North Fulton Endodontics, PC: Johnson, Cliff L DMD

I was referred to Dr. Johnson by another dentist. The receptionist had reassured me that insurance would cover the evaluation, but please note, this is a "PAY FIRST BEFORE WE CARE ABOUT YOUR TREATMENT" if you are out of network. However, again, I was reassured that I would be covered after providing my information. This was stated before I came in. On the day of the appointment I enter into what was decorated around 1987 and looked everyday of it. Now, I'm not suggesting that shiny marble and Persian rugs are necessary, but there is very limited seating and I ended up sandwiched between two others on a stained living room couch made more for two instead of three. Ok, well, I was hoping it would be worth the wait. Of course the doctor is behind and I am called back to a room that looks every bit as ancient as the reception area. I tried to engage the technician in small talk, but she was very young and shy and greatly inexperienced at answering very general, basic questions about the facility. She also shoved the film for the X-ray into my mouth hurting me. One thing she did know, and asked me several times about considering was the obnoxious charge of around $100 just for nitrous oxide or more commonly known as "laughing gas" for anxiety. Ok, this stuff should be included with service or boast a nominal charge at best. That is truly taking advantage of scared patients and is an outrage. Insurance does not cover this as well. It's more money for the doctor. Incredible. It's like buying a soda and having a charge for the cup. The doctor finally came in and seemed cordial, but deeply reminded me of a salesman doing an infomercial. Dr. Johnson has the "you will agree with me" tone and smile down pat. He advised me that he did not want to perform a root canal because the tooth was cracked and couldn't be saved. He stated I needed an extraction and either a bridge or an implant. I got yet another referral to an oral surgeon. I'm starting to wonder where the benefit is in recommending each other rather than letting the patient educate themselves and make a wise decision. I didn't ask for this referral. I got up, PAID!! Give them money! and left. I was notified by my insurance company a few weeks later that they were absolutely not paying, thank you, now I'm out well over $100 for a wasted trip as I was told by a SECOND DOCTOR, THE ROOT CANAL SHOULD HAVE BEEN PERFORMED AS THE CRACK DOESN'T EXTEND TO THE GUM LINE. Wow. Glad I didn't have it pulled! Won't be back, threw away the referral and am rethinking the dentist that greatly encouraged me on many occasions to patronize this establishment.