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Stephen E Needle, DDS

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Stephen E Needle, DDS
(3 Reviews)
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1260 15th St # 808 Santa Monica, CA 90401
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Consumer Feedback

(3 Reviews)
Service
4.5 star average for Service
Environment
5 star average for Environment
Expertise
5 star average for Expertise
Staff
5 star average for Staff
Dr. Needle is the most kind, respectful, thorough, and competent doctor of dentistry I have ever met...and I have been to many! Dr. Needle pulled 2 teeth for my four-year old son and was nothing but patient, encouraging, and sensitive. Recently, we returned for one tooth pulled for my daughter, and, again, Dr. Needle's manner was professional, yet personable, and his dentistry is impeccable. I would go to NONE OTHER than Dr. Needle if ever in need of an oral surgeon. Honestly, it was so stressful dealing with the kids' teeth problems and the ONLY silver lining was having Dr. Needle's expertise and gentle manner to shepherd us through the experience. Sincerely, Jessica
by Jessica
August 07, 2011
They didn't pressure me to buy anything I didn't need, which I really appreciated. I've been to other places that pressured me to buy stuff and it always made me very uneasy. They never have that typical, annoying music playing here. If they do play music it is soothing and appropriate for the setting. They went out of their way to make me feel special and respected, and were very sympathetic to my situation. I've never seen more kindness and empathy anywhere else. I couldn't believe how knowledgeable and well-informed the staff was. They were able to answer all my questions, except the ones they needed to have their boss's input on. It was great to be able to talk to such a skilled staff. They always have an immediate answer for me when I call with a question. They would never try to get me to make an appointment unless I really needed one.
by Raul Gutierrez
June 12, 2011
I went to visit Dr Needle a few months ago (January 2009) to have all four wisdom teeth removed. Having just made a career move from London to Santa Monica in hind sight, I now wish I had taken the extra time to find out more about this incompetent, incapable and highly unprofessional doctor. I had so many problems with this practice and feel, out of sheer social responsibility everyone should be made aware...

1) Firstly, I was over charged on my credit card (on the actual day of the surgery) by $300 dollars. I later realized this after I had recovered form short term amnesia (due to the anesthetic they used, which was also never properly explained; rather I signed a piece of paper with tiny font that apparently listed out the relevant side effects and the fact that immediately after surgery they will leave you in a disoriented vulnerable state on your own in a room, even if you may fall or cause harm to yourself). When confronted, the receptionist claimed that Dr Needle does this regularly just in case insurance companies don't shell out. To which she then showed me a huge wallet of checks he had written for the many patients who were over charged. Conveniently they wait until these patients realize and come back to reimburse them; that is 'if' they ever realize. I don't buy the insurance story, as I was present when the receptionist checked all my details with Cigna who confirmed my plan.

2) More importantly I now have 3 fractured teeth.
Having completed the surgery mid January I started to experience sharp acute pain in my upper middle molars early on this March. I went to see Dr Needle to share this complaint only to be ushered out of his office within five minutes (without so much as a detailed examination or x-ray). I go to see my general dentist who saw me prior to the surgery and he is shocked to see I have huge fracture lines on 3 of my healthy teeth (I have never had cavities/ decay/ grinding / any problems). The positioning of them (the middle top and bottom molars) are the exact position at which a heavy metal dental instrument is used to yank out the wisdom teeth.

Fractures are caused from intense trauma to the teeth (imagine trying to chew on stones) and the symptoms become apparent 6-8 weeks post incidence; again this supports the timing of my wisdom teeth removal and symptoms.

3) I have since been back to Dr.Needle who rather defensively insisted there were no complications during the procedure. Dr Needle was rude, verbally aggressive and completely irresponsible (again, didn't even take the time to examine me thoroughly or to look at the photographic proof of my fractures that I had brought along with me). Straight after this short, and abrupt meeting he called my general dentist, again rather defensively claiming that everything went well. I was then sent a letter, which reportedly claims my general dentist agreed over that very phone call with Dr Needle that the fractures were a result of an independent event; this is an outright lie. Another testament to Dr Needle's lack of integrity.

I am currently seeking legal advice as to what to do about my 3 fractured teeth and have reported Dr Needle to the ADA (American Dental Association) as well as the CDA (California Dental Association). I am also seeing a specialist oral surgeon to find out if any of my other teeth have been damaged. I will have to have composites/ crowns put in to all of the teeth that have been damaged.

For anyone reading this I can't emphasize enough the importance of doing your homework when it comes to being medically operated/ treated on. Dr Needle should be completely avoided at all costs.
by Mandy_S
March 22, 2009
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Map and Directions
1260 15th St # 808, Santa Monica, CA 90401