Berkeley Endodontics

Dr. Chong is great. I have (sadly) had two root canals with her and I’ve found her to be kind, communicative, and respectful of my anxiety about dentistry. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine what more I’d expect from a dentist and the staff has proven equally professional and nice.
I’m not sure what happened with the one negative review here but I definitely don’t think price is a fair or reasonable complaint when one can always choose to go elsewhere. Dental work is always expensive. (I also find the reported 20 minutes of work incredulous. Mine take closer to two hours and I’ve never felt rushed or inexplicably left alone.)
Getting a root canal sucks, there’s no «good» root canal. But there are awful ones. If you have anxiety about dental work and are looking for a caring doc to get the work done, I recommend Dr. Chong. I also recommend being nice, yourself, and taking time to explain your anxiety and establish ways to communicate while she’s working.

College student that was under UC Berkeley’s SHIP Program that included dental work under Delta Dental. I’m seriously a magnet for cavities, and in this case, I had a big one that potentially resulted in an expensive root canal that, despite my insurance’s coverage aid, would require digging deep into my pockets to pay off both treatment and the crown. After doing some research on and receiving a recommendation from my Berkeley dentist, I came here to have my deep cavity treated by Dr. Anderson (who I believe no longer works here now).
I was scared out of my wits, because no matter how many dentists I visit, I’m always mentally prepared to hear some horrible news about root canals, more cavities, etc. (I can’t help it if I was born with genetically cavity-​prone teeth that despite flossing, mouthwash and brushing still somehow end up affected). However, Dr. Anderson gave me what was one of my most positive dental experiences, because he immediately started joking around and relaxing me with his cheery attitude.
He made sure to let me know what was going to happen, and the process that he would go through to try his best to remove the decay while preserving my tooth and prevent a root canal. He drew out a simple diagram for me and also told me right off the bat how much a filling or a root canal treatment would cost. The process itself was painless and flawless, and I am happy to say that he managed to remove the cavity successfully and without a root canal (but I’ll say this: I had to eventually get one in that place anyways a couple years later). He celebrated with me, who was nearly tearing up with the relief, and sent me off with best wishes and a stellar impression. Needless to say, if Dr. Anderson still worked at Berkeley Endodontics, I’d be coming by there without hesitation.
The least I can say for the rest of the staff there was that the dental assistants were extremely kind as well and gentle. They helped simplify the insurance and payment procedure so I could comprehend what were my best options with great patience.

I had a root canal performed by Dr. Chong. $ 1600 out of pocket, not including the crown. This during a major economic recession. Three years later, they tell me the tooth is still fractured and infected and now has to be extracted. Another $ 3700 out of pocket for an implant and crown to an oral surgeon.
I keep thinking about the $ 1600 thirty-​minute root canal job, of which ten of those minutes I was left alone in the chair with my mouth uncomfortably and unbearably trapped open while she went out to work on another patient.
I called the office back and requested to speak to someone regarding the failed root canal. No response.
I actually never minded going in for dental work before as I always took great care of my teeth but this has really left me bummed out and jaded about the profession.

I’m now at an age where unexpected things seem to occasionally happen with my teeth. I brush and floss daily and trek back to Albany to see Dr. Joe Cortese (and Family) for a check-​up and teeth cleaning every 6 months. Yet, more often than not, there seems to be a surprise after patiently sitting in the chair and chatting away.
This time around it was an abscessed tooth that had reached a point where either a root canal or extraction was required. The first step was a referral to Berkeley Endodonics to explore the former and preferred option.
Unfortunately, that was not to be, as my #19 turned out be cracked and halfway towards dead. So it’s onwards to Dr. Michael Doucet for an extraction and an implant after that. I’m also very fortunate as there’s current no pain in the tooth (or to quote Leonard McCoy — It’s Dead Jim) and I have insurance and a decent balance within my Health Savings Account.
Despite the bad news, my 2 visits to Berkeley Endodonics were great. Reception Staff members (both in person and on the phone) were friendly, accommodating, and very good at the ins and outs of insurance and post-​op care. The Office itself was comfortable and I particularly enjoyed the tile art and the Scenic (Australia or Hawaii?) and historical European photography on the walls.
Dr. Carolyn Chong was also top notch. She was friendly, kind, explained the various steps and options, and was very honest about possible and actual outcomes. Her assistants were also excellent and I felt that I was in good and very competent hands. That’s high praise when your all numbed up, you hear the drill, and dental smoke rises in front of you. This was no Marathon Man situation.
Sometimes You Get the Bear and Sometimes the Bear Gets You. Either way, this is the place to be when it comes to root canal-​related dental care.

In conjunction with the fast work of Dr. Robin Whitley and her staff (
) I was able to see Dr. Silvia Cecchini urgently for a consultation, and get a root canal the morning of the day I was flying across the world to see my husband’s family for Christmas. Yes, on Friday ¹²⁄₂₃ right before holiday closure. Dr. Cecchini and her assistant were careful, quick, informative and frank (when I was oscillating), patient, professional and kind. Who knew that having a root canal could be so simple? It was painless thanks to the drugs, and fast (maybe 90 minutes tops, not including the consult and me going back and forth about whether or not to have the procedure.)

Dr. Carolyn Chong is very gentle, kind, explains well and is honest about possible outcomes. Very professional office. Highly recommended.

Nice offices and a good consultation with Dr. Noblett yesterday. Although he referred me on to an oral surgeon, I felt that his dental exam was extremely gentle and he explained my options thoroughly. If I need endodontic services in the future, I will be sure to return. Nice artwork collection in the officre!