La Jolla Village Smiles Dentistry and Implants - La Jolla, California

Casper N.

Setting up an appointment was quick and easy. I got seen quickly after checking in, and everyone was super friendly towards me. My hygienist, Clemente, did a terrific job educating me on my teeth and gum health, getting me cleaned up and taken care of, and then providing some recommendations on products and best practices post appointment. Plus he made the experience more enjoyable than a typical dentist visit. Overall, am happy with the service and location.

rachel

So it's very important to say all staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. This office is just very expensive regarding fillings/crowns, even after dental insurance. Expensive as in $879.00 per tooth, and 3 were recommended for me to replace very old fillings (from about 20 years ago, starting to break down).

I am new to the area, from east coast, and used to fillings costing under $200 each after insurance.

I could not afford their price, so still need to find somewhere else. I even started looking up Tijuana dentists who had prices listed under half of what this office was asking.

As another reviewer said, they offered an in house made filling, so maybe that's why it's more expensive. Last time I had a crown I think it had to be mail ordered?

Edit: I got a 2nd opinion and was able to get fillings instead of crowns, for no joke, 10% the cost this office wanted. A few hundred rather than a few thousand. I went here after someone I know confirmed they paid half for laser cleanings (~$70 per quadrant.).

The deep cleaning price after insurance seemed more reasonable at $97 per quadrant, especially after googling it, but I could only do half the mouth at one time for insurance to cover, so now I have to go back. This also seems standard practice per google. Still very inconvenient, though.

I did not opt to have laser cleaning because that was about $140 per quadrant, I think.

I am glad the hygienist caught that I had some larger pockets (5mm) so I can start maintaining with peridontal cleanings. I would like to use this office but the prices force me to seek somewhere I can afford, and I can't help but wonder if another local dentist would cost half to deep clean my mouth after insurance. I will go to finish other side here though.

Edit again: 2nd opinion place said I now had 2mm and 3mms, so at least their deep cleaning worked.

And no goodie bag either o.O

Paulina G.

I had a really great experience here! My dental hygienist, Clemente, was so kind and patient with me. I was so cold and he asked if I needed a blanket, and after he brought it I felt much more comfortable during my appointment. He also answered all of my questions and explained everything as he did it, and after during our debrief. Would definitely recommend coming here!

Sarah C.

La Jolla Village Smiles Dentistry and Implants provided comprehensive care during my recent visit. I felt confident in their expertise, from the thorough examination to the detailed treatment plan. Emma at the front desk gave excellent detailed information about the treatment and answered all my questions. The personalized attention and emphasis on patient comfort make this practice exceptional. With their highly skilled team, dental health management has never been easier. Highly recommended for anyone seeking quality dental health care. I definitely picked the right office for not only myself but my family as well. The friendly staff and modern clinic added to the positive experience.

Shannon W.

So I am fairly new to this dentist. I saw them back in Sept 2024, went in for a cleaning and and exam. I do have insurance and they did x-rays and an exam. I left without getting my teeth cleaned and was told I needed a periodontal scaling and root planning. As well as a root canal which then will need a crown and then another crown. This was a first for me as far as the periodontal scaling. So fast forward a few months and where I had the root canal my tooth was still sensitive. I went back in was told I now need another root canal on the tooth next to it and was told I had a cavity. But they didn't take new x-rays and they didn't mention it before. So another root canal and crown.

I had scheduled my next cleaning for 6 months after the first one. They told me when to schedule it and honestly I didn't think much of it. I had to reschedule and did it 2 weeks later then when it was first scheduled. I signed in and they had me sign saying it was a $5 co-pay for the office visit and if they hygienist felt I needed any further treatments she would discus this with me. Sure enough she wanted to do a laser treatment and I told her no, I did that last time and I don't want to do it at this time. She then tells me I need 4 antibiotic shots at $95 EACH. I tell her no. She she cleans my teeth and once she's done asked if I wanted to do the shots, I again said no. I do X-rays and then the dentist comes in and exams and walks me to the front to check out. I was told to come back in 3 months for a cleaning. I said why and honestly it wasn't explained as to why they wanted me to do that. So they schedule for 6 months, and then tell me my total it $70, $65 for the cleaning and $5 for office visit. They informed me that my insurance changed and that is the cost for the cleaning. The next day I call insurance, and nope it's a cleaning every 6 months (which if I would've gone 2 weeks prior I don't think it would've been covered at all). Call the office and they tell me that because I am now flagged as having periodontal disease the cost will be $65 for 6 mos cleanings and $150 if I go in at 3 mos (since my insurance will only cover 2 cleanings per year) which is what they recommend. But this was never talked about with me at all.

So I will be finding a new dentist. When I called all they kept saying was the front desk thought that the hygienist told me and it's a miscommunication. But after reading what others have to say I think it's an ongoing problem and they need to be more transparent with fees upfront.

Melissa

Friendly and professional staff! Dr. Alvarado and his team take the time to explain everything thoroughly. The cleaning was done with great care by Vania and Marta, and I feel completely at ease throughout the visit. I truly appreciate the attention to detail. I highly recommend La Jolla Village Smiles for top-notch dental care!

Erik S.

Every single time I came in for a cleaning they attempted to upsell me something. I was told my gum health was poor and I need 4 cleanings a year, that my fillings were cracked, I needed scaling, lasers and deep cleanings.

I went and got a 2nd opinion and don't have any gum pockets worse than a 3, my fillings are in great shape and my overall teeth and gum health is excellent.

This place should get shutdown for predatory business practice.... They will do anything they can to bill your insurance as much and as often as then can.

Sophia D. L. C.

I had a wonderful experience at La Jolla Smiles. Dr. Heedel and her staff were very professional and friendly, especially Claudia and Jonathon. I made the right decision to choose Dr. Heedel for making my veneers and she enhanced my smile like how I’ve always dreamed up. I will be going back for all my dental work. Thank you La Jolla Smiles for a great experience!