In a time where it seems as though "service with a smile" is a concept placed in the same dusty box where VCRs, cassette players, shag carpet and members only jackets reside...SD Dentistry Studio resurrects the concept with a modern touch. "Everyone" was AMAZING! Ev-uh-ree ONE! From Olga at the front desk, to the super sweet dental assistant, to Dr. Tim, Sanaz (hope I spelled this correct, especially since I have a deep cleaning scheduled soon and Sanaz has sharp tools)...all the way to the French bulldog...everyone was the epitome of kind. I'm wasn't the biggest fan of going to the doctors and admittedly my wife forced me to go this time, but after today I'm a low-key dentistry groupie, maybe? Idk. Thank you guys! See you soon. Much success! read more

Very organized and extremely knowledgeable staff and doctor. Care is above and beyond anything I have experienced.

For over a decade now, Dr. Timothy Garafalo has done outstanding dental work for me. Dr. Garafalo has restored my teeth using the most up to date equipment and techniques. He and his staff make for a comfortable visit. Dr. Garafalo and his staff have always been very considerate to me and expedient with procedures such as extractions, crowns, guards, implants, fillings and cleanings with patience. I'm in my 60's and have no complaints for Dr. G. read more

Not sure if Yelp is the right place to go for dental reviews but dunno where else to post my experience. I had high hopes going to Dr Garafolo, recommended by a coworker. There's too many dentists in SD and it's hard to find a good one that your insurance will cover that is close to home/work. I'd give the regular checkup here a solid 4 outta 5. Even my deep cleaning was not bad, felt fine the next day (unlike some people's experiences I've heard of). So why 2 stars? My experience getting fillings. Dr. Garafolo seems like he knows what he's doing, that part is fine, but it's just really off-putting when the guy makes you seem like you're inconveniencing him because you're not numb enough yet, thus taking up more of his time. Then when the fillings are done and he's asking you to bite down to check your bite but you can't, because literally your entire jaw to your ear has gone numb, he gets noticeably irritated at you. I'm already under enough duress here from half my face being numb and fresh holes drilled into my mouth; Who wants the dentist adding anxious vibes to the whole experience? The least the Doc can do is make me feel like he cares about my experience. Well, once I could feel my face again, my bite was off and so I headed back to get it fixed up. The staff is super nice, offering to get me in the next day inbetween patients...unfortunately for Dr. Garafolo it appeared. I didn't mind the long wait (~20 mins past my scheduled time), but he seemed genuinely annoyed that I had come back to get my bite fixed. After some back and forth, and having to grab the dentist twice, I sort-of have a smoother tooth. It's still noticeably rough, which the Dr. seemed to not believe me. I got the impression he liked to schedule too many clients at once so he was always rushing. I'm sure that's great for your paycheck but it's not great for repeat customers. I'd come back for my regular checkups because its close to work and the hygenists are nice/competent but I won't be getting any more serious work done here by the Dr. He didn't even give me a passing look in the eyes before he literally darted off to go see the next patient, mumming a goodbye at me with a turned back. If that's how you wanna run a business, fine by me, there are at least 10 other dentists in RB that I can take my teeth to! read more

This is the worst dentist I have even been to!!! You pay for the zip code, with no quality for the ridiculous price. My top of the line porcelain crown Chipped within a month. I saw an endodontist who charged me 150 for a root canal and did an amazing job, when I needed another one dr garofolo hard sold me telling me about his root canal qualifications, his quote was 650!!!! When I said absolutely not, he matched my price with the previous specialist. I decided to have the procedure done which was a horrible idea, he took forever, I had more pain with the one he did, and I felt like he did a poor job because he was resentful that he came down on the price. On top of the poor quality of dentistry, the marketing lady ( hard selling specialist ) had the audacity to ask me if I could call my parents to help pay when they quoted me a ridiculous price. How about you just charge a fair price and don't assume everyone is a trust fund baby who can run home to daddy. The only saving grace of this place is the front desk girl Riley who is always extremely nice as well as Zaree who does the cleanings, and does a great job. I'm switching dentists because I felt insulted by their comments, taken advantage of with their outrageous pricing and the arrogance or dr garofolo makes me sick to my stomach when I think about his quality of work. read more

Dr. Garofolo, his staff and all the beautiful smiles at the San Diego Dentistry Studio are amazing and praiseworthy!!!!! These highly skilled and gifted professionals are awesome! Dr. Garofolo is highly intelligent, quick on the uptake and is exceptionally friendly and easy to talk to. His staff reflects the same and all are equally perfect. Everyone is especially polite, kind and caring, with great bedside manners. It is always a pleasant experience with top notch care. My dental plan is clear and easy to understand. Billing and insurance are explained to my satisfaction. The office is well designed, looks brand new and has a beautiful view of Webb Lake/Park. The equipment is state of the art. My veteran status is appreciated by all and they pay special attention to veterans needs. The San Diego Dentistry Studio has gone above and beyond to accommodate my needs and exceed my expectations! I thank them very much and I am grateful!!!!! I very highly and enthusiastically recommend the San Diego Dentistry Studio to all! The final lofty truth: they are the absolute best!!!!! I feel very lucky to have found the San Diego Dentistry Studio!!!!! Very Respectfully Submitted J. JOHNSON read more

I wish I had trusted my gut after the first time I came here... I have had perfect teeth my entire life until coming here... every time they said I needed fillings... the last time the dentist struggled to do two tiny bonds and chipped my tooth! I had to come back and he said "it was probably previous restoration " BUT I have never had any work done before then and they charged me for it! Oh and the 5 star reviews are only because they bribe you with gift cards... needless to say this place is pretty shady, and I hope no one else has to go through what I went through... read more

Dr. Garofolo has officially changed my mind about going to the dentist. Coming from someone who had to be held down as a child, this is huge! He is dedicated to your comfort and experience while in the chair. He goes step by step through every procedure so you know what's going on. I truly felt I was somewhere else instead of the dentist office with their amenities of blankets and neck pillows for every visit. His staff is all friendly and professional. My personal favorite staff member was Karter, the therapy dog, who comes to work every day with Dr. Garofolo! I highly recommend visiting Dr. Garofolo for your next dental visit! read more

Doctor Garofolo - THE BEST doctor ever. First time in my life I enjoyed to be at the dental office. Very professional, positive, educated and he explained everything to me regarding my treatment. Staff at the office very friendly, polite and pleasure to work with. Equipment at his office looks like from the future. I got my crown the same day. I would put 10 stars rating! read more

After getting some fillings and a checkup with another dentist, I was told I needed an implant to replace the crown on my front tooth that has been there for many years. I wanted a second opinion (as it seems pretty major and I was quoted a very high price). I found Dr. Garofolo's office online, and called to inquire about a consult, and they were able to see me within a couple hours of calling. The staff was extremely friendly, as was the Dr. and very knowledgeable. They quoted me a better price, and I felt confident having this procedure done here, as they seemed to have the best technology to get this procedure done. read more

My first visit with this office. Dr. Timothy Garofolo is knowledgeable and makes sure you understand the treatment plan and answers all your questions. The rest of the staff is awesome. They explain the billing process so that you understand the breakdown of what they are charging both you and the insurance company. I am so glad I came to this office for my dental needs. read more

So Iv'e been going to Dr. Garofolo for about 3 years now and I definitely recommend him. His office and receptionists are very nice and attentive with regular confirmation texts and updates on your treatments. His dental assistants are very nice and gentle. It's also a plus that the entire staff actually remembers you too. As for getting more extensive work done such as having cavities filled Dr. Garofolo is your guy! I have had almost 10 cavities filled by him on 4 different visits. I have been very afraid of needles to the point where I start to feel nauseous and faint at the sight of them so having a huge one shot into my gums is the most terrifying thing for me. But I no longer fear the procedure because Dr. Garofolo has gained my trust. He first numbs my mouth with a topical and then prepares me for the shot by talking me through my breathing and instructing me to wiggle my toes during the shot. It doesn't take long and all I feel is a little pinch and then the filling only take 5 minutes. The numbing then lasts about 5 hours which is expected. Sometimes after my mouth is a bit sore with the first bites of food I take after the procedure but overall the experience leaves me no longer in fear of shots and dental work. Thank you Dr. Garofolo!!!! read more

Dr. Garofolo uses the latest and greatest technology, making it a great experience when getting your routine cleanings or dental work. He is great with his patients and his office staff is also very kind/helpful. I trust him completely, which is saying a lot for someone who doesn't like trips to the Dentist office! read more

Great dentist. He is very gentle and entertaining. I highly recommend him. I drive over an hour for his services. Pain free dentistry.

Dr. Garofolo always makes you feel taken care of and at home. The staff is super friendly and efficient! I had a bad tooth ache and I called for an appointment and got in that same morning. My husband also likes coming here because he has a lot of anxiety with shots and they know how to make him comfortable. Thanks, Dr Garofolo! Keep up the great work!! read more

I haven't had good luck with dentists in the past but Dr. Garofolo is the best I've been to. I put off having some fillings replaced for over a year because I have a fear of the Novocaine shot and for some reason my other dentists have never been able to get my mouth numb without multiple shots. Dr. Garofolo assured me that he would do his best to keep it as painless as possible. He gave me one shot and I didn't feel a thing. Afterward he also offered me another injection that got rid of the numbness quickly. I was blown away. I had 4 fillings replaced and I was back to work in the afternoon and my face wasn't numb for the whole day! I have been going to the office (and his old office) for about 3 years and have always been happy with him and the hygienists. This is the first "major" thing I've had done, but he was great and I won't see anyone else. read more

Very nice dentist and staff. Never a wait and the hygienists are very gentle and efficient. This is the dentist for you if you have dental treatment phobias. I highly recommend Dr. Garofolo. read more

I was going to do 4.5 stars because I always think there is something every business can improve on and then I thought - what would that be for this practice and did not come up with anything. So, 5 stars it is Everything from setting an appointment, meeting the staff, the encouragement, ease, detailed explanation of treatment options and cost and then my initial cleaning which was 6 stars! I highly recommend this practice and can honestly say that I am looking forward to my follow up appointment to keep on track for healthy teeth and gums read more

Dr Garofolo is such a great dentist and all of his staff are amazing! They are so friendly and accommodating to every need and make appointments work for your schedule. I have had my share of bad dentist and Had a difficult time finding a good dentist but I have definitely found the best dentist in San Diego here! read more

I can't say enough great things about this office. It is clean, tidy and chock full of excellent technology. My kids were really nervous because they have had a bad experience in the past, but the staff and Dr. Garofolo made them feel so comfortable that they have asked when they can go back! Now that's a sure sign of a great dentist!! Added bonus are the lovely views overlooking a little lake. Feels very zen :) read more

My experience with Dr. Garofolo was great. His office is one of the nicer ones I've been in and I've always had good experience at his practice. It's interesting to read Donna N.'s review as I felt the exact opposite regarding the shots I received. Talk about painless.....I wasn't even aware he'd already given me the shots. I was anticpating the pain only to have Dr. Garofolo say "that wasn't bad, was it?". I see myself being a patient for years to come. read more

I do not enjoy going to the dentist - okay, who does? But my experience with dr. Garaffolo and his staff has been exceptional! The office is beautiful and totally high-tech (wich I appreciate) and the Dr. Was able to actually show me images of the areas on my teeth that needed to be fixed on a monitor over my head. The fillings that I have received have been quick and painless and all the staff is incredibly nice, friendly and helpful! I totally recommend them! read more

I began seeing Dr. Garofolo and his staff earlier this year and have had nothing but excellent experiences. Unlike other offices, I've never waited more than 5 minutes in the waiting room. I'm greeted with a smile from Riley each time I arrive...a very welcoming touch. Each staff member has been consistently polite and helpful, always taking the time to explain the work that is going to be done. Dr. Garofolo always welcomes me, shakes my hand and explains what options are available...and the advantages/disadvantages of any given procedure. All work I have received to date has been excellent. Each room has a floor-to-ceiling window, which affords an enjoyable and relaxing view overlooking Webb Park. Exam chairs are quite comfortable and pleasant ambient music, as well as headphones, are available. I tend to feel a bit colder than most people in a room. On my first visit, an attentive staff member noticed my discomfort and provided me with a blanket! Unbelievable! Immediately following my initial exam, I was provided with a list of recommended procedures from the office manager, Cristina. She took the time to explain each item to my satisfaction. Pricing was a bit higher than some of my previous dental offices, but all costs were discussed with me BEFORE beginning any work, so there was no "sticker shock" when it came time to submit payment. Staff members really seem to care about the patient's dental health. I've been impressed by the helpful attitude each staff member has. There's been no "You don't floss enough!" type of chastising (Yes, I've had dentist's treat me like I'm a child). Instead, dental advice is provided in an adult and positive way ("This is why flossing is important and here's how to do it efficiently".) Being treated with respect and caring has made me a more compliant patient...very effective approach! I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Garofolo and his exemplary staff and, in fact, have already recommended his office to numerous co-workers. If customer service is important to you (and why wouldn't it be?), this office deserves a visit. Oh, and one side note: I've never had a dentist that administered a novocaine shot so gently. Even for a dental patient that isn't particularly squeamish about being in the dental chair, this is a wonderful bonus! read more

Before I begin, I found Dr. Garofolo through my insurance provider (California Dental Network) that offers HMO plans. Anyone reading who has dealt with HMO dental insurance realizes that it's hard as hell to find a dentist that is about quality rather than quantity. I'm the type of person that refuses to go to a place like "Smilecare Dentistry" or "Western Dental." Those places are God-awful, and you usually leave with more problems than you went in with. So I went in today for my first time at this office to see Dr. Garofolo for a Root Canal on a very disrupted molar. The entire procedure (including X-rays, crown fitting, and temporary crown) took about an hour and a half. It's only been 2 hours since the procedure was completed and I'm already feeling practically ZERO discomfort right now. I was dreading getting a Root Canal done due to the fact that I have to commit to around 6 hours of study time per day, 7 days a week...and I wasn't looking forward to studying with intense oral discomfort. I'm almost baffled at how little discomfort I'm feeling right now. Aside from how well the procedure went, Dr. Garofolo is one of the friendliest guys I've ever met. He's the type of guy you want to have a beer with. His receptionists and assistants are some of the sweetest and most comforting ladies I've ever met. As a bonus, this has got to be THE MOST comfortable dental office I've ever been in. The decorations and artwork create a very soothing environment and you get a gorgeous view of the lake when you're in the patients' rooms. Everything in the office is state-of-the-art and you can tell that one of their number one priorities is cleanliness and organization. Best dental experience I've ever had. read more

Great experience, no issues and fair prices. I have been seeing Dr. Garafolo for a couple years now and would recommend and have already to others. read more

Two weeks ago I had a crown done at Dr. Garofolo's office. The doctor was very good at explaining and talking me through the numbing injection, then Ann, his assistant took x-rays and impressions. It was all very comfortable. I went back two days later to have my temporary crown removed and the permenant crown installed with no discomfort. I had almost no pain afterward and was very happy with the results. I would recommend Dr. Garofolo and his team to anyone who is looking for friendly and professional dental work. F. M. (San Diego) read more

I recently moved to the area and was in the market for a new dentist. I chanced upon Dr. Garofolo and I could not be happier I did. Although I've only had one routine checkup here, (and fortunately I was cavity free) the experience put me at ease in a place I'm usually very uptight, a dentists office! The entire staff was more than friendly and I'm comfortable knowing I have an awesome dentist in my new city! :) thanks dr. G and staff! read more

The worst dentist I have been to in my 30+ years. For your first appointment he makes you schedule the check-up & cleaning on different days... such a waste of time. I had to return for 6 cavities (yeah right). I just had a checkup a couple of months ago with my regular Dentist and was great. The only reason I went to a Dentist was because I moved and needed a new Dentist to indicate on my insurance. After the billing person talked with me she told me only 2 cavities would be covered on insurance but suggested I do all six before it gets bad. Gee, I wonder why? Against my better judgment, I scheduled for the 2 cavities that would be covered under insurance. Oh and get this, $177 each cavity if you want white fillings... robbery!!! He numbs both sides of my mouth which I later find out is not something Dentist are suppose to do. Painfully sticks the needle in my mouth. I have never, ever felt pain when they do this and he really hurt me. My whole lower jaw and upper cheeks were numb. It was so uncomfortable. Then after he is done (in 8 minutes), he tells me not to chew on my tongue and cheek. Something common when you numb both sides which he should of told me before he numbed my mouth. When I went home my mouth hurt for hours. For the next 2 days I couldn't open my mouth all the way. Don't be fooled by the fancy technology like I was. One good thing, the Dental Hygenist was awesome. read more

I debated for a while about writing this review. I tend to put myself in other people's shoes and try to understand why they may have acted in a way that is hard for me to comprehend - I failed to do so with Dr. Garofolo. My first visit with Dr. Garofolo was six months ago, I took my older son (8 yo) for a cleaning. While I was filling out the paperwork they took my son inside and asked me to remain in the waiting room. When my son came back (I was still working on the paperwork) the nurse mentioned that we needed to wait for the doctor to proceed with the cleaning. I was confused about where my son went, so I asked her, she explained to me that he went inside for x-rays. I couldn't understand, I did not authorize x-rays and I was not asked if it was ok to do x-rays on my son. Later, filling one of the forms I found out that my signature was required for consenting x-rays, funny though, since they had already done the x-rays but I hadn't provided my signature yet. It was a surreal experience but I thought that perhaps the people at the main desk did inform me about the X-rays and it was all a misunderstanding, so I decided to give them a second chance. Yesterday I went again to Dr. Garofolo's office, this time with my 5 year old. While I was filling the paperwork they told me that my son should go inside. This time I asked why and they told me (all surprised): "well, for x-rays", I asked if my consent was required and the woman did not know. She called somebody else to ask and they both looked at me as if I was some weirdo. I smiled and said that first they should ask me if I agree and that my written consent was required for doing x-rays to a minor. They reacted as if I was from a different world. Then they asked me if I was against x-rays and I said that I was not against x-rays, but that I believe this matter should be something for me to discuss with the doctor prior to my consent. Ten minutes later a guy opened the door and said: "do you want to talk to me?"....it took me a couple of seconds to realize that this was my introduction to Dr. Garofolo. He realized probably that a "Hello I am Dr. Garofolo" would have been appropriate and backed up a bit and said his name. I told him my concern about performing x-rays to a 5 year old with no apparent dental issues. Dr. Garofolo said that is the only way to look for cavities.... I mentioned that perhaps visual inspection could identify cavities too and he got really nervous and said "this is the way we do things in the US". Yes, I do have an accent, I am not from the US. I've lived in the US since 2000. Many dentist visits since I moved to USA and many before that..., never a problem. I think I have been very lucky and I have always found doctors that were willing to listen to my concerns and provide medical /scientifically-based reasons for their decisions. I hold a masters in statistics, a Pharm.D and a Ph.D in pharmacology, I consider myself capable of understanding why a doctor needs to perform x-rays if logical reasons are provided (i.e., initial examination and to establish a baseline record from which to compare changes that may occur over time). I have probably visited dentist offices in more countries that Dr. Garofolo has ever traveled to and have never heard a medical decision supported by a statement like" this is the way we do things in this country". Well, since in the US we provide feedback about our experiences here is mine: Dr. Garofolo, welcome to the way we do things in the US. Enjoy this review, hopefully sharing my experience with your clinic will prevent many people for going through the same uncomfortable situation I went through. read more

Dr.Garofolo and staff are amazing!! I'm not a fan of going to the dentist office but after my first visit, I actually look forward to my next visit. I was given great detail about the condition my teeth are in and I have never had that with other dentists. The office is beautifully decorated and you feel as though you're in a spa. Everything about this office was gentle, informative and surprisingly fun.I love their dog Chester too. Thanks!! read more

Like a lot of people, I have a dentist phobia. My husband was fairly satisfied with Dr. Garofolo, so I decided to give him a try. On the positive side, he is very nice and friendly and didn't make me feel stupid for being a wimp about dentists. The office is very attractive, has a nice view over the lake. Unfortunately, being a nice guy with a pretty office doesn't offset the negatives. He is expensive. They figure out how to charge you for everything, "deep cleaning", irrigation, whatever. Your insurance will not cover your visit, even if your insurance covers a standard cleaning at 100%. So, he does my exam and decides that practically every tooth and filling need to be worked on. Ok, I admit, I am not the most consistent at going to the dentist every six months, but I take good care of my teeth at home: brushing 2-3x a day, flossing _every_ day, seriously. It's not like I'm from the deep woods and use a stick and moonshine to clean my teeth. We start with two teeth and he re-fills one and 'discovers' he needs to do a crown on the other. I can't remember how much that all cost, but it was a lot out of pocket. One positive thing to note, he did give me a prescription for Valium and shot me up with so much Novocain that I didn't feel a thing (for seven hours) - and he was very gentle during the procedure. I have to say, his chair-side manner is excellent. The crowned tooth hurt for over a year, still a little sensitive now, another year later. He tried to file it down, but said he might have to do a root canal?!?! This was a tooth that didn't even bother me before and now it needs a root canal? Timeout! On a visit back east to my hometown, I took Dr. Garofolo's roadmap for my mouth do-over to the dentist I went to for many years before moving to San Diego. She took X-rays, did an exam, looked at what Dr. Garofolo planned, made several disapproving sounds, and said, "find a new dentist." She couldn't believe all of the unnecessary work he wanted to do. She said my mouth and existing fillings were perfectly fine. She couldn't tell why my crowned tooth hurt, but said that the crown work was just "ok". In summary, Dr. Garofolo is a very pleasant person and makes his patients feel at ease, but he will try to do a lot of expensive work that you may not need and your mouth may end up in worse shape than when you started. read more

One word... SCAM. I get that everyone needs to make money, but making up items to tack on your bill (desensitizing resin??) is absurd. They make you schedule soooooo many different appointments which is beyond inconvenient. The whole time I felt like I was being taken advantage of and bills would magically change. Also, note to the billing people. If you have a PPO, you bill the insurance company FIRST. If I were you, I would definitely avoid this place. read more

Over the last 4 years I have had consistently good cleanings at Dr. Garofolo;s office. But I found a new dentist because all the little issues could never get fixed. I would update my phone number and they would call the old one. I would get random bills in the mail that were incorrect. And every time I would check out they would quote me the wrong co-payment and then they would have to look it up and apologize. I no longer want to go to the dentist office and get mediocre service. read more