Best Dentist in San Mateo CA (Reviewed 2025)
San Mateo, California sits between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, with Caltrain stops, El Camino Real traffic, and a mix of long-time homeowners in Baywood, young families in Shoreview, and condo dwellers near Hillsdale. A city of about 105,000, San Mateo sees steady six-month cleanings, cosmetic touch-ups before life events at Central Park, and practical restorative work for tech and service workers who want predictable fees and fast turnarounds. Commuters ask for early hygiene slots, seniors value direct-billing, and students look for whitening or clear aligners on a budget. Our editorial review focused on outcomes, technology (iTero® scans, CBCT, CEREC® crowns), and transparent pricing to help anyone searching for the best dentist in San Mateo, “top dental clinics San Mateo,” or “emergency dentist San Mateo CA” choose confidently.
About this Top 10: We compared 40+ local practices around Downtown, Hillsdale, and Laurelwood, then shortlisted ten clinics that pair strong patient satisfaction with clear estimates and modern equipment. Expect comprehensive care under one roof, same-day solutions where possible, and membership plans that can trim out-of-pocket costs. A micro-story: a couple from 19th Avenue used this list to compare two finalists—an in-house plan knocked $620 off a crown + build-up, and he was back jogging Crystal Springs the next morning. For safety-net options and county resources, start with San Mateo County Oral Health
Cost of Dental Services in San Mateo CA
| Service | Typical San Mateo fee | Notes & Helpful Info |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive exam + digital X-rays | $140 – $200 | Often includes bitewings; panoramic if indicated |
| Adult cleaning (prophy) | $150 – $250 | 30–45 minutes with hygienist; heavy tartar may add time |
| Deep cleaning / SRP (per quadrant) | $250 – $450 | Localized anaesthetic typically included |
| Composite filling (1 surface) | $200 – $350 | Tooth-coloured resin; molars trend higher |
| Root canal (molar) | $1,100 – $1,600 | Build-up/crown billed separately |
| Porcelain/zirconia crown | $1,200 – $1,800 | Same-day CAD/CAM available at some clinics |
| Single dental implant (implant+abutment+crown) | $3,500 – $5,500 | Grafting or IV sedation adds cost |
| In-office whitening | $400 – $700 | LED/laser systems; take-home trays cost less |
| Porcelain veneer (per tooth) | $1,200 – $2,000 | Custom shade; lab-made |
| Invisalign (comprehensive case) | $4,000 – $8,500 | Includes scans & retainers at many offices |
*Insurance tip:* Many San Mateo, California PPO plans cover 100% preventive cleanings/exams and ~50% of crowns or root canals; residents often pair benefits with 6–12-month 0% promotional financing. For Medi-Cal members, see covered services via Medi-Cal Dental (DHCS).
Why are these rated as the Best Dentist in San Mateo California
- 4.7★+ satisfaction in San Mateo, California—finalists maintain high patient sentiment on online portals and strong word-of-mouth near Central Park and Hillsdale.
- Same-day efficiency—CEREC® crowns & digital impressions cut repeat visits for San Mateo, California commuters on El Camino Real and Highway 92.
- Comprehensive care in one place—leading clinics in San Mateo, California cover family, cosmetic, implant, and emergency dentistry without extra referrals.
- Transparent pricing—clearly quoted ranges aligned to regional benchmarks so San Mateo, California patients can budget before treatment.
- Access that fits life—early/evening or Saturday appointments support Caltrain and Peninsula work schedules in San Mateo, California.
- Community commitment—screenings and school outreach that keep San Mateo, California families cavity-free.
Evaluation principles are consistent with patient-care guidance from the American Dental Association.
Selection Criteria for the Best Dental Clinics in San Mateo CA
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Verified outcomes & 4.7★+ satisfaction among San Mateo patients | 40% |
| Advanced tech that saves visits in San Mateo (on-site CBCT, iTero®, CAD/CAM) | 20% |
| Evening/Saturday hours for Highway 92/101 & Caltrain commuters | 15% |
| Transparent, locality-appropriate fees & memberships for Peninsula families | 15% |
| Training & affiliations (UCSF/USC/UC-based residencies; ongoing CE) | 10% |
Ties are settled by comparing post-treatment photo evidence and spotless licensure history via the Dental Board of California verification.
Robert P. Choi, DDS
675 Mariners Island Blvd STE 101, San Mateo, CA 94404, USA
Dr.’s Wakasa & Carlsmith
256 N San Mateo Dr Suite 4, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
San Mateo Center for Cosmetic Dentistry – Dr...
256 N San Mateo Dr ste 8, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
FAQ
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| How much does a routine cleaning cost in San Mateo, California? | Most San Mateo, California clinics quote $150–$250 for an adult prophy; complex tartar can increase time and fee. |
| What’s the difference between a prophy and a deep cleaning in San Mateo, California? | A prophy in San Mateo, California cleans above the gums; deep cleaning treats roots and runs about $250–$450 per quadrant. |
| Will insurance cover crowns in San Mateo, California? | Many San Mateo, California PPOs reimburse around 50% of crown fees after deductible; confirm annual maximums. |
| How long do porcelain crowns last for San Mateo, California patients? | With good hygiene (and a night guard if you grind), crowns placed in San Mateo, California often last 10–15 years. |
| Can I get same-day crowns in San Mateo, California? | Yes—several San Mateo, California offices use CAD/CAM to design and place a crown in one visit. |
| What does a single dental implant cost in San Mateo, California? | Complete implant-abutment-crown packages in San Mateo, California typically run $3,500–$5,500, higher with grafting. |
| Which is better in San Mateo, California: an implant or a bridge? | Implants in San Mateo, California preserve bone and avoid shaving neighboring teeth; bridges are quicker but use adjacent crowns. |
| How much does Invisalign cost in San Mateo, California? | Comprehensive Invisalign in San Mateo, California averages $4,000–$8,500 depending on case complexity. |
| How long does full-case Invisalign take in San Mateo, California? | Most San Mateo, California cases finish in 12–18 months; minor alignment may be faster. |
| Are San Mateo, California clinics kid-friendly? | Yes—many San Mateo, California family practices use tell-show-do, flavored fluoride, and ceiling TVs to ease visits. |
| Do San Mateo, California dentists use digital X-rays? | Nearly all San Mateo, California offices use low-dose digital sensors that reduce radiation compared with film. |
| Where can I find lower-cost care in San Mateo, California? | Check county resources and safety-net clinics; the Health Plan of San Mateo lists covered services for Medi-Cal members in San Mateo, California. |
| What should I do in a dental emergency in San Mateo, California? | Call a San Mateo, California emergency dentist; if swelling/fever is present, seek urgent medical evaluation immediately. |
| Are mercury-free fillings common in San Mateo, California? | Yes—most San Mateo, California dentists place BPA-free composites or ceramics for aesthetics and strength. |
| How long do composite fillings last in San Mateo, California? | With daily brushing and a bite-guard if you grind, composites in San Mateo, California last about 7–10 years. |
| Can I get financing in San Mateo, California for major work? | Many San Mateo, California clinics offer third-party financing or in-house memberships; ask for 6–12-month no-interest options. |
| Do San Mateo, California dentists offer Saturday or evening visits? | Several San Mateo, California practices open Saturdays or late evenings to serve Peninsula commuters. |
| How do I verify a dentist’s license in San Mateo, California? | Use the state’s online lookup to confirm San Mateo, California licensure and good standing before you book. |
| Any tips to lower dental costs in San Mateo, California? | Book regular cleanings, compare membership plans, and request bundled quotes (e.g., root canal + crown) in San Mateo, California. |
| What’s trending for cosmetic dentistry in San Mateo, California? | Residents often pair whitening with limited-prep veneers or clear aligners before graduations and waterfront events. |
Dear User. We hope we were able to help you find the best dentist in San Mateo, California. If you have visited any of the dental clinics listed in our portal this is your chance to tell other people about your experience with the dentist, both good and bad, like how they treat you, if the facility is clean, and more. Help patients find the right dentist. Write about your experience in the review form available at the bottom of every clinic page.
Dr Maqsud Mallick, BDS
(Practising in India since 2012)
Sheikh Nawab, MPH, RDH
(Clinical Content Editor)
