4 years ago
As a lifetime sugar addict, I have made countless ...
As a lifetime sugar addict, I have made countless visits to many dentists from Newport Beach to Los Angeles for more than 50 years. Sherman Oaks Dentistry and Dr. Perlaza gave me exceptional first impressions (no pun intended). The receptionist, office manager, and dental assistant were all extremely courteous, friendly and fabulously efficient. We all know the support staff is just as important as the dentist since a badly run office can be maddening when they mix up your appointment or files or keep you waiting for 45 minutes or send you a surprise bill for hundreds of dollars. The great office staff had my costs ready by the time I asked since they checked my insurance right after I made my appointment. Dental costs are another huge concern for all of us today. I had xrays, photos and an exam for a $21.80 co-pay...from a PPO cosmetic/implant/general dentist in Sherman Oaks!!! I asked Dr. Perlaza to check a bonding problem from a previous cosmetic dentist. He not only listened, he did exactly what I requested. The staff had my estimate before I asked: a co-pay of $50.80 out of a $254 cost. The last two or three dentists I went to with only one problem didn't bother listening to why I was there and gave me estimates for anything they could think of up to a total of $3,000 (exactly double what my insurance would cover since they knew my co-pay was 50% then). Shocking dental cost estimates have been the topic of many lunches with former co-workers and now co-retirees who are all just trying to make ends meet. One co-worker with a wife and 3 kids who answered a "free exam and xrays" coupon got a "family deal" estimate for $10,000!!! Seriously! Most dentists today not only have DDS after their names, they also have the big $$$ items "cosmetic dentistry and implants" listed after their names. Which brings me to the most important member of the team, Dr. Perlaza. He also has "general dentistry" after his name. He is the real deal! After listening to all my other concerns, he examined all my teeth, xrays and photos. He clearly explained everything in detail (he teaches at UCLA) without being condescending. He tactfully explained why "a Hollywood Smile with veneers" would be a waste of money for me since I have severe problems with receeding bone and gums which will just get worse with age. He did not try to sell me anything like the last three dentists. More importantly, he took the time to answer all my questions and discuss options. He also suggested I Google some options without someone trying to sell me anything. However, the coolest thing is he is a scuba diver who does underwater photography. While you are getting a dental procedure you won't even think about it.....since you can watch a video of him deep in the ocean in a shark cage surrounded by sharks. Dr. Perlaza is the one with the camera, NOT one of the blood thirsty sharks (pun intended). I think I need to refer my former co-worker with the 3 kids to him. They need a real dentist like Dr Perlaza. So do I for the next 30 years.