Walden & Associates

Description of Work: Went in for an annual cleaning

Description of Work: .

Description of Work: I had an appointment to get my teeth cleaned but instead of them cleaning my teeth, they told me I needed a $1500 treatment on my gums. When I said I was going to pass on that and just wanted my teeth cleaned, the hygienist told me they were not permitted to clean my teeth without the treatment. What?! Since when does a dentist refuse to clean your teeth unless you spend $1500??

Description of Work: This office is a high-volume (but not low-cost) practice that is focused on making as much money as possible. I call this corporate dentistry as opposed to personalized dentistry. As someone new to the area I just wanted to have an exam and my teeth cleaned. They started off by giving me a tour of the office with all the different equipment and specializations they offer. I asked them to keep the x-rays to a minimum, and they replied that they needed extensive x-rays to determine the best treatment plan for me. I told them I was not interested in a treatment plan, but that I only wanted to get a basic cleaning and exam that was covered under my insurance plan. Before beginning the procedure they took me to the financial manager to verify my insurance, to whom I also said I only wanted a basic cleaning and exam. Finally, I got to the hygienist who did a reasonably good job, and then I was taken to another room to wait on the Dr. Walden. He had a very programmed speech welcoming me to his practice and presented me with a clever little gift (a flash light ball-point pen combination). He gave me a quick exam and concluded that a filling under the base of one of the crowns of a bridge was decayed and that the entire bridge would have to be replaced if the filling could not be redone. This was going to cost upwards towards $4,000 out of my pocket. Needless to say I had lost all confidence in this dental practice and did not go back for a follow-up appointment. The office was filled with patients, so their approach must be pleasing a lot of people, but I just did not have a good feeling about the impersonal corporate-like practice. If you are looking for an outstanding dentist in the area who has a more traditional approach to dentistry I highly recommend Dr. Mariela Lung.

Description of Work: I go to see Walden & Associates for general dentistry.

Description of Work: I had not been to a dentist in years because I didn't have insurance. I had missing fillings, achy teeth, and routine work that needed to be done due to neglect. The first few visits to this office were ok. During my 3rd or 4th visit, I started to notice how over booked the office always was. This would explain why Dr. Walding would abruptly enter the room, say hello, do his work, and leave. No bedside manner what so ever. I felt like I was in a tooth factory. I was there to put my time in so he could get paid and then he was on to the next. Not personable at all. The last 2 times I went to visit him to have a core build-up/crown done, I experienced some pain. Let me also mention that the materials this office uses are not normal crown/buildup materials my insurance covers. Therefore I ended up paying a premium from my own pocket. Pointless to not just take full advantage of my PPO plan and just use an outside dentist that would probably cost the same. Anyways, I told him I wasn't getting numb like I did in the past and wasn't sure why. He didn't really have much to say other than a chuckle. I found this a little uncomfortable. Upon doing more research, there are a number of reasons why someone doesn't get as numb as others and there are different methods that can be used to get an area sufficiently numb. Never has this dentist tried to offer any alternative solutions. I am really scared to go back. Going to find a new dentist and start fresh.