Talega Coast Dentistry

They were very nice but told me that I needed to have three crowns. Today I had a full examination and X-​ray at another office with a different doctor who gave me only one filling and did not suggest any crowns.

Nice people, but don’t expect straight answers on costs.
I Recently moved to San Clemente and I had a tooth chip, so I Unilocaled to find a good dentist for a crown. Talega Coast Dentistry came up #1 and the reviews for service were great so I called.
I found out quickly that they do not do offer Cerac Crowns (Single Visit Crown with digital impressions). Nor do they offer digital impressions with lab created crowns. (Digital impressions it seems are the most precise based on my research) They only offer «old school» gum based impressions and lab created crowns that take about 2 weeks and 2 sittings.
This is not my first crown and I know they are not cheap even with insurance. So I gave Nica my insurance info to make sure they took my insurance before wasting any time and asked how much it would cost. She looked it up and said yes, they take my insurance. (I found out later this doesn’t mean anything) She said she had to check with the insurance company to get the exact cost and she would have the cost when I showed up on Thursday. So I show up and she said she still didn’t have the cost. Later, I was taken back to speak with Melony and Nica and was handed a cost estimate sheet to sign for the xray and diagnosis. ($ 184.80)
They indicated they would have the cost for the crown after they did the diagnosis. What?!
That’s when my SPIDY Senses went on full alert!
Q: So I ask how much a crown usually costs. (Seems like a simple question, right?)
A: Melony says she doesn’t know because different insurance plans pay differently.
Q: So I ask how much it costs without insurance.
A: Melony says she doesn’t know because their might be other factors.
Q: So I ask what other factors (as this is not my first crown)
A: Melony says they might have to build it back up. (I’ve never been charged separately for that, but whatever.
Q: So I ask what it costs to build it back up.
A: Melony says about $ 250.
Q: So I ask if she can just give me a cost range… $ 700 to $ 1000, $ 1000 –1250, $ 1300– $ 1500
A: Melony says $ 1300-​$ 1500.
So this is about $ 300-​$ 500 more than I’ve ever paid. But maybe the prices have gone up over the last 2 years and it’s more if you live by the beach? So I proceed based on the service reviews, even though I was now very worried due to the vague answers.
So I meet Dr. Johnson. A really nice guy and very thorough in explaining everything and showing me a picture of what happened on the computer screen. Guess what… I need a crown. So I said let’s do it, as that’s what I was scheduled to come in for (at least in my mind). So they checked and said they could do it and he tells me he’ll send in Melony with the cost estimate.
The NEW COST ESTIMATE, IN WRITING $ 1899.00. WHAT!
Q: So I ask what if I pay cash?
A: Melony says, No, it’s the same cost.
Q: So I ask Melony what happened to the $ 1300-​$ 1500 range and she points to $ 1549 on the estimate for the crown, but fails to acknowledge that she has put down $ 350 additional for the build (which is also more than she estimated just 20 minutes earlier).
A: She says I’m not in their network.
Q: So I tell her, the first question I asked Nica was, «Do you accept my insurance?».
A: She says, «we do», but we’re not in their network.
So it appears to me they are more than happy to give discounts to insurance companies but if you’re just a patient, plan to be robbed. $ 1899.00 is TWICE the price I’ve ever paid!
After the vague answers, changed estimates and mis-​information I left (paying for the diagnosis of course) to go find a dentist that has office staff that are forth right and honest with regards to what they charge. With a little research I’ve found a ton of dentists (without insurance involvement) that offer single day Cerec crowns for under $ 1,000.
THURSDAY EVENING UPATE:
So I get home and later that evening, Nica from Tagega Coast calls me telling me now that I am in network through some other name of the insurance provider (Makes no sense at all as my wife is in HR and checked online directly with insurance and it says specifically that they are in network).
Q: So I ask how much is it going to cost.
A: I’m not sure, Melony is gone and won’t be back until Monday.
So I gave her my email to send me the estimate.
MONDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE:
It’s now Monday afternoon and I’ve heard nothing.
TUESDAY UPDATE:
Nica sends a new estimate for $ 931.00 of which I’d pay $ 465.00 with insurance.
Much better, but too late and WAY TO MUCH BRAIN TRAUMA. Also, I’ve found other local dentists «San Clemente Dental Associates» who offer the «Same Day» crowns for about the same cost. Why wait two weeks and go in twice!

The selfish part of me doesn’t want to write a review because I want them all to myself. But service this good deserves recognition. Look, going to the dentist is not something I’ve ever enjoyed. But coming here is like being with family. First, the office is modern, clean, fresh and welcoming. Second, walking in here is like Cheers., «Everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came» seriously. From being greeted with a wave and a smile by Melanie, to being escorted to your chair by Jeffrey with a handshake and another smile and then the parade of staff that is never too busy to acknowledge you as you wait in your chair. And then finally, whether you’re there to see Dean, Ricci or Dr. Johnson you can rest assured you’re going to get excellent service with pleasant company and well trained hands. I trust them with all of my family’s dental care needs and you should too.

Talega Coast Dental is amazing! Great experience overall. Melanie, Ricci, and Dr. Johnson were fantastic. So happy I found my new dentist.

I live in Moreno Valley but find it very well worth the drive to receive the finest dental care I have known and have experienced first hand! Let’s just say my fears of a dentist are no longer existing when it comes down to Dr. Frederick Johnson! The staff shows great customer service and support on a genuine basis! Stellar customer care is limited these days but this dental practice shows the best care and service full throttle!

This practice is top notch! The staff is very friendly and helpful. They made me feel really comfortable with their hospitality and knowledge. Ricci is really informative and took the time to explain everything in detail. Melanie is personable and was great about setting up the appointments and following up with me after. Dr Johnson was very thorough, yet very honest about what work needed to be done. He was nice and funny too.
I’m so glad I found an office like this! What a breath of fresh air!

Talega Coast Dental is Superb! The staff is very welcoming and makes you feel right at home.
l’m sure no one could imagine having a good laugh while at the dentist, but Both Dr. Johnson and his assistant Jeffrey are so funny and sweet! I always look forward to my appointments.
I have been coming here since November 2015, and had multiple procedures done. Dr Johnson and Jeffrey have great attention to detail and are very patient and gentle.
I HIGHLY recommend coming to Talega Coast for your dental needs. Can’t say enough good things about their entire practice!

I had an emergency, cracked tooth needed help quickly. I called 2 different dentists first, guess what offices were closed already and neither worked on Fridays! I called Talega Coast and not only did they squeeze me in that night but they also fixed the tooth. The entire team stayed until 9pm! Work was done right I never felt rushed or that I was putting them out they generally cared about me the patient. The entire team is great from the woman at the front desk to the technician to Dr Johnson. The entire office is fantastic, I will be bringing my entire family here for now on.

Dr. Johnson is the best Dentist I have ever been to. They are very professional, thorough and delicate in all the work they do there. I would highly recommend anyone in the area looking for a dentist to go here.

We just moved to the area and needed a dentist. The reviews on Unilocal were not wrong. They were so friendly. Leia was my hygienist and she was amazing! She was super friendly and thorough. She took her time and explained everything. The front office was very friendly and helped me schedule appointments for all of my family.

…blown away! Absolutely amazed! Both Dr Johnson and Angie, his assistant took such a great care of me while getting my wisdom tooth removed! Incredible oral surgeon, he is also an amazing human being. And Angie was absolutely outstanding — on so many levels. So knowldgeable and careful and yet caring and just beautiful inside and out. And Mimi… even offered me a drive to and from the procedure, and has been nothing but most helpful during my last few visits while I was all panicky and frantic. I am so grateful for the team of Talega Coast Dentistry. Thank you. HUGE thank you!!! XO!

What can I say… Personality, professionalism and downright good people at this place. I highly recommend

I wish there were more than five stars, honestly. I used to be terrified of the dentist until I met Dean and he changed my life.
I was one of Dean’s clients when he worked at an office in Newport Beach. I went in for a teeth cleaning one day and he was gone, so I jumped on Unilocal and tracked him down. Now I drive all the way from Huntington Beach to San Clemente to come here because Dean is absolutely the best.
If you’re like me and you’re nervous about the dentist, I would very highly recommend you come here. They are kind, gentle, and incredibly professional.

I had braces growing up and although my teeth are straight the orthodontist that I went to in the late 90’s had removed two teeth that left my smile empty. Literally! Dean showed me a pic of a client that they recently worked on and suggested bulking to enhance my extremely small molars. The results are exceptional and far exceeded my expectations. The crowns are a perfect match! I can feel the difference in size but they are very natural and color is a perfect match.
I would most definitely recommend Team TCD. Dr. Johnson, Lisa, Mimi and Dean are truly kind, patient and professionals you can count on. They stayed late, answered all my questions and always ensured I was comfortable. I want to sincerely thank them for giving me the smile of confidence!

Great office! Mimi (front desk) is awesome, always so nice and accommodating. I haven’t needed any dental work done by Dr. Johnson, but the hygienist is very thorough and knowledgeable.

Going to the dentist is never fun, but always necessary. Dr. Johnson and staff make it easier. They are great at their jobs, fun to chat with, and have a gentle touch.

Going to the Dentist is no fun, however, it’s something that we all have to do from time to time, right?
With that said, look no further, this is the place to go and here’s why…
1) The office is very professional; every time I walk in there they remember my name and greet me like an old friend, you can really tell that everyone who works their takes pride in what they do. The office is clean, comfortable and relaxed — it wasn’t like some of those dental offices where you feel like just another number.
2) They made sure to check all my insurance for me and to consult me on what my costs would be etc. The last Dentist I visited didn’t even bother telling me that they were not in my network, it wasn’t until after the services were rendered that I found out I was stuck with a huge bill– not Talega Coast though, they broke it all down for me and made sure to communicate everything up front, very transparent.
3) A little about Dr. Johnson and Lisa, my hygienist– my last visit there I had 5 fillings done (I know, spare me the lecture). I don’t know about you but getting fillings can be kind of nerve racking to say the least, you know the numbing, the drilling etc. However, Dr. Johnson and Lisa were extremely gentle and careful — I didn’t even feel a thing when they gave me the local anesthetic shot– it usually hurts like hell. Then the rest was history; Dr. Johnson and Lisa worked gracefully getting the job done with speed and efficiency, I was out of there before I even realized what happened (and no, I wasn’t given any nitrous, ha). They worked efficiently as a team and were very conscious of my well being during the procedure, not once did I worry.
But seriously, if you need Dental work or just need a cleaning but haven’t been able to find a great Dentist, look no further, Talega Coast Dentistry will take care of you — no more excuses!

I recently moved to San Clemente from New Hampshire and needed to find a new dentist. I looked at many dental practices on Unilocal and I was amazed that every single one of the 30+ reviews for Talega Coast Dentistry was five stars. I had to schedule an appointment!
The office is exceptionally clean and comfortable and the staff is warm, friendly, and funny. Dr. Johnson and I were cracking jokes throughout the whole appointment and we couldn’t stop laughing. I never thought I could feel so relaxed while getting fillings!
Dean was my hygienist for the cleaning. In the past, some hygienists would be too rough and my teeth would hurt while others were overly careful and my teeth did not feel fully clean. Dean was gentle yet thorough and the conversation flowed very naturally. I am looking forward to my teeth whitening appointment at the end of the month.
Thank you Talega Coast Dentistry for a five-​star dental experience!

Loved the advanced technology and how the office is willing to work with you based on your needs. The staff is incredibly friendly and professional. I’ll be referring my friends and family to Talega Coast Dental.

This is the best dental practice to go to in South Orange county!
I recently re-​located from Irvine and needed a new primary dentist to go to for regular cleanings. They are great with getting you in right away, no waiting weeks for a cancellation.
The service is like that you would expect at A Four Seasons Hotel. The staff is very warm and welcoming.
Dr Johnson is very through and knowledgeable, and being a Physician myself I appreciate his kind demeanor and approach to patients.
If you have a fear of going to the dentist, this practice will put you at ease and get you the dental care that you need in a prompt manner, while soothing your senses with their elegant décor.
I give Talega Coast Dentistry 2 thumbs up and will recommend them to everyone!