Jonathan C Su, DDS

Dr. Jonathan C Su runs an extremely professional practice. I’ve been attending for 2 years and he has taken care of numerous fillings and repaired previous work I had completed. He completed this work quickly, pain free, and gave me proactive tips to make sure I will have the best teeth in the future. I would recommend Dr. Su to any working professional looking for the best dental practice in Ballard.

First and Foremost, this is the first and most likely the last Unilocal review I will every write. I’ve never until this point ever felt inclined to do so until this recent experience. Hope it helps others make a better choice than I did.
So hear it goes…
This guy is a scam artist with the best of them. Wish I would have read the reviews before I decided on getting my dental work done here. Definitely a lesson learned. This office is all about upselling and nickel and diming you. I went in for a routine check up and they mention I had a few cavities to fill, trusting them I decided to go ahead and get them taken care of. I went in for my 2^nd appointment to fill the cavities and Dr. Su shaved drilled one of the cavities and then said «uh oh, we’re going to need to get you back in here, you’re going to need a root canal.» Again still trusting his «expert» opinion I reluctantly went back a third visit to get the root canal completed.
A root canal should take and hour to an hour and a half. Mine took 3 hours, mostly because he was struggling to complete the canal but also due to the fact that every 15 minutes he would stop to go visit his other patients, meanwhile I sit in a chair with a rubber dental dam in my mouth. He also managed to burn the side of my mouth with his drill which was an added bonus (good thing I was numb for it, the burn mark has yet to fully heal a week and a half later.l. While I have decent insurance that covered 80% of the cost I was left with paying $ 1,000 out of pocket in 3 visits and still am in need of a $ 1,200 crown. This guy got me good and I can’t believe I fell for it.
GET A 2ND OPINION AFTER YOU VISIT THIS GUY!!! IT WILL SHOW YOU EXACTLY WHAT HE IS UP TO.
The only positive I can give is that the dental assistants did seem genuinely nice, however it’s hard to not think they had ulterior motives after my experience but I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. Hearing Dr Su talk down to his assistants and the tone of voice in which he used was very telling…
How practices like this are allowed to exist is just depressing. I guess they forgot to teach ethics at whatever 2^nd rate dental school this guy graduated from. He’s a shame to the profession.

Will not return.
My first and only appointment, I remember having 4 x-​rays, but when I received my bill there were 5 additional x-​rays listed (totaling 9). I requested an e-​mail of these x-​rays to prove they were taken and, although the receptionist said I should get the e-​mail in about 10 minutes, I never received it. I didn’t get a follow up call either.
The doctor told me I had an infection, he said it was an abscess. I had to REQUEST antibiotics — I left the office and actually had to return 10 minutes later when I realized that he didn’t prescribe anything for an infection that had been causing me severe pain.
As far as consultation went, I honestly felt like I was treated «less than» due to my budget or my age, and this wasn’t from the receptionists or hygienists, but from the doctor himself. I just didn’t feel welcome. So I don’t know, maybe if you’re middle aged and wealthy this is different, but I sure didn’t feel like an equal here.

Dr. Su tried tried to up-​sell me on several things, so I felt like I was getting a sales pitch for extra dental work. He mentioned that I needed a new crown and that I had several cavities, but I went to another dentist who told me that I didn’t have that many cavities and no new crown was needed, yet. A basic cleaning and x-​rays costs about $ 400. I won’t be returning.

I visited Dr Su’s office this morning for a new patient appointment that they said would take about two hours. Upon arriving first thing in the morning (7am appt), I told them that I had a 4-​month old baby to get home to so if they could move as quickly as possible (while still doing a thorough job, of course) that would be great. They were more than accommodating and kept things moving along. They got me out in about 1.25 hours which was great.
Dr Su and his staff were all extremely friendly, polite, and helpful. Everything was explained to me in a clear manner and they asked if I had any questions. Radley, the hygienist, was friendly, quick, thorough, and I felt no pain even though I usually do on some sensitive spots.
I definitely will be going back.

I have been coming to Dr. Su for a few years now and have been very happy with my dental work. When I first came here, I hadn’t had dental insurance for a while so I hadn’t had a cleaning in almost a year and a half and I had an old filling come loose that was causing me pain. I was told I needed a root canal (I had a feeling I would) as well as a few other fillings and a deep cleaning.
I opted out of the deep cleaning but went forward with the fillings and root canal. They gave me a break down of the costs for my care before hand so I knew exactly what would be covered by my insurance and what I would owe, no surprises. I even checked around to other dental offices for price estimates and found that Dr. Su’s pricing was pretty average. The day of my root canal I brought my care plan with me to make sure everything matched up and it did.
I did have a hard time getting numb but I always have. I think it’s from the anxiety I get going to the dentist, but Dr. Su was very patient with me and stopped and numbed me more any time I told him I was uncomfortable.
My hygienist (I think his name is Brian? Now I feel bad I can’t remember!) is awesome! He’s super gentle and explains everything as he’s doing it.
I can’t say I enjoy going to the dentist but Dr. Su and Ballard Family Dentistry have definitely made the experience a much more pleasant one for me.

I’ve been coming to this practice for close to ten years. Dr. Su and his team have always been up front and honest. I have serious gum issues and I knew that coming in. Whereas dentists I had seen prior wanted to start pulling my teeth and doing implants Dr. Su thought my situation could be managed. So far he has been right. Its been ten years and my gums and teeth are stable.
For those who complain about cost I suggest you get in the habit of asking up front. I always know in advance what my insurance will and won’t cover. That is my responsibility as a patient.
I’m very happy with the service I’ve received at this practice.

Yay! A dentist I don’t want to strangle with dental floss after leaving their office!!! :D I couldn’t be happier!
This office has the FRIENDLIEST staff (and not super fake «nice»…but really, genuinely nice) and, like, the MOST AWESOME hygienist ever. He was cracking me up the whole time and was super gentle with me. :)
I’ve never left a dentist office pain-​free before. I just… didn’t even know that that was even possible. I used to just assume that dental care = excrutiating pain and bloody gums. Heh, you proved me wrong, Dr. Su & staff. You guys rock.
Luckily, I only had one major issue to deal with toothwise, but Dr. Su was VERY cool and let me know what my options were. No pressure. No guilt-​tripping. He was just like, «You can choose A) or you can go with B)…it’s up to you kiddo.» (okay, not exactly in those words, but ya know what I’m trying to say).
Anyhoo, I really liked the office. It was very new looking and high-​tech, yet comfy.
SUPER BONUS: They have a free garage parking right next to the office. Also, it’s conveniently close to a bajillion coffee shops if you’re looking for a good opportunity to immediately restain your teeth following your appointment… like some not-​to-​be-​named person may have done. Shhhh! ;)
Overall, super sweet visit. The better of all of the evils. «Evils» being dentists. Hahaha.

I went here for a cleaning and exam as part of a coupon deal. At the exam I was told that I had two teeth that were in need of crowns. I thought this was odd as I had no pain or problems with my teeth. I was told that the teeth were cracked and that by the time I felt pain it would be too late to save the teeth.
I agreed to the procedure and made it through the uncomfortable temp crowns to having the regular ones put on. In less than a week after that my entire jaw was in unbelievable pain. I went back of course. I was told that the crowns would need to be ground off some to get a better bite. Dr Su first tried to do with without Novocain. My mouth was too sensitive to tolerate this. But he tried a couple of times anyway even though I was saying to really hurt. Finally I got some Novocain shots, but they didn’t seem to work. I was in a lot of pain so more than usual may have been required. Dr. Su seemed to get irritated with me and just wanted me to let him drill but I kept telling him I was in too much pain. When he was giving me another shot of Novocain something went wrong and I felt a jolt of electricity go through my body starting in my mouth. I screamed. I tried to get him to stopped. I was motioning with my hands, trying to block access to my mouth and screaming. I could not talk and his hands were in my mouth. Instead of stopping he told me to be quiet and held my head down with one hand while continuing to do whatever it was with the needle that was causing me such pain with the other. Tears were running from my eyes and I was moaning and screaming. When he finally stopped and I could speak I told him what I had felt and how much it hurt. He told me that was actually good as it meant he had hit a nerve so I should get numb. Then he went to work on a woman in the next chair while I got numb.
I heard some drilling and then some moaning. Eventually the drilling stopped and I heard the woman say, «That REALLY hurts.»
I heard Dr. Su say, «No it doesn’t.» And then the drill immediately started up again and I heard more moaning.
So clearly there is no concern of causing pain to his patients. Or any real listening to his patients’ concerns.
In my case the pain went on for months while the crown were eventually drill down to their metal base. I eventually had to have two root canals as the nerves in the teeth were so inflamed and damaged at the point. I was told by the dentist that finally did the repair work that while the need for a root canal could come from any dental work if the tooth didn’t respond to it. It seemed like my crowns were likely put on at a bad angle to begin with, causing torque on the teeth which led to the nerve becoming damaged.
What made it that much worse was that my insurance would only pay for one crown per tooth in a five year period. The fact that I had to have the crowns immediately redone due to bad density in the first place, didn’t make any difference to my insurance. I had to suffer several months before, with some assistance, I was finally able to get Dr. Su to refund to my insurance the part they had paid for the crowns. My insurance would then apply that to new crowns before the five year period.
This whole thing was without a doubt the worst dental experience I have ever had. I had no fear of dentists before all this happened. Now I avoid dentists until I have no choice but to go in. I know this isn’t good but I was so traumatized by what happened. I now have a fear of dentists.

I had my wisdom teeth extraction surgery done here Sept 2012.
I’m torn about this practice. I had not seen the Unilocal reviews until after my appointment. I wish I had looked at Unilocal beforehand.
When I went to Dr. Su, I was looking for a regular dentist and needed to have my teeth out ASAP.
Dr. Su did a wonderful job on my surgery and I had no bruising and minimal swelling. The staff is friendly and my appointments ran on time. It’s nice that there is a small parking lot. They gave me a 5% discount because I had no insurance and it ended up costing less than they initially had projected. Yay.
What bothered me was he lead with the mouth guard on my initial visit. I’ve never been told I needed one and have had a fantastic regular dentist since I was a kid. I don’t have insurance and covering my wisdom teeth removal out of pocket was all ready going to have a big cost for me. I’m pretty sure I don’t need one and these reviews alarmed me A LOT.
One other thing that happened was either their office or Walgreen’s didn’t fill my prescription before surgery and it took 2 calls to Dr. Su’s emergency line to get my prescriptions. Dr Su was very apologetic and handled it professionally. I had taken off work to get them and was angry when they weren’t there. I don’t know who was at fault but I did get them in time and that is what mattered.
I’m giving them 3 starts because the process did go well but I’m not sure I want to go back due to the mouth guard and bad reviews on Unilocal/​online. I’m worried about the overcharging and them trying to give me procedures I don’t need.
I appreciate the honest Unilocal feedback that was provided on here! Thanks Unilocal reviewers!

I recently moved to Seattle and unfortunately, broke off my front tooth (crown) at the gum line. I googled a dentist close to my home and Dr Su came up. I made an appointment and at the initial consult, I was told I would need an implant ($ 7500+). They made a tray for me and reattached the crown as best as possible. I was requested to get a CT scan to see if there was enough bone to perform the implant or would a bone graft be required. After my CT scan on a follow up visit, I was informed that there was not enough bone and a graft would be required. I wanted to get a second opinion and am I glad I did. The new dentist took one look at my CT scan and pointed out a very large mass in my sinus (why this wasn’t seen earlier is beyond me). Long story short I had two surgeries and have been diagnosed with cancer. The good news is it was found early due to a dentist who had the good sense to look at all of the scan and not just the part that would make him money. In addition, my new dentist offered several options outside of an implant to save the tooth and we are proceeding down a different path (which by the way, costs a lot less than $ 7500). Dr. Su’s office made several calls to me during this period to see when they could get me in to start the treatment. I finally answered one call and told them that I was going with another dentist and that he had found a mass that Dr. Su missed.
Then to add insult to injury, I received a bill for $ 250+ that was not covered by insurance. Way to go Ballard Family Dentistry. I would not recommend this dentist to anyone.

I have been going here for about 9 years and think they do a good job. I can be an especially hard dental patient to accommodate as I require smaller size films for x-​rays and they are willing to work with me on this. Last year, they replaced/​upgraded a mouth guard I had purchased there that was several years old free of charge. This was unexpected and really fabulous as the new models are so much thinner, smaller and less clumsy. The facility is clean and they are always friendly. One of the best things about this office is the early morning scheduling available. They have daily 7am time slots that allow me to miss less work time which I really appreciate. They also have free parking. Finally, my understanding is that Dr. Su has done some volunteer dental work in Nepal and I like to support dentists who are willing to donate to help reduce the all too prevalent dental pain, decay and suffering for those who can’t access/​afford care.

I had my wisdom teeth extraction surgery done here in November 2010. Dr. Su did a wonderful job and the process was completely smooth. I have been going back for my bi-​annual cleaning and check-​ups ever since. The staff is friendly and they employ state-​of-​the-​art equipments there. The facility is clean and aesthetically pleasing so I always enjoy my visits at the office.

If you are looking for a dentist that will not rip you off, do not go here. I got my teeth cleaned and the woman who did it did not even know how to floss properly. I also did not get a deep clean, they basically brushed my teeth really hard.
The first thing the doctor asked is «What are your concerns?» I told him gingivitis is a concern. Then he said I needed Root Planing-​scaling even though he did not diagnose me with gingivitis. He also said I needed 2 hours of nitrous to do this ($ 200 a pop not covered by insurance). Do I look like I have that kind of money? I did the research, and Root Planing is for adults 40+. I am 24.
Nutshell: Red flags for a dentist that will rip you off include; mouth guard, lots and lots of nitrous, horrible dental hygienist, scoffs when I mention financial hardship, instead of giving me the facts/​diagnosis he plays off of my «concerns,» super fancy office (=money grows on trees for him.)

And my saga continues… court motions filed, liens placed on personal property, and yet Dr. Su refuses to acquiesce his fate. Either he can’t afford to pay his bills, or he simply refuses… either way, I would recommend you take your records with you each visit (who knows if you’ll be able to access them in the future.)

I received a coupon in the mail for free teeth whitening (with xrays and cleaning) from Ballard Family Dentistry and — being new to the area and needing a dentist — decided to give it a try. The office was nice and inviting and the staff, including Dr. Su, very friendly and accomodating. Great, I thought, I’ve found a new family dentist in Ballard, about 2 miles from home. My husband and I both went it for cleaning, xrays, and a few fillings (he also got a crown or two).
Well, the first red flag was the «mouth guard» that was recommended to each of us. The fact that it cost well over $ 500 each dissuaded me right away, but hubby opted to get it. He was not told that insurance didn’t cover it or, if he was told, wasn’t paying close attention. (Laying in the chair, foggy with nitrous perhaps?) He never would have elected to pay $ 500 plus for a dental gee-​gaw. Unfortunately, after using the mouth guard for a few days his teeth started to really hurt and he had to stop using it. $ 500+ down the drain, they told me no refunds. OK, live and learn.
The bigger and uglier surprise came when we received a bill for about $ 250 over what we had already paid and what the insurance had covered. Our insurer, Delta Dental, had sent me statements telling what they paid and what we owed, and that we were actually paid in full. They told me that Dr. Su, being a Delta dentist, could not charge insured patients over and above their contracted rate.
I called their office and was told that they are under no obligation to accept Delta Dental’s contracted rate and that I would have to PROVE to them that they have any legal obligation to do so. I could not believe my ears. I asked what the point was of being a Delta dentist if you refuse to abide by their contracted rates. Was told smirkingly that I was confused and, again, that they did not have to write off the difference between the insurance rate and their full rate.
I have never had this kind of experience with a medical care provider. Delta Dental informed me that the dentist absolutely could NOT legally charge me an amount above their contracted rate and not to pay another dime. Dr. Su’s office told me that Delta didn’t know anything about dental billing (yes, they actually said that) and that I was confused. Side note: they double charged me for nitrous oxide, stating that it was an hourly rate and I had been in the chair for over an hour, but they billed Delta for one hour. Even though it’s not a covered benefit, they still are required to bill the insurance company for everything they do. (They told me it was unnecessary busywork to do so.)
They then asked me, in a very scary hostile tone, if I was refusing to pay my bill. I replied that I HAD paid my bill (close to $ 4,000) and that they had to abide by the insurance company’s contract. They told me that I had to prove this to them. Un-​freakin-​beleivable. I don’t know if the dentist is even aware that this is going on.
I really, really wanted this to be my family dentist and am absolutely floored by the fact that they’re trying to fleece me. Makes me wonder how many people have been billed like this and paid without checking the fine print. Usually you get a bill from a doctor or dentist and you pay it, assuming it’s correct. The first bill they sent was not itemized, just said insurance payments are all in and you still owe $ 250. It wasn’t until I asked for an itemized ledger that I discovered what was happening. I have had to file a grievance with Delta, something I’ve never dreamed I’d ever have to do.
And, to add insult to injury (or vica-​versa), two of the teeth that the dentist worked on are having problems, one painful to the touch and the other is losing the filling. They told me (this was before the insurance flap) that I could come and get it checked, but I would have to pay. Un-​freaking-​beleivable again. This has alll been like a bad dream.
** After some googling, I’ve discovered that 2 complaints have been filed on this office with the Better Business Bureau in the last 36 months so this isn’t an isolated incident. I wish I had done some research — but who would expect deceit from a dentist?
Follow-​up Comment: After a few months and numerous contentious calls, Dr. Su’s office grudgingly removed the excess $ 250 charge from my bill. No apology, no admission of error — they claimed it was a «book-​keeping mix-​up» — my a**!!! They never did refund me the excess $ 50 they charged for nitrous gas and I’ve kissed the $ 500+ paid for my husband’s «mouth guard» goodbye. Our new dentist told him that there was nothing wrong with his bite and that not only was the mough guard unnecessary, it was actually harming his teeth. Like someone else said, don’t walk — run!

My family and I were firmly in the Dr Su camp – at first. But then added costs were randomly and almost routinely tacked on to our bills even though we’d paid in up front for each procedure, and it seemed like we were doing nothing but coming up with $$$ at the end of every visit. (The word avaricious fits beautifully in describing this practice). Because Dr Su and his staff were nice and polite, it came as a shock when I finally questioned yet another expensive add-​on at the end of a visit and the pleasant atmosphere instantly became far from, well, pleasant. After a few similar experiences we started seeing a dentist a friend recommended and we’re thrilled. Our family dentist and her staff are caring, highly-​skilled and their work and patient care is flawless. Run, don’t walk, from Dr Su et al (unless you have deep, deep pockets and never ask questions about their bookkeeping/​record-​keeping practices!). There are a lot of great dentists in Seattle, and endodontists, too – genuinely pleasant professionals who care more about your well-​being than they do your wallet. You deserve that kind of care.

I had a dental emergency yesterday and they got me in by 8am the next morning to get it taken care of. That is not the end of it though, I had a very loose crown that was ready to fall out and the doctor that saw me for Dr. Su today was very caring and gentle with my crown that he secured. I have had horrible experiences with dentists in the past and I felt at ease and better when I left. I have follow up with Dr. Su and I will continue on this post to further my experience for anyone considering this dentist. Overall my fiancé, (who is a patient as well) was happy with them and I am happy thus far. Keep ya posted.

Terrible.
Where do I start…
As a young professional I felt like they were totally trying to rip me off!
I have had extremely good dental care my entire life and during this appointment they tried to sell me OVER $ 850 of extra sealants, mouthgards, whitenings, etc… (which by the way, I found out were totally unnecessary)
I had called numerous times before my initial appointment and asked, «what will my balance be after the insurance?». I was given an amount and about a month and a half later, it was over double that. When I called to ask a few questions, the woman was NASTY! Telling my that my insurance company is a pain to deal with la lal ala lala (Now, initially I believed her until I called my insurance company and they were truly nothing but nice!!)
I will take some blame that I assumed they would be in my network, but why couldn’t they mention that in the first place! I called THREE TIMES!!! And the lady on the phone seemed very aware of that, after the fact. When asked why she didn’t tell me in the first place? She talked in circles.
And to top it off, although the hygienist was nice, she told me waaaaay TOO MUCH about her personal life and to be honest, annoyed the shit out of me. The actual Dentist himself? Nothing special. I could see the $$$$ in his eyes when he kept calling out more and more and more numbers (the codes for teeth) finding every little imperfection that he could «fix» or «pretreat» and earn himself a sweet vacation.
I will say, at least my teeth came out clean, although now i have to go and do fifty good deeds to redeem my Karma after trying to get my bill reduced.
Lesson Learned: I wish I would have researched more about them. Please do NOT let them screw you over too!!!

I feel a little guilty writing this review because it makes me realize that I’m VERY overdue for a checkup after having to reschedule a number of times. Mind you, the rescheduling has nothing to do with not wanting to go to the dentist, like I used to. It’s all due to an unpredictable work travel schedule.
Believe it or not, since I started visiting Dr. Su at Ballard Family Dentistry, I actually look forward to going to the dentist. I’ve had everything from deep cleaning to filling replacement to a capping a broken incisor to wisdom teeth extraction (all four at once), and while I haven’t necessarily enjoyed the procedures themselves, I haven’t felt a thing beyond the initial «pinch» of the Novocaine needle.
And it’s not as if Dr. Su hops you up on the nitrous, either. My general tolerance for pain is pretty high, but when it comes to mouth pain I’m a complete wuss, and Dr. Su has managed to pretty much eliminate any fear I have over getting my teeth worked on.
Apart from that very important aspect, he has a pleasant, casual demeanor and he hires hygienists and staff that compliment his relaxed attitude very nicely. Everyone has been friendly, gentle, and helpful, making what is traditionally a less-​than-​pleasant experience one that is not to be dreaded, if not actually somewhat enjoyable. If you are shopping for a dentist, which I assume you are because you are reading this review, I cannot recommend Dr. Su highly enough.
Okay, time to once again reschedule that appointment so I can check out his brand new digs in the Canal Station complex! Yes, I just used an enthusiastic exclamation point about an dentist appointment. I can’t believe it either, but Dr. Su is really that good.