John J Petrini, DDS

Dr. Petrini is incredible. I’ve been going to him for the past 5 years and have had the best experience, every time. Yesterday, I broke a tooth and the awesome receptionist, Sharon, got me in immediately. Dr. Petrini fixed me right up. He works with much skill, precision and has the most comforting bedside manner. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for the best of the best when it comes to a dentist. I also go to Katrina for all my cleanings and she is amazing, too. I just love Dr. Petrini and can’t thank him enough for being so wonderful.

I just started coming to Dr. Petrini and I am very glad I did. I have very sensitive teeth and absolutely hate going to the dentist but Dr Petrini and his staff are super accommodating and so nice. He also has a fun sense of humor and is very empathetic and relatable and not overly preachy.
I would also highly recommend my dental hygienist, Katrina. Right upfront I told her how much I hate going to the dentist and she totally got it, she said a lot of patients were like me. I hate when hygienists act absolutely horrified when you say you don’t floss, and act patronizing or judgmental.
Katrina completely understood when I told her how much I hate the scraping sounds and sharp poking feeling that typically go along with teeth cleanings. She suggested I listen to music on my phone and offered to use plenty of numbing gel. She kept checking in to make sure I was still numb and not feeling pain and she would even stop when my head phones fell out!
I could not believe how comfortable she made me while I was getting my teeth cleaned; I was so relaxed I almost fell asleep in the chair! :)
I also really like that they will send you text message reminders to make sure you don’t forget your appointment.
Overall, I would highly recommend this office to anyone looking for a new dentist in SF.

Dr. Petrini makes it very easy and enjoyable to visit. His staff is kind and seem to like their jobs very much. Petrini is very detailed, gentle and is a great guy .
I could not be happier. I have been a patient since 1998.

Dr. Petrini and his staff are great; I’ve been a patient of his since 2008.
But beware of those appointments you book six months out. By the time the office calls to remind you, you’re already inside the «48 hour zone» and will incur a $ 75 charge to change your appointment.
Seems to me that the calls should be placed outside of that zone, so you can actually move them if you need to. Or the zone should be just 24 hours.
Either way, I’ll be taking my business elsewhere.

Dr. Petrini and his team are the absolute best on the planet. From the office, from the care and treatment. With Petrini there is no discomfort, no pain (crazy yes I said that, maybe I should say just a minor discomfort from time to time). Dr. Petrini always informs you on what is going on and how to prevent it in the future. And when it comes time to do the work it’s as gentle as is gets always checking in on you to see if you even have minor discomfort. I have to say you will actually enjoy going to the dentist with Dr. Petrini. Fantastic and painless!

I have been seeing Dr. Petrini for over 20 years, and I am so attached to him that I now commute from Berkeley to SF just to see him. He is intelligent, kind and also very funny He is able to be very much in touch with his patients’ experience during treatment and at the same time a consummate artist and very focused on getting every detail perfect.

The Difference between a highly trained «Gnathologist» and a «regular dentist»
— by a patient who’s «been there»
I’m a healthy, in-​shape 65-​year old man who over 20 years had gradually «gotten used» to fairly severe jaw joint misalignment — and all of its painful side-​effects. Then, in May 2011, I had an old (amalgam) molar crown replaced by my «regular» dentist. That work went fine, as did the beautifully-​made ceramic replacement.
However, this was the THIRD molar crown installed in my mouth over the last 20 years, by three different (good) dentists. Unfortunately, none of them had training (or much understanding) about the impact that dental work can have on the jaw joint.
As I learned later, we humans have a built in, automatic «program» in our jaws, whose «goal» is to have our front and back teeth all close («contact») together, while chewing. My three molar replacements had caused subtle «high spots.» These led my «automatic program» to literally stretch the left side of my jaw out of its socket, from trying to close (contact) all my teeth together. My THIRD crown replacement was the straw that broke that camel’s back.
Within a few days of that molar work, my left jaw joint — chronically out of alignment for years — went ballistic («acute»). It caused the most excruciating pain in my jaw, head, neck and shoulders that anyone could possibly imagine. (I’d seen chiropractors for years for these pains!). My regular dentist stopped returning my calls. THAT was a sign that he was over his head, and also that he had no clue about who to send me to. Shocking — but not unusual (I have since discovered).
Fortunately I happened to know the word that describes dentists having special training in jaw joint issues (Gnathologist). In agony, and in the middle of the night, I Goggled «gnathologist» and San Francisco. I was incredibly lucky that John Petrini, an expert in this extremely specialized field, works right here in San Francisco.
I had been in excruciating pain for four weeks. The same day I found him and called, Dr. Petrini’s office got me in to see him. He examined me (so gently!). As we talked, I saw the depth of knowledge he had about my jaw issues. He took detailed measurements (including plaster casts of my teeth and bite), and from that quickly fashioned a «dental splint» designed specifically to correct the severe teeth-​contact errors that had been inflicted on me by previous well-​crafted, but bite-​clueless crowns.
Note that this splint was NOT a «night guard» often supposedly prescribed «to prevent teeth grinding.» Instead, Dr. Petrini custom-​fabricated a device to correct my contact points and allow my left jaw joint to slowly retract back into its correct location. Dr. Petrini’s approach «allows» the body to recover its natural alignment (with some very expert help). ONE DAY after I started wearing this splint, my pain vanished. This was flabbergasting to me!
And, after several months of wearing the dental splint ²⁴⁄₇ (a minor annoyance compared to years of discomfort), the joint had recovered. Dr. Petrini’s continuing re-​measurements of my jaw (including tomographic MRI’s of the damaged soft tissue in my jaw joint, photographs and repeated plaster casts) — PROVED that my jaw joint had «healed itself.» The next step of this process (for me — all patients are different) has been the capping of all eight my rear molars — designed in 3D to correct all of my previously wrong tooth-​contact alignment and bite. Correctly braced, my «automatic jaw program» will no longer «try» to pull my jaw out of joint.
I now know that «most dentists» don’t realize what they don’t know about the jaw and bite issues. Clearly, «most dentists» think their job is to work on individual teeth! Whereas, a trained Gnathologist knows the real job: protect and correct the jaw joint — with working on individual teeth being just a part of that overall job! I believe that «regular dentists» have their work ENTIRELY backwards! (Or, perhaps, they just can’t be «bothered»).
Dr. Petrini is the most skilled medical technician I’ve ever met, and also the kindest. He listens well, is incredibly gentle, and thoroughly explains everything he proposes doing for you, and is doing, as he goes along. I have never been so relaxed in any dentist’s chair. In the course of my time in Dr. Petrini’s office, I also learned mountains about my own jaw, about dental mechanics– and about their incredible relevance to overall physical health. Wow.
So, if YOU have jaw joint problems — you MIGHT «accidentally» get better with a regular dentist, but likely that would just be good luck (or, a case of your body recovering despite the widespread and rather amazing ignorance of «regular» dentists about Gnathology). On the other hand, if you want a much higher probability of skillfully attaining a truly healthy bite and jaw-​joint, my experience is — — work with John Petrini in San Francisco.

I love this guy.

Dr. Petrini is the best dentist I have ever had. I came to his practice with a surgical mistake made by a previous periodontist (see my other review). I was running the risk of permanently losing the precious «widow’s peak» on the dead front center of my gum line. Luckily I found two great dentists: Dr. Petrini as the cosmetic dentist and Dr. Sarah De Sanz as the new periodontist.
The two dentists tag-​teamed to come up with an operational plan to save my gum. Dr. Petrini first prepared my teeth for the gum to heal properly for Dr. De Sanz to later operate on. After Dr. De Sanz’s successful gum surgery, Dr. Petrini put veneers on my teeth. After almost one year of multiple visits between the two dental offices, they saved my gum and gave me beautiful looking smile that I can live with.
From my many visits in the past year, I can honestly say that Dr. Petrini is a truly caring and meticulous dentist. He took the time to explain every step of the procedure before, during, and after the surgeries. After the very traumatic experience with the first periodontist, his comforting and reassuring approach was deeply appreciated.
I was most impressed with the fact that Dr. Petrini paid great attention to the overall aesthetic appearance of the teeth and its effects on my smile. He made multiple study molds of my teeth between operations and took photos every step of the way. For a person who cares extremely about her dental health, Dr. Petrini exceeded my expectations, from responding to my emergency request on Christmas Eve for post-​op care to adjusting my night guard painstakingly for my sleeping comfort.
I am so very grateful that Dr. Petrini and Dr. De Sanz brought smiles back to my face. I am also thankful for his staff –Theresa and Maria who provided the warm and personable services when I was in the most vulnerable state. For anyone who wants an outstanding dentist, Dr. Petrini is THE one to choose.

Dr. Petrini is the absolute best. I have been going to him since my teens and I’m way, way past that. I hate to have anyone close to me and i’m not good with pain. He is old style. He cares and his work is the best.

I’ve been seeing Dr. Petrini for over 30 years now, and he has always been wonderful, as has his staff. I’m sorry for the people who say they’ve had bad experiences, but I have never had one in all those 30+ years. Even my son, who hated dentists before, doesn’t mind going to Dr. Petrini (I won’t say he likes to go to the dentist, but he doesn’t complain about it either, and for a teenager that’s tantamount to liking something!). I’ve sent other relatives and friends to him, and everyone has had great experiences. He’s never suggested work that doesn’t need to be done, and while his prices aren’t dirt cheap, they seem competitive. Dr. Petrini has a wonderful calming nature. I highly recommend Dr. Petrini — especially to those who are skittish about seeing dentists.

I’ve read some of the other reviews of Dr. Petrini and I have to say I am a bit shocked at the negative ones. In regards to his personality, I find him quite pleasant. I have been going to him for almost 10 years and I have never felt that he was rude in anyway. If someone had a bad experience I have to believe that it was a one off. And ultimately I’m not looking to be his friend, I am looking for him to be a kick ass dentist and that is exactly what he is.
Here’s how I see it. Dr. Petrini is an artist. I’m not kidding. I have one missing front tooth, not a joke. When something is wrong with a front tooth, everyone can see it. Over the years my veneer has had to be replaced (that’s the nature of veneers). Whenever my veneer has fallen off I look strikingly similar to a hillbilly from the back woods… not a look you want to rock in San Francisco. When this has happened Dr. Petrini has immeadiately cleared his schedule and fit me in to at least make sure I had a temporary in so that I could show my face to the world, until he could get me in to do the major work.
He has always been a perfectionist when it came to my veneer. I would be completely satisfied with the work and he would say something like, «No, I want another one made. The light is not working with this veneer and it may not bother you, but it bothers me, which means it will eventually bother you.» Fine by me, if he wants to make sure my smile is perfect God bless him!
Unfortunatley, my insurance does not allow him to just go in and put a permanant replacement, he has had to do the least expensive option, which is the veneer. Eventually, though there will not be enough natural tooth to support a veneer and then I’m going to have to have MAJOR dental work to replace it. I can’t think of anyone else that I would trust to do that for me.
Honestly, I could not recommend him more highly… and take it from me, from someone who has spent HOURS UPON HOURS in his chair, he is a kind man and an awesome dentist. :)
Oh and for the person who didn’t like Mae… how can you not like Mae? That’s like saying you don’t like puppies and babies… she is the sweetest lady and a fantastic hygenist.

We had a poor experience with Dr Petrini. The multiple visits for deep teeth cleaning were painful, and by the end of it, we felt as if the Dr. was trying to find reasons to get us back just to make more money. We are looking for a new dentist, one we feel we can trust.

He’s not the cheapest act in town but then again, you get what you pay for. I came in through a recommendation (thanks Bernice) and have recommended him to my friends. Friendly guy and works fast.

I would give 10 stars if possible. Dr. Petrini is THE best dentist ever hands down. And he is a very cool, friendly and funny guy. And May, the one hygienist, is beyond words. She is booked weeks or months ahead for good reason. Just be prepared for some pain if your teeth are dirty because she does not mess around. Your mouth might be sore for a day, but you will be grateful. I actually don’t mind going to my appointments at all with them. THANK YOU Dr. Petrini and May!

I’ve been a patent of Dr Petrini for about five years. I spent a bit of time in his office upon first engaging as he replaced my childhood fillings with modern composites. He put in exceptional time and care assuring proper bite-​fit and comfort. The quality of his work is impeccable, and his style is incredibly friendly and honest.
An equally incredible credit goes to Mae, the best dental hygenist I’ve ever been to. Mae taught me how to brush in a way that actually works so well you can feel the difference. It was strange to me to be in my 30s, and have been shown brushing technique so many times by many different hygenists, and then to meet Mae and come away feeling like I have cleaner teeth every day of my life. I recommend first time new clients try to get initial appointments with Mae for her in-​depth brushing appraisal and teaching.
I’m regularly back in their office for checkups and cleanings, and all the staff I’ve seen over the years is very up-​beat and skilled — from their veterans and appointment staff, to their youngest new employees or interns. This is an excellent place to take care of your teeth.

Revising my initial review. I’ve continued seeing Dr. Petrini in the past year and have been happy with the service. There have been a few mixups and he charges above-​average. However, I’m happy with the work he and his assistants have done and the time they’ve taken to answer my questions.
Unfortunately, he doesn’t do bonding anymore, so I may have to look for a new dentist for some needed rework, but otherwise, I’m happy.
4-​Stars.

Dr. Petrini is the best dentist I have ever been to. I hadn’t been to the dentist in a really long time and had a major problem earlier this year. He took X-​rays and was straight forward with what could happen and what he was going to try to do. With a few visits, I was not only «fixed», but there was no need to have a root canal because of his skill and precision. I was never in the waiting room longer than a few minutes and was always treated with respect. His staff are very good, you can tell they are a happy office.

After 37 years I finally learned how to brush my teeth. The right way. Since starting to go to Dr. Petrini and his crack team in June, I’ve probably spent more time brushing, flossing and caring for my teeth than I have in the past year.
May, the most amazing hygenist in the world, works with her patients to teach them proper brushing techniques. Then, she reviews on successive visits some of the tips, commends you on improvements and points out other areas where you still need work. Thanks to her I now have 2 different types of brushes at home along with floss, tape and stimudent. I actually follow along while she’s working on my teeth, holding a mirror up. Never before have I done that. I was so amazed at the results and the new brushing technique which maintains the results, that it instantly became part of my conversation with family and friends. We’ve done root planings in every quandrant in my mouth now — yes, one per visit, she’s that thorough. It makes me wonder what my prior dentists/​hygenists were doing in a 45minute run through.
Dr. Petrini is great, very friendly and honest. Grace at the front desk is also wonderful, making reminder calls pre-​appointment and even calling to check in on me one day after a root planing. Great service! Would give them even more stars if it were possible. Can’t wait to see them in December.

I survived 30 hours of natural labor during the birth of my daughter, but if I had my way, I’d go to the dentist under general anesthesia. I am horrified of dentists – all except Dr. Petrini! A year of Dr. Petrini and I love going to the dentist – even for root planings and cavities!
Not only is Dr. Petrini down to Earth, friendly, and good to your teeth, but he’s also incredibly gentle and lets you know what he’s going to do before he does it (in case you need to brace yourself).
He’s conveniently located at Sutter and Powell, and if you work in the Financial District, you can probably squeeze a cleaning in during a late or early lunch. And for hygenists, none is better on Earth than May. She’s done both cleaning and root planings on my teeth, and she always takes the time to show me pictures and x-​rays of my teeth, as well as demonstrating techniques that will help me take the best care of my teeth.