Astoria Oral Surgery

After waiting about an hour to be seen and start the X– Rays, I finally get seated in the chair and the doctor already knows what I need but asks me to explain. Fine, I did and he’s like «okay you need to do this, this and so and so we’re going to give you a shot put you to sleep okay? Be right back let me check if your insurance covers this.»
*waits*
«Okay you need to pay $ 140 for the anesthesia, you ready?»
Me: Wait what, when do I pay? Now? Will I get billed? Do you have a payment plan? Can we just do local anesthesia?
Him: No, this is a «difficult» procedure you need to be asleep and you pay after, cash, charge, debit, check.
How do you have me in the chair, take my x-​rays, KNOW what needs to be done and talk to me about payment RIGHT before surgery? Reading the other reviews It does seem like he pushes for anesthesia. I said I wasn’t aware of payment and I didn’t have anything on me and he said «okay. reschedule» and just walked away.
He definitely isn’t a people person and I felt I was just another days work to him. I was so upset that he wasn’t trying to work with me or help me with my issue. I will not be rescheduling.
Thank you Unilocalers for helping me finalize my decision.

The surgeon Dr. Soleymani performed wisdom teeth removal. He did an excellent job. However, 99% of my review is on the way this office works and his receptionist, Anna: absolutely unprofessional and rude on EVERY LEVEL!
FIRST off, they dbl charged me for a procedure I didn’t even have nor went in for, Red Flag right there
Secondly, my insurance carrier, blue cross/​blue shield covers 100%. Yet, when it was all said and done I got billed almost $ 750 from these crooks! Turns out they placed codes that weren’t even necessary and that’s why insurance didn’t pay it but guess what, it all goes back to sucking out as much cash as you can as u can from the poor/​hardworking/​citizen such as myself.
I tried appealing it but process took so long that the bill went in to collections agency.
I tried calling the surgeon’s office to see why they did this when all I needed was time to gather the funds to pay, but they didn’t want to hear it and HUNG UP ON ME! On top of that the rude receptionist says that I’m rude. Dafuq! She hangs up on me and I’m the one that’s rude? SMFH!
DO NOT come here, plz. Save yourself the hassle/​nightmares and red tape that comes with dealing with this surgeon, the way he conducts business and his so called «professional» staff.

Dr. Soleymani EXCEEDED my expectations! Mind you– I was scared shitless! Went with such apprehension but his calm demeanor just showed he’s in total control and knew exactly what to do.
I had two wisdom teeth removed and based on past experience with what was a butcher, I was beyond scared! Dr. Soleymani was absolutely a pleasure and was so assuring he’ll make sure I’m comfortable. Funny thing is all I remember having an injection and the being stuffed with gauze — nothing in between! And that’s all I wanted– no pain AT ALL! The doctor has golden hands!
Couldn’t recommend him highly enough!
As a side note, I don’t have dental insurance but that was the best money I’ve ever spent!

The technical procedure itself felt quick without too much pain, which I would give 4 stars. It’s everything else in the experience (and after experience) that feels like 2 stars.
I’ve read other reviews on doctor review sites, and there seems to be a theme. The doctor isn’t a people person, which I thought would be fine as long as he could extract my wisdom tooth. However, when it came to pricing, I was skeptical of what he and the receptionist told me.
When I explained to the doctor that I would have dental insurance at my new job and wondered if I should wait until that insurance began, he quickly shot the idea down, saying it probably wouldn’t work or be worth it. If he was right, I would’ve liked to know why. When I asked, he didn’t give any real answers, just assumptions.
Their office really tries to push anesthesia on their patients, too. After the procedure I woke up in a chair with no idea what was going on. Instead of anyone telling me what my next step should be, one of the receptionists handed me a pamphlet and told me to go home.
With my insurance at the current time, a tooth extraction should cost me around $ 300 – 400. Instead, they told me that insurance would only cover $ 30, and that the total cost would be $ 950! Even with the anesthesia cost, that seemed off to me. They told me that I needed to pay it all upfront, which I did.
Months later, I received a letter from my insurance company stating that I overpaid by $ 600! I called the office, and after putting me on hold 3 times, they told me they would call me right back.
Six hours later they had not called back, so I called the office again. They put me on hold 5 times until they said they would return the 600.
If I didn’t get a notice from my insurance company telling me I was overcharged, Dr. Soleymani’s office would have pocketed that SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS. That may not be much to some, but for an average day American like me, it is!
Besides the large overcharged payment and lack of communication, they also weren’t helpful with the post procedure. A week after the extraction I noticed that the there was a still a black gaping hole in my gum where you could see my skeletal jawbone. When I called back asking if I could get a checkup for this issue, they insisted I was fine and shouldn’t come in. I still don’t know to this day if I’ve healed properly.
I believe the doctor is very educated, experienced, and competent in doing his job, but everything else is a mess. I think everyone’s experience here will be ⁵⁰⁄₅₀; quick/​painless with no issues, or experience lack of communication/​pressured/​pay money you don’t owe.

After going to Astoria Oral Surgery I’m not surprised to see half of these reviews also gave them 1 star. So here’s another story.
Well first off, when I called the day before I told them that I didn’t have my insurance card with me because it’s my dad’s insurance and whoever I spoke to said it was fine. When I go there for my appointment the next morning I got an attitude up front from the receptionist (I assume this is the same person the rest of the poor reviews mention) asking how is she supposed to know what my insurance ID number is if I don’t have the card. «Do you even have a referral?» If she let me finish talking she would have seen that I have the ID number on me and my referral. As I relayed the numbers to her she told me they were wrong despite the fact that I was reading it directly from the insurance website. My dad had to send a picture of his card for her to finally believe me. Turns out she assumed I was on Medicaid the whole time even though I already told her what my insurance was.
When I finally got in, the surgeon told me my insurance only covered $ 50 of the procedure and surprised me with a $ 600 bill. I frantically called my dad who assured me this was a mistake, but when I asked the surgeon about it all he could say was that my insurance «wasn’t great» and he gave me 10 minutes to find a way to pay for it. He pretty much kept me hostage until a payment was «confirmed» which took a while because my cell service was really slow in that room. I had to make my dad send pictures of his drivers license and credit card using the camera on his old phone in order to pay for the surgery. It took so long he made me relocate to another room because of the inconvenience. I’m still not sure why they wouldn’t just allow my dad to read his card numbers over the phone, it would have saved us hours of frustration. I spent over 2 hours in a room with no service trying to email his assistant the photos which she had trouble deciphering because of the low quality. I ended up having to text the photos of my dad’s personal info to the surgeon’s cellphone which I was not comfortable with.
When the surgeon realized we can actually pay for the surgery he convinced me to get anesthesia because of my impacted teeth and also it didn’t «put much of a dent in your debt.» I guess in medical terms that means an extra 150 bucks isn’t anything to cry about. Yeah for him maybe, but not for me being a recent college grad and still unemployed. After the procedure he completely disappeared which didn’t surprise me, but definitely confirmed his lack of empathy. I only went to this place because I live close by and I’m thankful I don’t have to return ever again. I’m also in the process of getting in touch with my health insurance to be reimbursed.

I got my wisdom teeth out yesterday and I was terrified of the pain I was sure would come. Honestly I want to say I am absolutely amazed. First the doctor look X-​rays of my mouth and then he showed me that I would have to have all of my wisdom teeth out and he showed me where they would hit on the other teeth. He then gave me the option of how many teeth out this time and asked me if I wanted to be awake, sleepy, or completely knocked out. I was put to sleep, and when the doctor put the needle in my vain, it took him one try he honestly did it so quickly I was amazed. Then I felt a little pain, but the nurse told me just relax and go to sleep, next thing I know I was awake with two teeth gone. They took me to a room to sit, which was good because I wasn’t sure what was going on, then they took me to my husband and I was ready to go. Now on day 2 I am amazed that I have very little swelling, and little to no pain. I have been taking the antibiotics and Advil and the Tylenol prescription they gave me, but honestly I feel great, and I feel that it is all because he was a fantastic doctor, he was quick and efficient. I didn’t think the receptionists were very friendly, but that doesn’t take away from how happy I am. 5 stars to you Dr. Soleymani!

I have gone around many different surgeons trying to find a good advice as to how to manage my four wisdom teeth and the pain they’re causing. I came to this doctor through recommendations and it turns out it was truly a godsend, he was incredibly helpfful, patient and willing to give me to advise the best way to approach my situation. Instead of trying to make a profit and forcing me to take them all off he offered real advise and made a seamless operation. He went fast yet incredibly meticulously and caused me absolutely no pain while ensuring I was fine all steps of the way. I will be back when it is time for the two teeth I purposely keep.
Trust me– he is worth the trip and incredibly easy and pleasant to work with …
Thank you Doctor Soleymani!

AVOID AT ALL COSTS!
First off, he requires you to pay the full amount up front, no installments – you don’t have to do this, that’s why you have insurance. Also, they will not give you prior authorization, so you if the insurance requires that, be ready to have to pay for the pain killers out of pocket.
Then, even though my insurance had told me that he was in network, because he didn’t provide them the information they asked for, they found that I owed $ 6k, the full amount without coverage. I now have to file a grievance report and the nightmare just won’t end.
Don’t make the same mistake I did, don’t give this place any business unless you have super amazing insurance (hence the positive reviews) – the surgery went well, but caused a lot of financial grief afterward.

I was skeptical after reading so many negative reviews here, but my experience with Dr. Soylemani was great. I went in to have 2 wisdom teeth removed, received x-​rays before hand and had a consult with the doctor before the extraction. He’s a man of few words, but the surgery was quick and painless under anesthesia. Received pain meds prescription and an antibiotic, and was sent home with the necessary instructions about my recovery. I would recommend him.

Not sure where other people are coming from, i came there to get my wisdome teeth pulled and i couldnt ask for better experience and efficiancy.

I have had teeth removed twice in the last 5 years, both times with Dr. Souleymani. This time he was removing a molar because the crown had come off (DON’T EAT MILK DUDS EVER), and tooth had cracked and became infected. There was no option but to pull it and get an implant. I told him I wanted him to pull it (which was covered by my insurance), but that the bone grafts and implant would have to wait as my insurance would not cover that. He was extremely kind and understanding, and within 30 minutes the tooth was out and I was on my way home. His helpful staff took care of getting the emergency referral which my dentist office had neglected to file with the insurance company. I have never had anything but kind words and great experiences with Dr. S and his staff!

After my insurance company looked further into the matter I was reimbursed the $ 145 I was due by this crook.

i had taken out 4 wisdom teeth, although i must admit it the job was done quickly, there was no explanation to what he was doing. As i was asking him what he was sticking in my arm, there was no reply and within seconds i was knocked out cold ! he had VERY poor people skills, does not explain anything to you during the procedure. You wake up alone in the room afterwards without any type of instructions. They do not even explain to you about post care, and how you should be going about taking care of yourself after the procedure. They just tell you «read the pamphlet.» This guy is horrible, very socially awkward, and does not have a care in the world for his patients. Very horrible «oral surgeon» — picked the wrong profession because this animal of a doctor should not even be allowed around people. His facility should be shut down immediately. PEOPLE THIS IS A TRUE POST, I HAVE ACTUALLY EXPERIENCED THIS GUY, PLEASE LISTEN TO ME AND SAVE YOURSELF THE HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE !!!

1^st visit-​When I would not agree to the hundreds of dollars in dental work that he wanted me to get that was not covered by my insurance, Dr. Soylemani became very aggravated and abrupt. Very poor «people skills.»
2^nd visit– same treatment, although I was told that he would not see me when I refused his «extras» and I was told to leave.
The next day I went to another doctor and was told none of what he said «needed» to be done was necessary.
I will never go back. Dreadful.

Had to throw in my two cents after seeing these reviews.
Two weeks ago.
Monday. Awful toothache. Knew it was time for the wisdom teeth to go. Tuesday morning, dentist. X-​rays. Tech says root canal. I say «woman, have you lost your mind?!» but we’re not reviewing them right now. Nice receptionist calls my insurance which gives them the number to this place and they say come on right over.
I’m there in 30 mins (okay 45 mins). I fill out paperwork. I get my X-​rays. Yep. Wisdom tooth. Doc decided to take top and bottom out on one side. «We can do it right now if you want.» he says. Sure! I call my sis. Tell her to come get me. Ask the doc if he’s putting me to sleep. he says no. I laugh. «Doc, unless you want a crying woman in your chair, put me to sleep.»
I wake up two missing teeth some time later, high and disoriented. I sent some funny text messages. There’s gauze in my mouth. I remember none of this. My sister is there. We get some papers, make an appointment to get the other two out and leave.
Two days later I’m feeling good, a little soreness when I chew something really hard but nothing I can’t handle. No complaints here.

I do not know why I came to Dr. Soleymani twice… I got my wisdom teeth removed and decided just to get one side done at a time. My first procedure was in December 2010 and my second and LAST time was November 2011. Let me just start by saying… Dr. Soleymani is very unprofessional and has terrible bedside manner. I was under general anesthesia both times and they didn’t even hook me up to a monitor… what if my heart rate started to go down? Both times I went, I had a problem with them trying to charge me $ 500.00 extra because they claimed that my medical insurance did not cover anesthesia. But, both times I had to call my medical insurance to get this fixed and they do definately cover the anesthesia used each time. I was also looking at both my medical and dental bills and I feel like they were overcharging… I can’t believe they haven’t been busted with fraud… I will make sure both my dental and medical insurances know what they have charged/​done BOTH times. They’re not getting away with this that easy.
Everything about this place is shady… Do not go!

Great doctor. If I need such a doctor again and I hope not. I recommend him highly. He has a light touch. I was not kept waiting.
…
The nurse told me my insurance would be covered for the work done she did not know. That was wrong he should not have someone working for him telling wrong information.

This was the only oral surgeon in the neighborhood that my insurance (SIDS) accepted. I went in for my appointment with no x-​rays or anything, waiting about 90 minutes to be seen, then was rushed by the staff to be prepped for surgery, even though Dr. Soleymani had not taken any x-​rays or even came in the room to meet me and look at my mouth. I asked if I could at least meet the doctor before they put me under and asked why they weren’t going to take x-​rays. They said fine and brought me to get a panoramic x-​ray. It was kind of like, ‘there are you happy now? We took the stupid x-​rays, now lets take the tooth out.‘
I asked again to at least see the man who would be cutting my gums and taking out my wisdom tooth. The girl huffed and left the room, a minute later Dr. Soleymani came in eating some sandwich from McDonald’s spilling ketchup or whatever sauce down the front of his scrubs and asked me what I needed. I told him that I thought it was weird that his staff was prepping me for oral surgery when I didn’t even have x-​rays taken. He told me he’s done this a million times and x-​rays aren’t as useful as most people think, then he asked if I had any more questions or problems. I told him I wasn’t comfortable having him do the extraction and I would go elsewhere. He said that was fine and was pretty courteous about it.
As I was leaving the receptionist told me that the insurance wouldn’t pay for my examination and that I had to pay for it myself. I asked her to call my insurance because I checked in advance with the insurance company and they said everything was 100% covered. We went back and forth and she demanded I pay so I gave in and paid for the exam. The next day at work I called my insurance, explained what happened, they said a claim had been put in already from Soleymani’s office and that everything was clear for payment. They told me that I could file a complaint because what happened could be construed as fraud.
I called the Dr.‘s office, told the receptionist that I spoke to my insurance who said what they did was possible fraud, she put me on hold for a few minutes, came back, said it was an administrative error and that I could come in anytime to get a refund. I went in a few days later, received my refund without any problem, and that was that fiasco.

I had a tooth extracted here about a year ago. Everything went smoothly, Dr Soleymani is the real deal, and the office is run well… yes I would recommend. I subtract a star only because of the price.
My experience in a nutshell: he saw me right away (which is rare for a doctor’s office; usually have to wait). He was very eager to take my tooth out right then and there… whoah, slow down doc. But I came back the next day, he injects the anesthetic, two minutes later I’m numb. Pulls out my tooth instantly — we’re talking one sweeping motion and it pops right out. Even he seemed surprised.
I couldn’t have been in his office for more than 5 minutes, literally, from start to finish… and he hits me with a bill for $ 400. So um, yeah, oral surgery is a good racket; stay in school kids.

Unruly children that they were, they always hid under their desks. When they began to push against the rest of the class — and one of them even disregarded school tradition of wearing white and donned a black suit one day — I knew their «wisdom» had no place on our premises anymore.
It was time to extract them both from my classroom.
But I couldn’t do it alone. I needed a pro to do the deed quickly and cleanly. That’s how I first heard of Soleymani, a man with a track record of doing jobs like these so cleanly and quickly that those who know him honor him by calling him doctor. Dr. Soleymani, then — I decided he was the one for the business. When I presented my case to him, he agreed to take it on.
So we set a plan in motion: I’d show up at his office at 9 a.m. on a Friday, and within the hour, he’d be rid of them both. That way, I’d have the weekend to bury their tracks. And so it happened. The next day, I reached his office, and after about an hour’s wait, I was alone with Dr. S and his assistant. Dr. S clipped a picture of the class up on his whiteboard, and he pointed out the culprits — two crooked children conducting mischief in the last two seats on the right side of the class.
We discussed the game plan. But when time came for me to issue the final OK, suddenly I balked. Sure, Dr. S felt he knew the kids inside and out after seeing that top-​secret picture, but still, didn’t he even want to take a little peek inside the actual classroom at all first? I mean, how can you judge both kids as misfits offhand like that? OK about the kiddo dressed in black — that one’s too far gone — but what about the other one? Shouldn’t we put more faith in our youth? Shouldn’t we try to lead them back on the straight path first before giving up on them completely?
Dr. S disagreed. There was no hope for either one of them, he insisted. And if we were to just remove both now, we’d cut our losses and never look back. After some negotiations, I gave in. I asked him for a list of expenses needed for the job, and at least his requests were reasonable: $ 200 for the black one, $ 150 for the misguided one. We had a deal.
And then the procedure began. «How long will it take?» I asked nervously and waited. «45 minutes tops,» he said. With that, I closed my eyes. I was ready to say goodbye.
Ten minutes later, I opened my eyes again. «We’re done,» said Dr. S and patted me on the shoulder. «That’s it?» I asked in surprise. «That’s it.» I had felt the initial violence, but soon after that, it became more of a hum, a drowsy awareness of what was happening. And now it was over. The kids were gone forever. And it was time for me to go back and continue life with the rest of the classroom — uninterrupted.
We felt their absence the first day, and in their honor, we couldn’t eat for the whole day. But slowly, our wounds are healing. Life goes on, without those kids.
I don’t think about them much anymore, although at lunch or snack time sometimes, a slight tingling sensation reminds me of their absence. Perhaps it’s just the fact that I’m not used to a class of only 28 still. But thanks to Dr. S, all 28 and me can live and grow in peace.
As for Soleymani himself, I never saw him again — and probably never will. But were you to come to me today and tell me you’ve the same problem I did, I’d certainly recommend him. Just be sure to ask a lot of questions, because with jobs like these, you want to know exactly what you’re getting into and how to deal right after.