Loyola James A DMD

«Why can’t oral surgeons adorn their space so it resembles that of your favorite day spa? Wouldn’t that be cool?» I mused as everything slowly faded to black. But first I laughed because of course this is what I’m thinking as I’m going under. Aesthetics. They are über important!
I was referred to Dr. Loyola by my regular dentist at Mid-​City Smiles. I’ll be honest and say I had misgivings when I walked into what could only be called a dreary waiting room (it’s tiny, without windows). I was called into yet another dark, slightly sinister room (I was scared like a baby and I have a terrific imagination. C’mon, laugh with me here) and then realized it had to be this way because, X-​rays. But come on, at least make the waiting room inviting?
OK, so I realize how ridiculous this all sounds. The *good* news? Getting my tooth pulled here was 10X more seamless than it was when I got my last one pulled elsewhere three years ago (I’ll spare you the horror story). Dr. Loyola had me in and out in about 30 minutes. Can you believe that? I was terrified about going under with anesthesia as last time, I just received novocaine. And that, was horrible, so it didn’t take much convincing. My last dentist couldn’t get my bottom tooth out (after 20 minutes of yanking. I guess I can’t totally spare you from that horror story), and so recommended that I go to a surgeon. Dr. Loyola told me that it’s pretty common for the bottom teeth to be more difficult. He was also honest and said that I should just spare myself enduring the procedure while conscious.
One other thing: he was also honest that the source of my pain could be due to something else (namely, clenching and grinding my teeth) and said that I didn’t necessarily have to get the tooth out. I appreciate being conservative rather than «just get it yanked, you don’t need it» philosophy that’s all the rage these days, but I knew it had to go and I was right.
Getting put under was not quite fun (I have these veins that are difficult to tap into) but what I did like was that it was almost twilight-​y (not of the glitter and teenaged vampire variety) and I wasn’t entirely unconscious. I didn’t feel any pain, though I guess I was moving a lot b/​c I recall being reprimanded a bit by the doctor. He’s more stern than jokey, but whatever. The tooth. Is. Gone.
The reason for three stars? Their billing policy is utterly absurd and unheard of (to me, at least). Get this: even though my insurance covers anesthesia, I had to lay out the 300+ dollars *just in case they didn’t.* What kind of BS is that? Oh and the clincher? The ridiculous % surcharge for using your CC. Because surely it makes sense to carry almost 400 dollars in cash around with you for dental services. It’s unacceptable and I won’t return here for that reason alone (it cost me well over 30 dollars for the «convenience»). I realize you’ve been burned by patients before but that doesn’t exactly instill confidence in your professionalism. I’ve been to two other dentists in NOLA and they always bill you later if your insurance doesn’t cover a procedure.
So, that’s that. I’d give only two stars for the ridiculous payment policy but I was rather impressed by my practically pain and discomfort-​free extraction (and that’s probably what you really need to care about). Plus the ladies who assist and work the reception are really nice. And yes, I did receive a check from them right away after they were paid by my insurance. This was a month after the procedure was done and I can survive without that 350 dollars in my account but not everyone is that lucky.
Oh and another positive note: the room where you get your surgery done is practically cheery, with big windows!