Sorrento Smiles Dentistry

Hi Dr. Shah, just wanted to say hello and that we miss you very much. We miss your bedside manner, your professionalism, and your way of making us feel so comfortable as if we were part of your family. There will never be another like you. We miss you. Hope you’re doing well … Maria C

Dr. Shah is a fantastic dentist. I’ve seen my fair share of dentists, but Dr. Shah has to be my favorite. I was referred to Dr. Shah by a friend and am so glad I was. If you’re looking for a good dentist, go to Shah!!! He is one of those rare people who actually LOVES his job and is super passionate about dentistry. I am extremely satisfied with my experience at Sorrento Smiles. The staff is incredibly friendly and kind and Dr. Shah himself seems like a really great person! He made sure to explain exactly what he was doing and why and was so good at explaining things to me. I feel like often times doctors can kind of throw a diagnosis at you without really taking the time to explain or answer questions and Dr. Shah made sure I understood everything that was going on 100%. During my cleaning, he made sure I was comfortable and even told me to let him know if at any time things were uncomfortable. I’ve honestly never had a dentist who has said that before! They all have just kind of gone into my mouth and started cleaning away without letting me know what to do if it hurt or got uncomfortable. I would say with 100% confidence that Dr. Shah actually TRULY cares about his patients. He also seems like an incredibly friendly and kind man. I definitely would recommend him to all my friends and family for his professional and pleasant way of running his practice.

I came in here having moved to San Diego and went searching for a good dentist local to my work who takes my new employer’s PPO plan. The other Unilocal reviews for this place are really spot-​on. ⁵⁄₅ all the way
The place is very conveniently located if you live/​work around La Jolla/​Sorrento Valley, with plenty of parking. The office and exam areas are clean with very modern renovations. The front desk staff was pleasant and worked with me to make sure they had my insurance info correct.
What really set this place apart, that makes it easily the best dental experience I have ever had comes down to 2 things. (1): Dr. Shah himself. Not only does he do his own cleanings (practically unheard of), but he also explains everything about why he is recommending the specific treatments he does. As a person who tries to make informed decisions about my health, I really appreciate his transparency and demeanor. He’s overall a warm and intelligent dentist who knows his stuff and makes sure you do also. (2): The technology used at this office impressed me very much. Maybe it is just the changing times, but the intra-​oral camera that shows you exactly where your teeth have issues really stood out to me, making this place seem very well-​equipped to perform its services. It also helps you be more active in your own health decisions, which is invaluable if you try to make your big decisions based on concrete evidence, like myself.
I have only had a cleaning/​x-​ray set/​exam performed on me so far, but I am not dreading the filling procedures I will be having in the future, like I would be at a place where you are not treated as a patient but simply an insurance billing opportunity.

Sorrento Smiles is by far the best dentist my wife and I have ever visited. Dr. Shah is extremely professional and knowledgable. He takes time to explain things and helps you feel comfortable during each visit. My wife had some emergency tooth pain, which he was able to diagnose and help us overcome with ease. It is worth the drive from Oceanside to Sorrento Valley to receive first class service from Dr. Shah and his team. Would Highly recommend!

My review is based on x-​rays, cleaning, teeth filing, and a consultation for an implant.
I must say, I was very impressed with Dr. Shah’s office. Having no dental insurance, it’s important for me to find an affordable oral care provider. His office is very reasonable. I was pleased with the amount of time he spent with me to discuss all options, never feeling rushed to leave the chair. Dr. Shah even performed my cleaning, which as you may have experienced in the past, is usually done by an assistant. The office was exceptionally clean and organized, with all updated technology to discover your pesky cavities and other concerns. The dr.‘s assistant, Marisol, was gentle and attentive.
Unfortunately, I departed knowing 4 cavities ambushed my pearly whites. That’s what 2 years of dental neglect can do. These were all clearly shown to me in the x-​rays and intraoral camera photos. I never felt like I was being duped, upselled or pressured in any way (which is why I left my last dentist). I’ve already set an appointment with Sorrento Smiles in January to address these cavities.
The teeth filing I had performed was straightforward. My two top front teeth were corrected to remove a trivial chip. No sensitivity was felt post-​procedure. Very happy.
As for my implant consultation, Dr. Shah was extremely thorough in explaining the methods used for an extraction/​bone graft/​implant. While his expertise in implants is budding, he made me feel at ease with his acute competence and confidence in his practice. This procedure is a commitment, but I left with a much greater understanding and the ability to make an informed decision once I am ready. And the fact that his office is running an economical implant special which includes an x-​ray, consultation, implant, abutment and crown is incredible; reason enough for me to proceed. I plan to address my implant after my cavities are performed at his office. I will update my review after this is complete.
I am satisfied with my initial appointment. Dr. Shah is proficient and detailed. His office is exactly what I was looking for. I would most definitely recommend.

Dr. Shah is likely the most meticulous dentist you will meet; he takes more care than any dentist I’ve had in regards to oral health. He’s a very friendly guys and excellent to connect with. Unlike most dentists these days, he does the cleanings himself. There was 0 pain, he never nicked my gums, and overall it was a painless, positive experience. Dr. Shah went to USC for dental school, one of the best schools around for dentists and my standard for choosing new dentists.

This is my third visit to Dr. Shah’s office. Going to the dentist is not a visit you look forward to but with Dr. Shah there is a feeling of trust and calmness knowing that the experience will be a good one. I had two old metal crowns that needed to be replaced with a bridge between them. (Photographs showed decay above the crown that was exposed.) Dr. Shah explained the procedure so I was aware of how long it would take to remove the old metal crowns, remove the decay on both teeth and then prep the teeth for new porcelain crowns. Cutting through the metal crowns was a difficult task but it was far less stressful for me than I expected. Explaining the procedure, allowing for breaks, placing a soft rolled up towel under the neck for comfort, sharing photographs of the exposed teeth to show the decay under the crown, was all very helpful. Thanks, Dr. Shah. I no longer have to worry about going to the dentist. I experienced no pain during the entire procedure.
Barbara L.

I just left Dr. Shah’s office, and enjoyed every bit of my experience! I was greeted by Caroline, who then worked diligently by Dr. Shah’s side. Both provided extra care not only for caring about my teeth, but me as a patient. I just went in for a routine check up, and cleaning, but everything was thoroughly explained throughout the process, and done in a careful manner. They also took the time to get to know me as a new patient as well. Not to mention their office is exceptionally clean, and modern. I recommend them to anyone in search of a great dentist. :)

Best dentist I’ve ever gone too! If you’ve been avoiding getting work done because of some bad past experiences then this is the place to go. Dr Shah is very friendly and knowledgeable. He took care of everything I needed done and fixed some bad work from a previous dentist. This is also the first dental office I’ve found that didn’t try to price gauge me or tell me I needed unnessary work done. Friendly staff, excellent care, trauma free and honest! If you need a dentist in San Diego this is the place!

Dr. Shah and his team are making every effort to let patient feel comfortable. They reply emails in a prompt manner and are always willing to answer whatever questions you have. I had very comprehensive treatment there and it’s been the best dental service I’ve ever had. Highly recommend it!

It’s been a while since my husband and I have gone to the dentist. We need somebody who would take care of us well, listen and provide the service that we need! Dr. Shah was a great choice. We are so pleased to find a wonderful, caring and in every way professional dentist. We were able to schedule an appointment on a Sunday, which was convenient for our family. Dr. Shah took enough time with us to go over the x-​rays, pictures, teeth cleaning and make a priorities plan with the costs. Dr. Shah is very thoughtful, gentle and helpful. He responded to all of our questions and concerns regarding our 9 month old baby girl’s new teeth. We highly recommend him. His office is absolutely beautiful!
Best regards Kinga Afshari

Great experience at this dental office. I am a dental phobic, and like most, avoided the dentist like the plague… until of course, the tooth started to hurt like crazy over the weekend. I went in (on a Sunday!!!) for an emergency check up — ended up getting a check up, cleaning, x-​rays AND getting my tooth fixed .Yeah ! I was fearful and cautious of the usual up-​selling of un-​necessary procedures not covered by insurance — but I left transformed.
Dr. Shaw has a bedside manner that I have rarely experienced among any dentists I have visited in my lifetime. He took the time to document and share with me, via pictures with a camera inside my mouth (who knew !!) — that made it so clear what I have been doing to myself by avoiding the dentist. lolol ! He prioritized the treatment, addressed what was the most pressing, and made a step by step plan to fix one side, ‘take it for a test drive and function with it’ (as he puts it. lol) and then move on to fixing the other side.
The procedure was painless, quick and didn’t break my bank ! More than anything, the thoroughness of his check up and cleaning was amazing ! Only one staff and one doctor, small practice, no aromatherapy or massage pillows like some dental ‘spa’s’ I’ve been to in the past.lol.but I don’t care for it anyway ! The office is clean, organized, peaceful and the work is excellent ! I will be back for sure. The wifey is amazed as she got to sit with me through the whole thing, and compared to her horror stories at the dentist in the past, this was a breeze she said !
The man is clearly gifted at his craft — never a dull moment… at the dentist !! Unbelievable !

This was by far the best dental visit experience I’ve had! The office is very clean, the dental assistants are wonderful, and Dr. Shah is clearly incredible at his craft. Dr. Shah was so pleasant in demeanor and has a great personality, which added to my great overall experience. He provided me with a very thorough explanation of my x-​rays diagnosis. The tooth repair he did was absolutely painless and extremely well done. My experiences here could not have been any better!

Dr. Shah and Alyssa are GREAT!!! I dread going to the dentist, like everyone I know. If you like going to the dentist I’d think your crazy! I was forced to go to the dentist because my tooth hurt for DAYS and I couldn’t stand it any longer. I called the office on a Friday, Alyssa was great and very accommodating in getting me scheduled around my work schedule. Who’s open on Sundays? Alyssa kept on reassuring me that I would be taken care of and not be in pain when I leave the appointment. When I arrived Alyssa was very welcoming and Dr. Shah was very straight forward and very honest. That’s hard to come by now a days. I left numb but very pleased. I’m glad I followed my gut into going to Sorrento Smiles! I think I won’t dread to go tho the dentist now. Thank you Dr. Shah and Alyssa for a great experience! Definitely would recommend Dr. Shah to all my family and friends!

I took a 15-​year hiatus from going to the dentist because, well, it wasn’t my favorite place to go. That all changed when I went to visit Dr. Ritesh Shah at Sorrento Smiles.
When I went in for a visit, I could not have been more pleased with my experience. Dr. Shah and all his staff members were extremely professional, knowledgeable, accommodating and warm — a rare combination.
Their equipment was state of the art, and their offices clean and situated in a quiet but accessible location. Dr. Shah and his staff worked quickly and efficiently.
Given the time it had been since my last visit, there was some work to be done. Redo some fillings, get a deep cleaning, x-​rays, the works. It was literally pain-​free. And hassle-​free. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy my visit.
I highly recommend Dr. Shah to anyone looking for the rarity of an actually pleasant experience at the dentist’s office, as well as for anyone looking for a dentist who provides only the best care for his patients. A well deserved five stars!

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Shah for about a year. He makes the visit very comforting. He his very professional and informative. Great Dentist.

My name is Maria Cook. I’m using my son in laws Unilocal account because I don’t have it on my phone but I just wanted to say that I absolutely love this dentist ! He’s the only Dentist I ever trusted. His bedside manner was impeccable. I really hate to see him go. I will miss you very much. I would highly suggest that anyone looking for a good dentist try this guy. They get you in and out with as little pain and discomfort as possible. I used to hate to go to the dentist until I met this one. Thank you Dr. Shah!

Came here for the first time for a teeth cleaning. Great experience! Dr. Shah was super friendly and kept me informed on what he was doing as he was doing it. His dental assistant was great. They both made getting my teeth cleaned as enjoyable as it could be.

I met Dr. Shah a few months back and opened up to him about my past experiences at the dentist, let’s just say it left me scarred a little bit. Dr. Shah was so pleasant, caring, and informative of why i felt that way and what he would have done differently. So after an extremely long absence from the dentist, i decided to give Sorrento Smiles and Dr. Shah a chance. I was so pleasantly surprised with the entire process as well as the facility. I live in North County so it was a bit of a drive, but so worth it every time!
What made me so comfortable was how Dr. Shah explained in detail everything that he was going to do and would constantly check on me to see if I was coping well. I couldn’t believe how painless and easy each experience was. I will definitely be recommending all my friends and colleagues to visit him and would recommend anyone to give him a chance. Thank you Dr. Shah!

Brand new, beautiful office and amazing Doctor. I met Dr. Shah outside of his practice and he told me how long he has been a dentist for and that he was opening a new location of his own. After staying in contact for a couple months, he opened in Sorrento Valley (I live in North County) and I decided to try an initial consultation and cleaning. Dr. Shah was extremely professional and verbally walked me through his entire practice and beliefs. X-​Rays were great and the cleaning was spectacular. I’ve had several people ask what I use to whiten my teeth, but it was over a year before I had seen any other dentist. Dr. Ritesh is my new dentist and I am very glad I met him. His staff was great and book an appointment soon because his hours are limited at the moment. Great, painless, visit and will be back in 6 months or sooner because of the holidays.