Antonio M Bistrain, DDS

Have been coming here ever since I was a child and it has always been a great experience. Dr. Bistrain is the epitome of professional and courteous! Would highly recommend.

I signed up for a Unilocal account simply to post this review, since I hope it shows up in searches and help others.
Dr. Bistrain is one of the few dentists who do laser treatment on cold sores!
I felt it coming on midday on a Wednesday. After an extensive web search, somehow his name came up. He was able to squeeze me in during lunch on Thursday. There was a noticeable difference by the weekend (it had stabilized/​dried enough to allow me to wear make-​up for a dinner party.) What would have normally been a month long healing process (even with prescription meds), was effectively shortened to a week!
Dr. Bistrain’s phone number is now in my phone and I will call him the second I feel the next one tingling.
Thank you!

Hadn’t been to the dentist in about 10 years (I know… embarrassing)! He and his staff were all great! Very friendly, knowledgeable, and professional! I would definitely recommend them 100%. I will be going back to see him, even though there was no pressure to do so!!!

Can’t say enough good things about Dr. Bistrain! I just returned from his office a few days before Christmas after one of my teeth lost its bonding material — and he stayed late just to help me out before the holiday! He is very conscientious with his work, always looking for the best result and trying to help his patients. His office staff is nice too and the hygienist is excellent. The office has parking spots too, which is a plus in this very busy area near Alta Bates hospital and grocery store. I’ve seen Dr. Bistrain for years and will continue to do so in the future. Highly recommended.

I have been a dental hygienist for 35 years and I just had by teeth cleaned at Dr. Antonio Bistrain’s Dental office. It was by far the best dental cleaning that I’ve had in years. He is not only thorough but he is gentle. I also had a crown prep, a filling, full mouth x-​ray, and an impression for a night guard. All of this dentistry was completed in only two appointments. He is not only efficient but he is competent to complete your dentistry to the highest standard. He cares for his patients while always taking a conservative approach never to over treat like some dental offices. Dr. Bistrain’s assistant Juana will greet you with a smile and assist Dr. Bistrain in a Way that makes you feel like you’re being well taken care of. Nancy at the front desk always makes sure to check your dental insurance prior to any procedures. There are never any surprises. They have free parking behind their office which is extremely rare in Berkeley and they are conveniently located near Alta Bates Hospital. So if you’re looking for a new dentist and want the quality and treatment that you deserve call Dr. Bistrain.

I have been going to Dr. Bistrain since he opened his Berkeley office (15 years?). My dental history is rough because I really didn’t learn proper oral hygiene until adulthood; I have had a lot of dental problems. Dr. Bistrain and his staff have been the best, especially for someone who initially had a lot of apprehension about going to the dentist. On one occasion I had to see another dentist, this dentist’s comment was, «whoever you are seeing regularly sure does good work».
Dr. Bistain does quality work, has a great staff, I am comfortable going there.

Every time I come here the stylists are friendly and welcoming. I’m always sad to leave this place when I’m done. The energy is great and I always leave looking fabulous. Love everyone there. Joe is hot stuff!

As far as I’m concerned Dr. Bistrain is a miracle worker! Because of his gentle touch and empathy with fearful patients, my husband finally followed through with much of his needed dental work that he had been procrastinating on for years!
Also, my husband had very stained front Teeth/​cavities. Dr. Bistrain expertly filled in those cavities with white (composite?) material which not only ended up looking perfectly amazing, but it was also affordable!
I give the entire office the highest rating possible because they, as a team got my husband back on track with taking care of his teeth, which means his health –especially as we age. And kudos to Nancy for kindly encouraging him to stay on track and taking the time to communicate with him and me about anything we have needed.
Thanks guys!
Kamala

Dr. Bistrain is a gentleman and a terrific dentist. I’ve been seeing him for about eight years now. He’s done my cleanings, given me advice on oral surgery, and filled a cavity for me. His office has done a great job of looking out for me as far as making sure my visits are covered by my insurance and helping me make full use of my insurance benefits. He’s got a darn good hygienist, too. The office and waiting area are bright and pleasant. I highly recommend him.

I have seen many dentists before Dr Bistrain, and developed sort of phobia of the drill. Dr Bistrain helped me get over the fear, by allowing me to take time to adjust to his clinic. He was not pushy (as were many other dentists), and he was very honest in all his assessment and plans. He does great work, and is very passionate about what he does. He checks on you after every procedure to make sure that you are ok. By far, the best dentist I have ever had, and would not change him for anything.

By far the best dentist I’ve ever been to. He saved me a lot of money and did a great job. He genuinely cares about you and makes you feel comfortable. Really, I can’t say enough good things about him and his wife. Thanks!

I have had to deal with a few dental issues, in the last year, and I couldn’t think of having anyone else treat me. Dr. Bistrain is calm, compassionate, and clearly explains the procedure, so you know what to expect, and that completely releases all the tension in my body, so I can relax. Also, another fabulous service he provides is laser treatment for cold sores. When I feel one coming on, I jump over to his office, and he treats it with a laser. Takes just a few minutes, and it stops it in it’s tracks, and is gone within three to four days. A miracle, if you ask me.
Lori S.

I echo all the glowing reviews! Dr. Bistrain is a phenomenal dentist, explains his procedures clearly, and is thorough and compassionate. I came to him in a lot of pain, and scared about what was going on with my mouth. That’s a very vulnerable position to be in, and less ethical practitioners might have used the opportunity to recommend aggressive or unnecessary procedures. Dr. Bistrain was non-​judgmental and diplomatic in explaining what he observed, and provided much-​needed and much-​appreciated treatment and medication. Recommended without reservation.

Dr. Bistrain has been my dentist ever since I moved to Berkeley more than 10 years ago, and I couldn’t be in better hands. I trust his expertise, enjoy my interactions with him and his competent and friendly office team, and actually look forward to my regular visits. He never fails to express his appreciation for the trust his patients place in him. I will stay with Dr. Bistrain until he retires or I go ten toes up — he’s the best!

Dr. Bistrain is the best dentist I’ve ever had. He does the most thorough and detailed cleanings ever. His wife who works as the receptionist is very sweet and will work with you to set an appointment that is most convenient for you. Dr. Bistrain even talked to me about what was the best mouthwash and electric toothbrush providing detailed analysis of each brand. Overall Dr. Bistrain makes going to the dentist a pleasurable and anxiety-​reducing event and I would highly recommend his services to anyone.

I’ve been seeing Dr. Bistrain since I started grad school and he’s always been amazing. I’m one of those people who brush and floss regularly and always seemed get no benefits. I always had cavities and I’ve had multiple root canals. All that ended when I went to see Dr. Bistrain. He’s been amazing and keeping my teeth healthy, happy, and whole. He even saved my tooth from getting a root canal once.
We (and yes I mean we, he always made me feel included in the decisions about my own mouth, what a relief from other places where they just tell you what to do) weren’t sure if my tooth would need a root canal, it was incredibly painful and in bad shape, Dr. Bistrain said that he would try putting some meds on it and capping it while we waited for the crown to see if the tooth would get better on its own. And it did! Saving me a bundle in dental expenses and making the whole process so much happier. =)
He also prescribed me toothpaste that has seriously reduced all manner of issues with my teeth. No one had ever thought to mention this to me before… I can’t recommend him enough.
While I’m sad to have to leave Berkeley and Dr. Bistrain, it’s great to see here on Unilocal that others have had as great of an experience. Thanks for a wonderful 6 years of dental service (the first time I’ve ever liked going to a dentist).

My neighbor recommended Dr Bistrain when I wanted an east bay dentist. Wow! I’m pleased with his manner — skilled, kind, knowledgeable. He goes out of his way to work with his patients to stretch their insurance, such as by timing my major work between two calendar years.
He is a great general dentist, and does cosmetic dentistry. My front teach were badly chipped from childhood, and he built two veneers that are permanently glued to the old teeth. Mine look incredibly real — they are just a bit different from each other to make them not look factory produced «cookie cutter». I had waited so long for this, and he was exactly the right person to do it. He really made sure the «new» teeth were perfect and perfectly comfortable. I don’t even notice that there is a veneer — it is strong and I can bite into anything. And my smile looks so much better!

Dr. Bistrain was referred to me by my (now) husband when we first started dating. He had been referred to Dr. Bistrain by a friend as well. I have been very happy with the care that we both receive. Dr. Bistrain is a very detail-​oriented dentist. I never feel like he’s rushing through the cleanings. Knowing that I am in bio-​tech research, he has given me web page links to dental studies supporting his various recommendations for my at home dental care. He is very gentle, but also offers a numbing rinse if you are worried about pain from the cleaning.

We’ve been seeing Dr. B since Dr. Smallwood retired. Dr. B clearly enjoys dentistry and helping his patients. He explains procedures very carefully and is so thorough! He actually cleans my teeth most of the time. I can say for a fact that my gums and my teeth are in much better shape now than they were 5 years ago thanks to Dr. B.
He pulled 5 of my daughter’s teeth in preparation for braces and she had no problems with the procedure. He was very gentle, explained everything to her very matter-​of-​factly and she had no problems.
Our whole family goes there and we are all very happy with his care, level of knowledge, and cheerful, yet professional demeanor.
Office staff is also very friendly yet professional.

Our family has been seeing Dr. Bistrain since we moved here in 1995. We have recommended many very happy satisfied friends to the doc. He is the best in my opinon. My former husband was a dentist and I’ve had experience with a number of dentists and running a dental practice. He is knowledgeable, honest, caring and very gentle. It’s as good as it gets!