Hugentobler Merrill M DDS

Jasmine King · 1 out of 5 stars · a year ago

First off, I'm over 40 so this isn't my first rodeo...and this was awful. In the beginning, it seemed to be a great experience, everyone was welcoming and the dentist (Dr. Hugentobler) was very friendly. I found it surprising that they don't offer sunglasses and make you squint at the bright beam of light during the entire visit. I did have some sensitivity and wearing down from clenching/grinding that I was inquiring about. He said that it wasn't that bad but there's nothing he can do. During my exam, they said I had 3 cavities. I was surprised by this and stressed about how much it was going to cost out of pocket. I came in to have ONE of my cavities filled. Dr. Hugentobler was not nearly as friendly or approachable this day. Not only was he very aggressive in jabbing my gum and injecting the anesthetic (others wiggle cheek and gently squeeze which I never felt a thing), he used so much that I was numb for 6-8 hours!! In my experience, I could usually eat and taste within 2-3 hours. I forgot my sunglasses and once again am being pierced by the bright light. My teeth are tight so flossing requires...technique. Dr. Hugentobler consistently jammed the floss so hard I could hear the horrid sound of the floss snapping into my gum. I could feel his hands almost punching my face and I could taste A LOT of blood. He did this about 25-30 times. He even BROKE the floss twice and had to get a new piece while he continued to force this floss between my teeth. As I hear the floss, was being blinded my the light and punched in the face, I thought to myself "wow, I'm going to pay for this later". I felt like he was in a bad mood and decided to take it out on me. Borderline torture. Once I could actually feel my mouth again, my gums were bruised and especially tender. I noticed a sharp spot...so sharp that it made my tongue bleed!!! When I left, they didn't try to schedule another appointment (according to them I had 2 more cavities) and they were very standoffish. I got the vibe: You can leave now. I felt so violated and taken advantage of. Fast forward, I never went back for the other "cavities". And even tho I paid a co-pay during the visits, I was sent bills asking for more money after! Moving onto a different dentist, come to find out, I don't need fillings, but what is TERRIBLE is that the sensitivity and wearing down that I was complaining about is actually considered SEVERE and I am now seeing a TMJ specialist. They said "I really wish your prior dentists would have told you how bad this is and you could have had it taken care of sooner. This is textbook severe wear and you needed special guards and treatment yesterday". Thanks for an awful experience Dr. Hugentobler. I'd recommend to anyone reading this, go anywhere else.

Braden Burr · 5 out of 5 stars · 6 years ago

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I was a patient of Dr. Hugentobler for many years. I never once had a negative experience with him or any of his staff. You honestly could not ask for a better dentist. Additionally, he is one of the most honest people you will ever meet. In response to Josh Martin: I respectfully disagree. Although you're welcome to share your opinion, I've had the pleasure of knowing this family throughout my entire life. They are, without a doubt, some of the best people you will ever meet. I can assure you that Dr. Hugentobler has no intentions of scamming anyone, including you.

Jeff Peterson · 5 out of 5 stars · 10 years ago

Don't know what this other reviewer is talking about! My experience was exactly the opposite and I usually HATE going to the dentist. Only go because I HAVE to! The staff was incredibly friendly. Dr. Hugentobler and his hygienist were gentle and attentive to my comfort levels. It was the best experience I've had. You know how sometimes you wonder if dentists are just making things up to see how much they can gouge you? This dentist was the complete opposite. He only did what was absolutely necessary and left me feeling like, if anything, he could have convinced me to do more. I made another appointment in six months. I think I've found MY dentist.

Curtis Fisher · 5 out of 5 stars · 7 years ago

I'm seventy eight and have had quite a few dentist visits. Doc Hugentobler's operation is the best and most modern I have ever experienced. Do to my travel obligations and broken off tooth, they quickly squeezed me in, but best of all, I did not feel anything when he actually pulled the tooth out. The Doc had to tell me that it was out and everything should be fine. All has been well for several weeks since. Curt

Crafty Sasquatch · 1 out of 5 stars · 3 years ago

I’m from out of town having an issue with one of my teeth and noticed in the reviews that they were able to fit someone in on short notice. Guess what. They must have a new office manager now and the earliest she could get me in was 3 weeks out with no exceptions made. Told me I needed to drive to Grand Junction. Seriously? I need a tooth extracted NOW! What are the odds I can find another dentist in town that will squeeze me in on a short notice?