Kurtis R. Finley, DDS--Palo Alto Endodontic Group

Another maximum stars review for Dr Finley. He has now done two root canals on my cracked teeth — #18 back in 1994 and #2 last month. In both cases, I saw him as soon as I had a toothache and he helped me promptly and — as all the other reviewers observe — with good humor, grace, kindness, and patience. The only discomfort was financial, but Dr Finley’s fees are in line with his profession — and in the long run a bargain! His technical skill is reflected in the fact that his procedures have saved the function of two teeth, helping me avoid bridgework or costly and risky implants.
If you have tooth pain, don’t delay. See your dentist. And if you need an endodontic procedure, call Dr Finley.

I finally plucked up the courage to go get my root canal done, But the original dentist I was referred to by my regular dentist was off for a month! Yikes but luckily I was then referred to Dr Finlay ! This is my second root canal and the trauma of my first one was the reason why I kept dragging in out. I couldn’t believe how fast, efficient and painless (relatively) the whole thing was. All in all, I was out in 30mins! Dr Finlay was also very friendly and patient. Would definitely recommend him to anyone who has a fear of dentists!

Actually, I would rate Dr. Finley 10 stars. Root canal done by him is just the easiest, most painless procedure. He explains everything prior and during the procedure. He has a gentle touch and a gentle manner. The office is at 500 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto. There are designated parking spaces.

I was referred here by my new dentist to get my root canal redone. I was very unhappy that I was having to have this done again, only a year later but I was at least glad they caught it and fixed it before I was in pain because of it. Dr Finley was really good! He made me feel super comfortable, told me all my best and worst case options. They got me in immediately and had me done and taken care of 2 hrs later. There was no pain and they made sure I was as comfortable as possible through the whole procedure. I would recommend him anytime! I could tell he was really good at what he does!

Dr. Finley is amazing! I went there for a tooth pain called on a Saturday he was able to meet me in 45 minutes, explained every step I was really comfortable root canal on a tooth with a bridge, piece of cake no problems :) I walked out pain free and a smile. highly recommend this place I will be going back and recommending this office to who ever needs a great endodontist.

I had unexpected root canal and it couldn’t have gone easier. It was 1000 times better than I expected and I would readily go back to him. I highly recommend him.

My dentist referred me to Dr. Finley and I was able to get an appointment immediately. I was seen by Dr. Finley at my actual appointment time (not kept waiting), he evaluated my problem, explained my options clearly, answered all my questions. He performed the root canal quickly and painlessly. He’s friendly, funny, and super proficient. I don’t always get root canals, but when I do, I’d ask for Dr. Finley.

This guy is awesome! I came in for an emergency consultation and ended up getting the root canal done right there and then. I was so scared (because of the pain I am used to from getting cavities filled), but Dr. Finley was super relaxed about it and made me feel that way too. He explained the procedure to me and got started, and from start to finish I’d say it took no more than 30 minutes. AND it didn’t hurt nearly as bad as my cavities and my mouth was only mildly sore the next day! I never thought I would say this, but getting a root canal from Dr. Finley was a great experience!

When you have to see 2 dentists on a same day, you really hope that you wake up immediately from this nightmare !!
To make matter worse, the endodontist that my dentist referred, Dr. Dang, wasn’t there and I was told that Dr. Kurtis will be attending to me. What can I do now? Live with the toothache for another few more days? this means more Tylenol and constants waking up at night becos of the soreness !!
When you are in dire straits, you will do what it takes to get rid of the misery; thus, I just went with the flow and meet Dr. Kurtis.
RESULTS: Dr. Kurtis was great. He takes his time to ensure that I understand my situation; his course of actions, and provide step-​by-​step narrations of the event. This is the 1^st time that I felt practically no pain in a root canal process. Dr. Kurtis carried out the procedure effectively and efficiently.
However, do beware. This practice only takes Delta Dental of California. They do give you «a warning» note when you sign up at the front lobby.

One of my molars recently began hurting for no apparent reason. This morning I went to an emergency appointment with my regular dentist (Gregory Tseng). After reviewing X-​rays, Dr. Tseng gave me the bad news that I may need a root canal. He strongly recommended this office, and a phone call later they agreed to see me immediately. Everyone at the office was nice, and Dr. Finley seemed particularly competent and caring. He answered all my questions and always told me exactly what was going to happen. The procedure was pretty quick and easy (less than an hour including the consultation and diagnosis). The most painful part was the $ 1,700 cost since I don’t have dental insurance. I’m not sure how that cost compares to other local dentists, but that was the price I was quoted pre-​operation, so it wasn’t a surprise. I will see Dr. Finley again if I ever need another root canal, but I hope I don’t!
While this was a five-​star procedure, I can mention a few little nits:
* $ 300 of the $ 1,700 fee was to fill the hole he drilled out of the top of the tooth (to access the roots). It was supposedly a tooth-​colored filling, but it is a gray/​blue which doesn’t match my teeth at all. My girlfriend saw it and declared that I now have «integrated bluetooth». Fortunately, nobody else will see this unless they peer into my wide-​open mouth.
* When he talked about getting in and «cleaning out» the nerves and tissue, I actually thought this was an attempt to protect/​save them. Maybe it could have been more clear that this «kills» the tooth by scraping out the living tissue and replacing it with a rubbery material. I’m still glad I did it.
* His equipment seems a little old-​school. For example, my regular dentist takes x-​rays and they are enlarged on a big computer screen which also allows him to look up previous x-​rays and such. Dr. Finley just clipped the tiny x-​ray film to a light. Also, my regular dentist has fillings which match my teeth extremely well.
* He never offered a painkiller prescription (and I didn’t ask for one), so I was worried I might have serious pain once the anesthesia wore off. But it has been fine.
One highlight was at the end when they showed me the final x-​ray and I asked what they had filled the root canal with (since it showed up so brightly on the x-​ray). His assistant gave me a piece of the rubbery material to take home. So now I know exactly what’s implanted in my mouth.

If I could give a zero, I would. I called his office and requested him for a root canal. The receptionist scheduled the appointment. On the appointed day, I was shown to the procedure room and a different doctor walked in to do the root canal. A root canal is bad enough. To be a clear victim of ‘bait and switch’ is horrible. I can’t believe that this happens without his knowledge. I think he has a good reputation so he’s trying to spread the business around the office. Pathetic. No morals. Avoid this place.

Kurtis Finley is just beyond amazing. Really. I have a sincere fear of dentists. I SHIVER when I have to go. He is gentle and transparent of what needs to get done. Yet he doesn’t force anything keeping the truth in mind. You feel so safe and protected. I have never felt this comfort and peace with someone making serious dental work on me. He is something else.

Let’s just say when it really matters that a service provider on Unilocal gets 5 stars you want it to be for something really important like a root canal!
This was my first. Dr. Finley was recommended by my dentist. He was professional and a master at his specialty. He properly anesthetized me so that I felt very little discomfort. His bedside manner was excellent. I highly recommend him to my friends and family.

This was my first root canal and I had 2 strikes against me – odd nerve anatomy which makes numbing difficult and a tooth with 2 cracks. Needless to say I was apprehensive since I have experienced the results of insufficient anesthesia in the past.
Dr. Finley was great. Taking time to explain everything with breezy commentary throughout. He did get me numb, but it took incredible effort, but he did it! He was also direct and honest about the chances of a «cure» given the number and size of the fractures. Not encouraging, but what I like to hear.
It was over 2 hrs of chair time (unusual I understand) but 10 hours later my tooth feels better than it has for 2 weeks. Nice touch — he provided 4 prescription strength Motrin in case I needed them.
I hate dentists, or at least dental visits, but this was better than the constant pain prior. Highly recommend.

Great endodontist! I just had my very first root canal. To say that I was anxious and scared would be an understatement.
Dr. Finley was fantastic. He numbed me up extremely well — effective with minimal discomfort.
The root canal itself was ease as could be. I couldn’t feel a thing and it went very well.
I am also a curious patient, asking lots of questions about the process. Dr. Kurtis was very generous with his time and just a great guy.
If I ever need another root canal, I’m going to Dr. Kurtis.

Both my husband and I have had evil teeth needing root canals and they were done by Doc Finley. He is a gem. As is all the office staff (a shout out to Wendy).
If there ever was a way to make the process painless, they do it. Yes, it is expensive, but with insurance it isn’t terrible. Just don’t get more than one a year (insurance sucks, doesn’t it?).
Seriously, though, these guys are great. They will get you in ASAP and take care of the problem quickly. I’ve experienced both sides of the recovery. One was fine afterward with a little bit of advil. This last one was a bit of a doozy and took a week to get better, but it is totally fine now. Just lots of advil in the meantime.
In any case, it doesn’t matter where we move ever. I will always find a way to get to Palo Alto to see Dr. Finley for any endo work.
We really appreciate these guys.

First off, I’ve never had a root canal, so this could just be survival relief talking — but I did come as close as is possible to enjoying my root canal from Kurtis Finlay.
He explains what’s going on really clearly (without the hand-​wavey vagaries that make suspicious), yet in a way that puts you at ease. He makes jokes, but not too many jokes. He’s does his job in a skilled, efficient, professional, yet friendly way.
I came away (a) finally understand what a root canal actually is, and (b) with my roots canalled. Everyone warned me that it would really hurt the next day, but actually just a few ibuprofen are enough to keep things manageable.
Finally, his receptionist is extremely helpful and friendly. She fit me in as an emergency on a Friday afternoon. She copied my benefits card and charged my insurance directly, and all I had to cover was $ 260 (about 20%, phew!).
Might revise this review if I develop an infection (which would require an extraction, much more unpleasant-​sounding). But for now — the best I could have hoped for!

My three root canals were painless (well, after those teensy shots that are SO not fun, but um, you NEED novacaine). Three Stars.
My three root canals took slightly over 1 hour. Total. Two more stars.
My three root canals cost $ 1100.00. Each. Minus one star.
Everyone is so friendly and helpful I could barely stand it. Plus one star.
The bottom line: It only hurts your wallet. Promise.