went well and I scheduled another appointment to have further work done in January. This is the type of practice you stay with for life. Dr. Acierno and his staff are terrific and I will recommend them to friends and family. read more

I am a 100% disabled veteran and was sent to this guy and first conversation he looked uninterested as if I was a bother to be seen. He reluctantly agreed to start one out of two root canals ordered by the VA and went to work. Wore a mask but kept coughing next to my open mouth. As he was packing the tooth, he would continuously put his whole body weight on my lower jaw with his finger hooking my throat even when I physically removed his hand, he kept going back to gripping my jaw while very dramatic and roughly shoving the material in my tooth. At the end he told me he was done and my mouth was numb, he scheduled another appointment and I went on my way. As I got home I find a huge hole in the top where he was working and the gauze still packed in the tooth leaving it exposed and every time I breath I feel pain. I've had a root canal before, but never have I had a more negative experience with a healthcare provider in my life. read more

Was referred by Dr. Taylor....who appeared to be a good dentist, probably why he didn't want to bother with doing my root canal ----having Smile Saver 3000 which covers little :( Unfortunately upon entrance to Dr. Acierno's office, was greeted with an energy of indifference bordering on unprofessionalism. Was told to sign a consent form stating that it would not be covered by insurance (was apparently an emergency procedure---not stated by original doctor when being referred) and that it would be $900. Consent had to be signed before seeing doctor. Immediately re-instated my appointment that I had for a dentist in Mexico. Was seen the next day, by polite staff.....much cleaner establishment than that of either dentist here in San Diego, and total amount for root canal therapy, root canal, crown and antibiotics will be significantly less than what Dr. Acierno's peeps want me to sign for. If you are an inferior doctor practicing medicine here in United States, perhaps you should look into practicing in a third world country where there is little is any expectations of care and concern for people coming in for help. read more

Sheister! The receptionist "misrepresented the truth", and charged me twice my deductible amount for a 10 minute consultation. The Dr. was arrogant and NOT gentle. Apparently, "We are here for you" is his catch phrase, as I heard it 7 times in the 10 minutes I was there. I can not believe others have given him high reviews... makes me wonder if they were family members or still under the gas. I won't go back and I'd encourage others to look around for ANYBODY else. read more

I needed serious work done, so I was referred by my dentist. Dr. Acierno and his staff are very friendly! I was impressed by all the great yelp reviews, and it made me less anxious. He really wanted me to be pain-free. He likes to talk during the procedures and sings along with the songs on the radio. He seemed sympathetic and empathetic, which are hardly words to describe a dentist :) He would constantly check up on me, and make sure I was feeling ok. A couple of times, he asked if I needed to take a break. He was saying so many nice things, it was hard to tell whether he was telling the truth or not. I'm no dentist, but he seems to really know his stuff, and that's what matters most! 3 root canals later, and I'm still alive! Before leaving, make sure they give you some pain killers! read more

Dr. Arash Qadeer *great dentist* recommended that I go see a specialist, so he sent me to Dr. Acierno. I had never been to an endondontist before, and I had never had a root canal. I had read/heard horror stories of people about their root canal procedures from various dentists. I was terrified. This is coming from someone who strongly dislikes dentists. Dr. Thomas Acierno and his staff were wonderful. I didn't experience any discomfort, and it was quick. Less than 20 minutes. Very nice people, and music. It was funny hearing the doc sing along. He was gentle, and a funny man. His dental assistant was also funny, and made me feel at home. I love these people, and I trust my teeth to them. This might sound weird to some, but I look forward to going back for my next rootie. read more

Excellent!!!! He is very down to earth. He talks to me like I am one of his friends and explains everything that is going on with my mouth and the different options, which even included, "we could wait on this, check on it in 6 months, we don't have to do this now." He took my primary and secondary insurance and I did not have to pay a dime. Best of all I did not feel a thing, even the initial needle prick was nothing. My previous dentist and current dentist referred me to him. read more

Dr. Acierno should be voted 'ENDODONTIST OF THE YEAR IN SAN DIEGO!' I was recommended by my friend who works in a general dentistry office and I understand why she gave him such accolades. Last year, I went in with much trepidtion because of a previous bad experience with another dentist! Immediately put at ease with Dr. Acierno. He has a easy going, light hearted manner yet maintains a professional docorum. My root canal went off without a hitch. They handled my jittery nerves with compassion and and his humming tunes helped ease me through what turned out to be easy time of it in his chair. Dr. Acierno's staff was top notch! Specially compliments to assistant, Robert. I walked away, thinking Gee, if anyone I meet needs a root canal - I'd certainly recommend Dr. Acierno! To my chagrin, lo and behold I'm back at Dr Acieno's this year for another root canal. I was desperate because I was just leaving for a 3 week vacation to Europe and needed help immediately. What a relief to call his office and his receptionist handled me well and got me right in! I told Dr. Acierno that I wasn't relishing to have a root canal but the good solace was that I was glad he was going to take care of me again. Oh went well again!! Five Star rating from a Happy Patient! read more

Great experience for a root canal: friendly, attentive staff; relaxed atmosphere; experienced, skilled dentist. Thank you Dr. Acierno and staff. Hats off. I just read someone else's review that said Dr. Acierno sang along to the radio during the procedure. It's true! Hahahaha! He also shows he's impressed with his own work when he sees it on the X-ray after the procedure. I think that means he takes great pride in doing a good job, which he did. Thanks again. read more

Dr. Acierno performed three root canals on me, all one after the other on the same morning, and all on the same side of my mouth. He did a fantastic job, as I have a small mouth and, because of the way one of my bottom molars is situated, he really had to work at doing everything he needed to on that one tooth. I think he was more exhausted than I was by the time it was all over, because he really had to work hard to reach where he needed to. The hardest part for me was just keeping my tiny mouth open as wide as I could for the duration! After the first one, his assistant Robert, who was also fantastic, suggested a "bite block" to keep my mouth open. He could barely get it in and out of my mouth because it (my mouth) is so small, but that helped a lot. If you ever need any endodontist work done, I highly, highly recommend Dr. Acierno -- he's the best!! read more

Last Thursday I went in for a root canal. It was really infected prior to any procedure. Dr. A took his time to clean it out and make sure it was good before doing the root. Friday night I started to feel some pain and then Saturday it was unbearable. I called him on Saturday and he answered first ring. He called me in a prescription for new medicine and then checked up on me 3 hours later to make sure I was ok. We had a follow up before the permanent crown too! He was very nice and very helpful! It's a family run business with his wife and daughter. Would recommend my family and friends! See ya St. Patrick's Day ;)!!! read more

Dr. Acierno is just downright an awesome guy. I was referred to him by my general dentist to take a look at a root canal that was done by my previous dentist that started bothering me after half a year. Within 10 min, Dr. Acierno determined that there could be some infection present. At the next appointment, it took him 20 min to remove everything and put in medication. At the final appointment, within 30 min, the canal was filled and I was set to go. When I originally had it done, it took the guy up to 4 hours, but Dr. Acierno did it quickly, professionally, and a lot more effectively than the previous guy. You could definitely tell the difference on the X-ray. His employees make you feel welcome and always have funny stories to tell. The huge poster of Italy Dr. Acierno keeps in one of the rooms is just badass and shows that he's a true guido at heart. All these guys talk about is baseball, and although I'm not a fan, they've got some pretty interesting stories to keep you entertained. The only negative part of my last two visits was the numbing procedure. I was given 4 shots in very painful places back jaw muscles), which resulted in pretty inconvenient pain. What annoyed me though, is that he kept the needle in for no more than 5 seconds, made me wait 40 minutes, only to have my mouth barely numb. Once he went through with the procedure, I still didn't feel anything, so I felt like there was no need for it at all. The second time around, I requested no shot, and he insisted that we do it but said he would give less this time. Alas, I was given the same amount of shots and ended up with the same post-visit pain. read more

Now I don't know much about root canals, but I do know that Dr. Acierno did a great job (as great as a root canal can be). He's personable and fun. From what he said, he's been doing root canals for 20 years. You'd think it's just all routine, but he has a way of making you feel like an individual. The root canal was fairly painless (I didn't even need pain meds, other than an advil) after, and it was quick. When I arrived for my appointment I had to wait just a couple minutes. They got me back, x-rayd, prepped and finished all in about an hour. I didn't even have enough time to read a magazine like I usually have to while waitng at any dentist's office. The staff is also great. Very friendly and helpful. The receptionists all were happy and welcoming. The dental assistants were great and made me feel at ease. Hopefully I won't have to have another root canal, but if I do, I will definitely see Dr. Acierno again. read more

I've never looked forward to seeing a dentist in my entire life. With Dr. Acierno,I couldn't wait to get in to see him again. Dr. Acierno and his assistance were extremely thorough in guiding me through the experience from the moment I walked in the door until I left the office. While I could go on about the attention to detail his team provides thank your all Fantastic job,Dr. Acierno! read more

Dr. Acierno deserves a shout out. He repaired an old root canal that became infected and saved me from losing the tooth. As may be obvious from my rating, he is extremely knowledgeable, experienced and managed the procedure expertly. Staff is also highly competent. I will recommend Dr. Acierno to anyone in need of an endodontist. note: Dr. Acierno is a very personable and matter-of-fact guy, not reserved. So I would say that could belie his awesomeness as a doctor to people that expect a more formal dialog with their doctors. The benefit is that he is very forthcoming with his thoughts and will explain exactly what the situation is and his approach. To me, that was really valuable. Tony Choi read more

Had to clear out an infection and complete a root canal. Dr. Acierno accommodated me quickly and completed the procedure with success. Super friendly staff and pain-free experience! read more

Visited for my 3rd root canal, very good dental care..thank you! I now am pain free and can get on with life! read more

Last year I had an emergency root canal and the experience was awful (at a different dental office). It took 8 shots plus a sedative and I still felt excruciating pain. So a few weeks ago when I needed yet another emergency root canal, to say the least, I was nervous. I called and spoke with Dr. Acierno's office and told them about my previous inability to get numb. Dr. Acierno and his staff were professional, upbeat, and warm. They got me through the procedure with no pain other than the numbing injections. I am so grateful to have found this Endodontist. read more

I've had two root canals by Dr. Acierno over the past decade and he is the standard by which I judge all dentists. Truly the best doctor I've ever had. He really puts you at ease and knows his stuff. He has a real positive personality that permeates his entire practice. I highly recommend him to anyone needing endodontic work. He was in PB when I first saw him but he has been on Clairemont Drive now for many years...easy to find. read more

Dr Acierno is a little creepy and very condescending. He patted my cheek like I was a little girl. He treated me like I was stupid and needed such a simplified version of things that he didn't even explain things correctly. When he needed me to turn my head more toward him he said "good girl," like I was a puppy dog. And this is based on 3 different experiences with him. I didn't want to keep going back, but there were complications that required me to go back several times. I would not recommend him. read more

After multiple visits a second opinion found the "root" of the problem. I had my scheduled visit for cleaning with Dr. Taylor where it was determined I needed a root canal on one of my upper molars. I was referred to endodontist Tom Acierno for the root canal. I returned on three separate occasions to Dr. Taylor and once to Dr. Acierno due to continued pain and discomfort on the tooth. Dr. Acierno confirmed that his root canals were sealed and complete. Dr. Taylor's dental asst. removed bonding and cement (that had been left from the crown mold from a previous visit - sloppy work) thinking that was irritating my gums and causing the discomfort. On the third return visit, Dr. Taylor ground down the tooth surface thinking that the pain was coming from a "bite" issue. After two visits to Dr. Acierno and three visits to Dr. Taylor I was still having discomfort. Not once did either of them suggest a cone beam xray which would show the evidence of a fourth canal. When I went for a second opinion, that was the FIRST thing that Dr. Guy Sutton recommended. He thought there was most likely a fourth root and that is what was causing the discomfort. He referred me to Torrey Endodontics where Dr. Herold performed a cone beam xray (which I paid for out of pocket) that revealed a fourth separate and distinct canal. At this point, I had used up my deductible and dental coverage for the year on the failed root canal and crown with Dr. Taylor and Dr. Acierno. I am now out of pocket $1,800 because I had to have a second root canal on the same tooth and a new crown (the crown that Dr. Taylor placed had open margins on it which would have eventually cause the restoration to fail). I stopped by Dr. Taylor's office in person to discuss this with him and his office manager. He was not willing to see any fault on his end and was unwilling to reimburse me for any portion of my out-of-pocket costs for the second xrays, root canal or replacement crown. This is simply bad practice and bad customer service that he was not willing to take any responsibility at all for the set of circumstances even though he referred me to Dr. Acierno for the root canal. Beware and do your homework. If not, it could cost you a lot of discomfort, time and money. Karen Clairemont, San Diego, CA read more

Great surgeon and great guy. Dr Acierno fixed a bad root canal and did a fantastic job. Friendly Doctor and staff.

Fantastic! I am so impressed by Dr. Acierno. I had a very complicated, painful root canal and when I had some minor swelling, the Doc gave me his cell number to call him over the weekend to make sure everything turned out alright (which it did after 24 hours). He also welcomed me back in after I had broken my temporary filling by disobeying his orders of no hard foods until my crown was placed. . . AND he fixed it for free. Love him- god forbid I need a root canal again, but if I did, it would be straight back to him! read more

I just finished taking my younger brother in to see Dr. Acierno about a root canal. Everyone in the office was very nice and accommodating and we almost felt like we were visiting family. Dr. Acierno did an x-ray, a few tests and checks, and then gave us his opinion that at this time, no root canal was needed (just a deep cleaning by my brother's dentist). Very satisfying experience. read more

So disappointed that I have to do this but I was in extreme pain & my general dentist told me to get a root canal. They wanted to refer me to a specialist but I wanted to go back to Dr Acierno since I had a pleasant experience w/his work previously. I made an appt & the morning of my appt received a call that it had to be cancelled because the doc wasn't going to be in that day. Of course I freaked out because I was in pain but they ended making an emergency appt for me the following day at 8 a.m. The next day I arrive at the doc's office before 7:30 and sit in my car to wait for it to open. I get in at 8 & have to do some paperwork. I get taken to the back for an x-ray & proceed to sit there for the next hour. The front office gal Naomi walks in & tells me Dr Acierno just called & says he won't be in again! Astounded & frustrated I let her know I am in a great deal of pain & since he's calling out again an appt should've never been made for me in the first place. I cannot believe he did not give any prior notice to his staff to alert them not to make anymore appts & to cancel anything he already had on the books. I was told he had a fever. 2 days in a row?! Maybe you should've cancelled or not take on more appts the moment you called out & knew you were sick?! I understand shit happens but at the very least have some decency to let your staff know to alert your a.m. appts not to come in & to cancel your appts stat! I woke up extra early, drove out of my way & had to miss work because of this! I wasted my time & my gas. Had I known I could've made arrangements to seek another endo to perform this root canal that I desperately needed rather than be stood up like this & having to put up w/the pain unnecessarily longer! Talk about lack of concern or respect for one's time or situation! I will say that Naomi went above & beyond to try to remedy the situation. She was very empathetic to my needs & even managed to find me an endo that would've seen me that day. It was all the way in Oceanside though but I appreciate the effort she made & for her stellar service I would give her 5 stars. read more