South Bay Prosthodontics

Linzis Chirinos · 1 out of 5 stars · 4 months ago

I had crown work done on my front teeth a few years ago, and unfortunately I am still unhappy with the results. The crowns look flat, bulky, and very unnatural compared to my natural teeth. The shape and appearance have never felt right. Because the crowns are so noticeable, I have felt self-conscious smiling and avoid smiling in photos altogether. This has affected my confidence for years, which is extremely disappointing given how important front teeth are to a person’s appearance. I was so disappointed that I never wanted to go back and address my concerns with Dr. Rodriguez. It’s unfortunate that after paying so much money, I did not obtain the quality of work I expected. At this point, I am now searching for another prosthodontist to have the crowns replaced in hopes of finally restoring my confidence. I wish I had received a more natural, aesthetic result from the beginning.

Antonio Rosales Villagrana · 5 out of 5 stars · 2 years ago

My experience with South Bay Prosthodontics was extraordinary. My father, who is 68 years old, needed dental care, and Dr. Rodriguez and her team went above and beyond to provide him with the best possible treatment. From the moment we stepped into the clinic, we were greeted with warmth and professionalism. Dr. Rodriguez took the time to not only assess my father's dental needs but also to connect with him on a personal level. She listened attentively to his concerns, making him feel safe, comfortable, heard, and understood. What truly touched my heart was Dr. Rodriguez's commitment to the wellness of her patients and her dedication to serving the community. The entire team at South Bay Prosthodontics demonstrated exceptional care and professionalism throughout my father's treatment. From the front desk staff to the dental assistants, everyone was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. Thanks to Dr. Rodriguez and her team, my father received the dental care he needed. I am deeply grateful for their kindness and expertise. If you're looking for a dental practice that truly cares about its patients, I highly recommend South Bay Prosthodontics . They are not just committed to dental health; they are committed to the well-being of their patients in every possible way.

Jesus A · 5 out of 5 stars · a year ago

I was referred to Dr. Rodriguez for her extensive experience with complex dental cases, and I can confidently say the recommendation was right on target. I was impressed by the staff’s professionalism and spotless office, to the flat-screen monitors that make the process transparent and educational. Dr. Rodriguez is detail oriented, friendly, approachable, and clearly passionate about her work. She outlined a comprehensive treatment plan that included replacing old crowns (which are created in-house for a perfect fit) and referring me to an orthodontist as part of a multi -step treatment plan. Zero pressure just honest guidance and a straightforward plan. I highly recommend Dr. Rodriguez and her team. Her deep expertise, genuine care for patients, and commitment to quality truly make her a standout.

Anthony Valentino · 1 out of 5 stars · a year ago

I had a very disappointing experience at South Bay Prosthodontics due to improper tooling and technique in attempting to remove an implant abutment. Ultimately, their recommendation was to remove the entire implant surgically--something that proved unnecessary after I sought a second opinion whom successfully removed the abutment because he ordered the correct tooling first. Why South Bay Prosthodontics would proceed without proper tooling suggests lack of experience with the implant system and poor judgment to proceed without first checking with the system manufacturer. Concerns with Treatment: The prosthodontist assigned to my case (not Dr. MariaElena Rodriguez, but another doctor on staff, possibly Dr. Ikoma) exhibited noticeable shakiness in her hands, which made me uneasy. While this could have been fatigue, it was early in the morning, and it affected my confidence in the procedure. The office did not have the proper tooling to safely remove the abutment. Instead, significant pulling and force were applied, causing discomfort and unnecessary difficulty - as well as risking damage to the implant. After the initial attempt failed, Dr. MariaElena Rodriguez stepped in. When I asked if another specialist should be consulted for removal, she seemed surprised and somewhat dismissive, stating I could seek a second opinion but immediately recommending implant removal and replacement - read: surgery. The claim that a previous periodontist had damaged the screw, making removal impossible, turned out to be inaccurate. While the periodontist whom removed the screw may have caused damage, he too did not have proper tooling either. I will be sharing similar sentiment with him about proper tooling. My second opinion confirmed that the issue was simply a lack of the correct tools. All that needed to be done was to order the proper tooling, even if this meant I needed to return. Outcome After Seeking Another Opinion: I went to another prosthodontist who properly evaluated the case, ordered the necessary tools, and safely removed the abutment with minimal effort, no pain, and no damage to the implant. This proves that the implant was salvageable and that South Bay Prosthodontics' recommendation for removal was premature and avoidable. Feedback for the Office: While I respect Dr. Rodriguez's surgical expertise, this experience suggests that the office should invest in a more comprehensive set of tools to accommodate various implant systems. Had the correct tooling been available, my case could have been handled efficiently without unnecessary discomfort or the extreme recommendation of removing the implant altogether. For prospective patients, I highly recommend seeking a second opinion before undergoing any invasive procedures here. Proper tooling makes all the difference, and unfortunately, my experience suggests that South Bay Prosthodontics may not always have the necessary equipment on hand. Pre-maturely recommending surgical removal of a successful implant should always be reviewed by another professional before proceeding. General: While the front office staff was kind, and the first doctor was very nice - I wouldn't recommend proceeding with major work at this facility without getting another opinion first. Validate they have the correct tooling should you have an implant system. @SouthBay - attached is an image of the tooling that should have been ordered before proceeding with the procedure. The second place I went to was able to order the proper tooling by looking at the Xray and phoning the sales rep of the implant system.

Nhra Blond · 5 out of 5 stars · a year ago

I have been a patient at this office for several years. Just recently I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Alejandra Rodriguez. She was very kind and listened to all my concerns regarding my dental health. I highly recommend this office, no matter which doctor you will see. The staff is also exceptional and will go above and beyond to meet all your needs.