Dentistry of Del Mar

"My experience at this office is straightforward no nonsense dental care. Everyone in the office seems to work a flexible schedule for emergent cases like mine. I’ve literally been in the office at 7:30am and 6:30pm when I had an infection in order to get me treated. Somewhere along the line the world decided teeth aren’t part of “healthcare” that couldn’t be further from the truth. I was unknowingly suffering for years with a bothersome tooth. Because this office has this dental CT scan, the doctor was able to see an abscess that didn’t otherwise show up on a normal xray. Key here is a dentist that has experience and reinvest into modern equipment. When the doctor says you would prefer a root canal if it will save the tooth they are being sincere. An extraction isn’t so straightforward as a normal consumer would have thought. It’s like this whole process that is quite long. The tooth is pulled and then a bone graft is put in. This is where it takes time. You just have to be perfect following instructions and let your body heal. It is a series of appointments for like a year because you get your permit replacement tooth. I had the misfortune of needing that whole process. I can’t imagine a non compliant patient having to go thru this. Now that it’s over I go about my day and my dental implant feels as if it’s my own. I’m so comfortable and only now realize that I have been unknowingly suffering for years. I would recommend Dentistry of Del Mar to everyone. Sofia is the best hygienist I wish I had time to come in quarterly instead of twice per year because I love my teeth squeaky clean."

"I arrived at the dentist's office with an emergency due to intense pain and a fever. The dentist diagnosed me with an abscess and recommended a root canal. However, it was a Saturday, and they mentioned they couldn't reach my insurance company (PPO) over the weekend. When the receptionist presented the treatment plan and costs, it totaled $3900. I expressed my desire for preauthorization from my insurance before consenting to the root canal. I explained that unforeseen complications might arise, and I wanted to ensure coverage for any additional costs. Their website mentioned they "accept most PPO insurances," leaving me uncertain about coverage. I asked to speak with the dentist again to address my pain and fever, especially since I had undergone multiple X-rays. The receptionist relayed my concerns but returned with the response that they couldn't prescribe any medication without my authorization for the root canal. Despite spending money on X-rays and the check-up, the receptionist only suggested Tylenol, which was concerning as it seemed beyond her scope to recommend drug usage. I left the office in even more pain and confusion. I'm puzzled as to why they couldn't provide relief for my pain and fever until preauthorization was obtained. Do dentists not have an obligation to support patients in minimizing pain and fever until insurance approval is secured? Response to companies response: The American Dental Association (ADA) provides guidelines and ethical considerations for pain management in dentistry, emphasizing the importance of providing appropriate pain relief while also being mindful of potential misuse or addiction. Dentists are encouraged to assess patients' pain levels and medical histories carefully to determine the most suitable pain management approach. However, assuming someone is an addict without evidence or proper assessment would not align with the ADA's ethical standards. Sure ethics are not law but still are important. I never requested narcotics; my concern was primarily addressing the fever. There are non-narcotic pain medications available, and the doctor initially suggested antibiotics. However, once I expressed hesitation about the significant out-of-pocket expense for the recommended procedure, the services were denied. It's unfortunate that the response provided seemed to cherry-pick and speculate rather than address the core issue of inadequate pain/fever relief and denial of necessary medical care."

"This Dentist is a crook and a bully. I called for an emergency on a Sunday and they were kind enough to see me which was absolutely amazing. I have a sinus infection and a failed loose implant on my upper right side. I had already seen another dentist and urgent care and I was in excruciating pain. I just needed to see someone to help me get the tooth out as I had already started antibiotics. I am also 20 weeks pregnant. The first red flag was that I have a great dental plan that is PPO and the full explanation of benefits is available online. Ive never had an issue with Delta Dental but they wanted to collect for all the treatment, visit and xrays up front anyway. She told me it's a policy because they don't know if delta will pay them or me (they have always paid the dr.) I was desperate so I paid up front anyway. Then they wanted a full mouth set of xrays instead of just the side that hurts. I informed them I wasn't comfortable with that because of my pregnancy and also I didn't think I could hold my mouth open for 18 xrays because of how much pain I was in. I said I'd be open to the 4 bite wings and periapacle images or even if they had a CT machine (which they said they did). The Dr came in and told me he didn't know me and that I had no idea what was actually wrong in my mouth. He raised his voice at me telling me it's the United States dental standard to take a full mouth set for a new patient. I informed him that I worked for a dental practice for 3 years and that is not true for emergency dental visits. It is perfectly acceptable to take images of the area of pain and it's actually a separate insurance code all together. I tried to come up with a compromise. He yelled at me and told me to go somewhere else that I'd be more comfortable and stormed out of the room. It was so unprofessional and dehumanizing. I've never experienced anything like that. I feel that he is scamming people by doing a full mouth set and forcing them to do more treatment than necessary and taking advantage of their emergency pain. I overheard him bullying the patient in the next room over to do thousands of dollars of treatment and bad mouthing that patients current dentist. I feel so bad for his office staff and any patient that walks in to that facility. If you've taken the time to read this, run far away. It's not worth it and he smells really bad to boot."

"Dr. Rock, is outstanding, professional service, along with his crew members! I needed emergency dental service and he was there for me at 6:30 in the morning. I will recommend him to anyone who needs dental services!"

"Dr Rutley is the nicest dentist I have ever dealt with. I also feel like he is very very knowledgeable about dentistry, and that he really likes to be a dentist! All of the staff at the front desk are extremely nice and go and above and beyond for you. I found them years and years ago when I had a broken tooth on a weekend night that was an emergency and I have never been anywhere else since."