Dean Carlston, DDS – Carlston Dental Group

I would suggest that they check someone’s insurance before they continue with anything. I had called before I made an appointment and asked about my insurance and the receptionist said that they do accept it. So I thought I wouldn’t have any problems. It wasn’t until after I was in the patient room and had already had the X-​ray done that the receptionist comes in the room to tell me that my insurance plan is not covered. That’s something I would have liked to know before you did the X-​rays. The dentist came in and looked at my X-​rays and talked to me and that was it. I guess when I scheduled my appointment I should have made it more clear that I would like an actual check up, not just a conversation of some overpriced X-​ray. After I had pay the ridiculous amount of money, which could have been avoided had they told me ahead of time that my insurance plan wasn’t covered, they asked if I would like to schedule a future appointment, and I just told them I would get in contact with them. For someone who absolutely fears going to the dentist, this visit just makes my fear greater, and the dentist didn’t even touch my teeth.

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Carlston’s for about 10 years, and I say this with total sincerity: he’s the best dentist I’ve ever had. He has a great chairside manner — very gentle, always explains dental problems and procedures, never shames me (or my husband) for not practicing the best dental habits, and is genuinely enthusiastic about dentistry. The staff there are also great, from the office manager (who is so efficient and helpful) to the hygienists (I’ve had two) to the other front office staff. I love the environment of the waiting room … it feels very peaceful and inviting, has a comfy couch and tons of magazines. There’s a zen garden outside, too. Highly, highly recommend Dr. Carlston!

Hands down the best dentist I’ve ever had. He’s always so kind and understanding about my unrelenting fear of what I like to think is the scariest place on earth. Angela is his dental hygienist and she’s literally the only reason I’m able to walk through the door without sobbing. I had to have a procedure done and they made sure to prescribe me a Valium before I came in and offered to give me gas so I didn’t make everyone’s lives a living hell. Can’t recommend this place enough.

Five years later and Dr. Carlston still kicks butt. I just had a dental emergency and he fit me in right away and took all my pain away. He continues to be the best of the best. He’s kind and he really has a soft touch when it comes to dental work. I dare say he is an artist. And the staff is a reflection of this excellence. I can’t recommend this dentist enough.

I love my Hygienist, Angela and have been coming to her for years. She is very thorough and gentle. Because it’s so far for me I had to stop coming to her, then quickly realized not all hygienists are the same and they don’t do their jobs so I’m back and happy! :)
I’ve not had to come see the dentist for any specific thing, (Knock on wood) But the Dentist Dr. Carlston is great and very conservative in his approach.
I also have to say that Mark (I believe is his name) the office manager was so helpful the other day when I called for a receipt, he faxed that to me right away and I was so very appreciative to his promptness.
On my last visit there the Tech (Dennis) that took my impressions for my retainers and the Dental assistant, Donovan (I think is his name) were very professional and I appreciated there expertise and care in attending to me on my visit! :)

ok, so It was a bit weird going here… they did things kind of backwards and also tried to sell me on anything they could upsell.

I called around different dental offices but I decided to go with this one because of all their positive reviews. Im happy i ended up going with them because Dr. Carlston and his staff seem very knowledgable and honest. I also had a cleaning with diana who was educating me on oral hygiene during the cleaning. Being 31, I have never had a hygienist show me how to brush and floss.
I would give Carlston Dental Group more than 5 stars if it was possible. I’m very happy with my decision and I would definitely recommend them to friends and family.

My wife and I were clients of Dr. Carlston for many years following a terrible experience with a different dentist. Dr. Carlston was gentle, kind, enthusiastic, and very professional. He would share with me the details and intricacies of the procedures so that I, too, could be educated about what goes on in my mouth. His practice has the feel of a «sanctuary» in the middle of LA, without the price-​tag that usually accompanies such attention to décor :)
Unfortunately we are no longer clients of Dr. Carlston as we ended up moving out of state, though we still talk about how great of a dentist he was to us, and seemingly continues to be to others.
Is it odd to miss your dentist? I guess, but then again you end up *really* missing the good ones :)

I have to say that Dean Carlston has been a godsend in the Dentistry world and staff is very friendly and helpful.
Dr. Carlston has a wonderful heart, caring and professional person I was a little nervous, but he took his time to sit and reassure me making sure I understand the process and explain what is best for my teeth I am completely happy with the result. I love him and love his assistance
I refused to go anywhere else my go place for life…
I love you all… God bless Dr carlston and your handsome black assistance… Thank you
See you next time

Dr. Carlston and Mark are great, but my last visit motivated me to search for another dentist.
The three (new) people at the front desk are no where near as friendly as Linda and Sai.
Rather than getting a warm/​friendly hello/​how can I help you? They actually gave me a look that clearly suggested I had interrupted their conversation. I bypassed their negative attitudes and said, «hello, I have a appointment.» One women mentioned that I could take a seat. Then, quickly returned to her conversation with her co-​workers. So, I sat down and looked at my emails on my phone instead of creating another awkward moment with them.
Minutes later, I ended up in the examine room and saw the doc. He examined my tooth and explained my situation. I would have to see a specialist. That was okay by me, but problem is, this referral guy couldn’t even diagnose me. Instead, he sent me home and just said to visit when I got the pain again. I ended up having to doing my own research and found another specialist that resolved my tooth issue. Unfortunately, while the tooth pain is gone, I still can’t get over my last office experience at Dr. Carlston’s. Sadly, this has prompted me to move on.
–Dr. Carlston =5 Stars
–Mark= 5 Stars,
–Referral Dentist= 1 Star,
–Front Desk Staff= 1 Star.

I have avoided going to the dentist for over a decade. It was the source of a clinical phobia (even though I never had a negative experience at the dentists!). The hygienists here are so careful and gentle, they explain everything, and are always careful to proceed at a pace that is comfortable for me.
Dr. Carlston has a wonderful demeanor. If I am nervous or scared, he takes time to sit and reassure me. Everyone there is aware of my phobic history and is making sure I understand that this isn’t just maintenance, there is a network of caring professionals here who are willing to help me fix my teeth before I loose them and face my fear in the process.

I moved to the area and needed to find a Dentist. I checked out Dr Carlstons reviews and choose his office. From the minute you walk in the office, it is so clean and decorated beautifully, not the sterile look. All of the office staff are kind and caring, I had work done on my back teeth, I was never in pain and they let you know what they are doing. I was fitted for Invisalign and the lady could not have been any nicer. I found a gem of an office.

First off, i have to say that Dean Carlston has been a godsend in the Dentistry world and has been instrumental in saving me from multiple root canals, after many previous so called dentists informed me that there was no other way. Being in my 40’s, my fillings have periodically been needing replacement as they have leaked or have become detached from the tooth.
Here’s where it started: After 6 years of having a hole in my tooth and being told by a dozen dentists that a root canal and full crown was in order, even though there was no pain or sensitivity to hot or cold, I was referred to Dr. Carlston who looked at the first x-​ray and quickly said, «You don’t need a root canal, I can fix it with a partial onlay.» Hallelujah! An honest Dentist!
For under half the price of a root canal, i have a porcelain onlay! And this is after having an open hole in my tooth for 6 years! This was in 2011, and through the last 4 years, Dr. Carlston has worked the same magic on multiple teeth, saving me from the dreaded root canals that other dentists push to get maximum money! Dr. Carlston will ONLY do a root canal if there’s no other way, but strives to avoid it. Again, Hallelujah!
The place is great, and the staff is super friendly, dare I say having a family type of atmosphere. when I go in, I look forward to chatting with the staff and being there. They’re all great!
I’d give Dr. Carlston and staff 10 STARS if I could.
Even though you may have been dealing with your current dentist for ages, do your mouth a favor and check out Carlston Dentistry… They’re the REAL DEAL, and I’d be a mess if I hadn’t.

Doctor Carlston is a great dentist, and staff is very friendly and helpful. I just had many things done in his office. A night guard, Veneers on the front teeth, and new bridgework.
I was completely happy with the results. He took time to go over the colors, and the feel, and the options for the work I wanted done. His office staff was very helpful working things out with my insurance company.
I was very glad I had my dental work done by Doctor Carlston.

I had to have an emergency root canal 6 years ago. Dr carlston was so patient and kind and his staff is absolutely great. I refuse to go anywhere else I’ve been loyal since!

This dental group helps women of domestic violence restore their smiles after being assaulted.
Please support this dental group by using PPO insurance or other means.
We must support this dental office, who supports women of domestic violence.

After realizing that I needed a new dentist, I found Dr. Carlston through a search for biomimetics. I had suffered trauma to one of my front teeth and the nerve had died, so I had received a root canal that needed a permanent restoration. I was looking for a conservative approach that didn’t require shaving off part of my tooth for a crown, especially since it is a front tooth not used for grinding food, and I had only damaged the nerve, not the tooth itself.
Not only did Dr. Carlston understand my desire to conserve as much of my teeth as possible, but he also observed heavy wear on my lower incisors (possibly from grinding or gritting my teeth), and a cavity forming on one of my back molars — the latter which my last dentist missed because she had yet to upgrade to a digital x-​ray machine. Though he did point out that it was a «flossing cavity,» (ie. I didn’t get back there very well with my daily hygiene ritual) I was not given any grief about causing it. And in regards to the root canal tooth, well, I was already pretty heartbroken that I had lost something that was quite valuable to my smile, so Dr. Carlston’s bedside manner, not to mention that he said I had the «Ferrari» of teeth (!), certainly helped me feel a lot better. I ended up getting fillings, internal bleaching and additionally a night guard to prevent further wear. He also gave very specific after-​care instructions.
I doubt I saved a lot of money in comparison to getting a crown, and in comparison to other dentists. And I don’t know how competitive the pricing is considering most of the procedures were covered by insurance, but I really appreciate his approach, and felt like he was honest and only motivated to fix what needed to be fixed.
Additionally, the office is very clean and well-​decorated with a relaxing atmosphere, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. They are also pretty dialed in to the latest equipment and technology, and send text message reminders about appointments.

I have been seeing Dr. Carlston for about 2 years now, and I have grown to truly love this place.
I originally found him through my insurance website and decide to visit the office before I committed.
Upon my arrival, I was blown away with how green and beautiful the outside lounge area was. To my surprise it didn’t stop there– The inside was just as nice as the outside! While waiting for Dr. Carlston I was kindly greeted & asked whether I would like any tea or water (which I thought was an extra plus)
When called in, I was really glad to see that Dr. Carlston seemed very informed and knowledgeable about everything that came to teeth.
After that first visit I knew I’d be sticking with Carlston Dental Group for as long as I could. Since then I’ve had my Invisalign treatment done as well as many cleanings, check ups, and teeth whitening sessions. If I could, I would honestly recommend this place to everyone in LA. I’ve never enjoyed the dentist so much :)
P. S. I love how they spread out their hours (some days opening very early, some days closing very late) as this is very helpful when you have a crazy schedule and/​or have unplanned urgent calls in to see if you can be seen that same day.

First of I hate going to the dentist as much as everyone else. It can be an even worse experience when dealing with apathetic, aggressive, aloof, etc dentist offices. That being said I’ve been seeing Dr. Carlston and his wonderful staff fr the past year — about 3 or 4 visits.
I like this practice because Dr. Carlston is about tooth conservation (READ he does not want to pull your teeth out or drill em down to nothing) and does not want his patients to experience pain. He also will not try to cheat the patient by pushing on extra and unnecessary treatments. He provides information/​education without quilting or being condescending towards patients. Someone described him as kooky, not sure what that means but I like that he has personality and his choice in music lol. Dr. Carlston is also an artist. I’ve had previous dental work completed that made it either difficult to floss or changed my bite and he has corrected those things along the way. Someone also said he was aggressive not sure what this means, but I like that he is comfortable re positioning my head or mouth to get to where he needs without hurting or bothering me.
I would also like to say I like his staff. They are kind, friendly and informative. Imagine learning a better way to brush and floss at 30 years old! Blew my mind and I certainly hope it will help cut down on treatments in the future. His staff also works very seamlessly with him which makes the appointments very efficient.
I’d recommend this practice to anyone!

Jumping on the 5-​star bandwagon! Dr. Carlston is amazing~
Here’s why he & his practice gets top-​ratings:
* He explains all work to be done in layman’s terms… also gives clear & sound advice. So friendly and easy to talk to~
* Upfront pricing and clear estimates for insurance coverage.
* New technology (they have the CEREC 3D milling machine — google it).
* Clean facilities.
* Anesthetic shots did not hurt. What? Yes. And I, like 99% of population, haaaate needles. [shudder]
* Angela is an amazing hygenist. Can’t wait to get my next cleaning (who says that?!)
* FOH staff is friendly and cheerful~ They’re more than happy to work around your busy schedule.
* Free parking spots around back. Otherwise meter parking right out front.
If you’ve been putting off your visits for fear of the dentist, fear no more. From one (dental) scaredy-​cat to another, I’ve been converted to rather enjoying ‘em now!