Pacific Smile Design | Dr. Diana Heineken

First time patient and plan to return. We had two appointments for two members of my family and I appreciate that we could schedule on the same day. We had x-rays, cleaning, and exams. Here’s your need to know: fill out the forms before you go (don’t worry, you can use your phone & don’t have to print anything), parking is free but it can get busy so plan ahead & arrive early, they are on the first floor just past the elevator if you enter on the elevator side it’ll be on your left. It’s a building with several offices, so the signage in the hallway isn’t huge. Call if you get lost. They’re super nice. They took a detailed history using the forms online & they went over it with us in the room. Darlene was great with x-rays and the initial steps – she was good at giving cues so we got good X-rays and I didn’t bite my tongue or her fingers. Linh did our cleanings – she provided education as well. She was meticulous and gentle. Dr. Heineken was wonderful. She did our exams and went over the treatment plan with us. She answered my questions thoroughly. The whole staff worked seamlessly together to provide excellent care and I liked their record keeping and documentation practices. They gave me a transparent quote and made sure I understood everything in the treatment plan. I look forward to our next visit! Since it’s San Diego and this is relevant – they do have a bathroom available upon request… I can’t speak from experience with feeling afraid, because the dentist doesn’t bother me, but I can say that the natural lighting was really nice, the waiting room was comfortable, the whole space is inviting & clean and it doesn’t smell “like the dentist” it smells neutral/clean. It looks like the pictures you see in their reviews and the people look like their pictures as well. The staff asked if I had any fears before they started, they spoke kindly & calmly to me & my family. I noticed their intake forms asked about dentist fears. Before my exam and cleaning they went over the process & said we could stop at anytime and I could raise my hand to signal – if I was a person with dental fears I would give them a try. I noticed a staff member carrying noise canceling headphones to a room for a patient. I would add that they don’t shame about dental hygiene or how long it’s been since your last visit (we moved and between new jobs & a new city it’s taken awhile to get to the dentist – they didn’t shame me). They just want to take good care of you. I hope that makes it easier for someone with worries. ** edit to add photos of the hallway **

We truly love it there! I have extreme anxiety with dental appointments but this place really goes above and beyond to offer multiple solutions to ease my nerves. I was able to tap out and take breaks when I needed to, and the whole staff is so kind and supportive. 10/10 the new dentist for our whole family!

I was referred to Dr. Diana Heineken at Pacific Smile Design for the installation of two Crowns.
Prior to my appointment in January 2025, I was linked to their online portal to process some normal forms. Their patient portal is quick, easy to navigate and robust; far better than some of the other healthcare-oriented patient portals that have been employed across the industry.
A personal mistake had me arrive over 90 minutes late for my appointment. Regardless, I was greeted warmly and professionally. Dr. Heineken, herself and her assistant, Stephanie graciously made accommodations to account for my delayed arrival.
The office and operating spaces for patients are pristine, spacious and clean.
It was my understanding that crowns are, at minimally, a two-appointment procedure. First, molds, X-rays and other imagery are generated. These are then sent off-site for the manufacturing of a replacement tooth. It is during the second appointment, usually weeks later, are they fitted and implanted.

I invite you to let Dr. Diana Heineken to shatter your expectations.

Same-day crown implants.

Behind the beautiful presentation of the office are some advanced technologies and machinery. Machines one would typically find at SpaceX or a Formula One manufacturer, notably laser 3D scanners and a multi-axis milling machine.
Now, the procedure involves creating a detailed (and interactive) 3D scan of my mouth. Then Dr. Heineken modeled two replacement teeth and then hit “manufacture” in the software; these are sent to the next room for manufacturing; a process very similar to a 3D printer. This is followed up by some typical dental prep work for the incoming implants. A fantastic opportunity for Dr. Heineken, assisted by Stephanie as well as another doctor, to demonstrate their artisanship, expertise and craftsmanship. This work was completed with minimal pain and discomfort. After this, the newly minted crowns are test fitted and tuned. The crowns then require a final heat treatment/annealing process before they are finally implanted. Ready for immediate use.
Over the course of an afternoon, I went from two empty root canals to two custom crowns, ready to use with dinner that very night!

Absolutely amazing. Awesome to see the technology of the future being used to improve the lives of today.
A huge THANK YOU to Dr. Heineken, dental assistant Stephanie and the other team-members at Pacific Smile Design. Everyone is very talented, professional and friendly. The office is inviting, clean and enormously capable.
I was a first-time patient, but I look forward to having future dental work performed by Dr. Diana Heineken and her wonderful staff.