Lee David DDS, Family Dentistry

The dental assistants and front desk staff are great. Unfortunately this does not make up for Dr. Lee himself. He barely communicates with you, is in a rush to get to the next patient and is VERY very rough.
I’ve had a root canal before but never experienced pain like this following one. He seemed to rush through it without thought to how it would feel after. When I called later the woman was condescending and advised I stick to a liquid diet and take some Motrin.
Also wasn’t told until after the root canal that a crown wouldn’t be covered and I could discuss payment options at the front desk.
I do not plan on ever going back. It’s a shame because everyone else there seemed so nice, but that traumatizing experience has left me in pain and sad.

So this feels like I have to review two different Dental practices. And leave a rating that reflects the average between the two. Unfortunately I cannot leave a 2.5 star rating, and I definitely do not feel like giving them the benefit of the discrepancy.
I was recently visiting my son in Redding when I broke my rear upper molar, exposing the root. Excruciating pain! I reached Dr. Lee's office Tuesday morning. Amazing! The receptionist was so sympathetic and kind, and I was so relieved when she informed me that they could fit me in at 10:00am, they'd had a cancellation! When I arrived, she walked me through the paperwork. And, since I am disabled, she even provided me with paperwork to submit for help with fuel costs. Impressed! X-ray done right away. Then Dr. Lee entered. He was very brusk. Although he did atleast state the obvious, that I probably wanted to save the front teeth that needed work. At any rate, I was thrilled the offending tooth would be extracted the next morning, and my front teeth would finally be repaired!!
Day TWO: WTF? I was taken back. The assistant swabbed my cheek, the gum around the molar... In came LEE. And sank that needle very hard, right into the roof of my mouth damn near into the molar!! The sound I made was not voluntary, but it didn't make him any gentler. He proceeded to get rougher. And, though I tried to be quiet when he commanded that I " Stop that!", The continual harsh manner of his shot administration was horrible!! He actually, after I'm pretty sure he'd already injected all the medication, said, "I think I should stop and you need to go somewhere else." I told him he'd better be joking since he was now done with the shots. I was already getting numb, and he needed to yank the damn tooth. He did! I was relieved! I went to the front desk to see when we could schedule the next appointment to start the rest of the work and was told the doctor won't do the work. I need to find a dentist who will sedate me because I am difficult and uncooperative.
Two days later, although I followed instructions very carefully, the side of my face swelled up and it was purple. It looked like General Lee had braced his heel against my jaw!!
I seriously hope noone EVER takes their poor children to this guy! Now I remember why it's been so long since I've been to the dentist!! Because the last guy was also a sadistic jerk!

The lady at the front desk Is efficient, cheerful, and pleasant. The tech and dentist are quick and kind. My experiences there have always been painless and enjoyable.

i am incredibly disappointed after calling into dr. lee’s office. i cracked a molar a few weeks ago, and am in excruciating pain. i was calling around to different offices to see if there is anyone who could see me, and ended up calling this office. the receptionist was incredibly rude, talked over me the whole time and cut me off multiple times. i’ve never experienced such rude customer service over the phone. i am incredibly understanding of offices not having availability, but she wouldn’t even let me get two words in. she was condescending and told me that “we only accept walk-ins for existing patients, and you aren’t one.” and that “if it really is an emergency, you can wait until tomorrow.” (i never asked for a walk-in appointment, only inquired on their availability).
i could have been a paying patient, but after this experience i would never want to book an appointment here :( really sad. i never leave poor reviews, but cannot believe how i was spoken to just now. especially when you are in obvious pain, it felt so disheartening to be treated that way.
at the beginning i was asked what insurance i have, which currently i am self pay, and she scoffed at me telling me i would have to pay $1500 or get it removed. no compassion or kindness.

please be kind. you never know what someone else is going through.

Everyone at Dr. Lees is very kind and helpful .. Dr. Lee does an excellent job on my son's teeth and it doesn't take three visits to do one tooth as it does at western dental . Thank you very much everyone at Dr. Lees.

Its was my first time in Dr. Lee's office. The front office Ladys were very pleasant and friendly and professional made me feel very comfortable in Dr. Lee's office. The dental assistant was also very friendly and professional made me feel at ease in the dental chair. I would recommend Dr.Lee office to any one looking for a new Dentist. Thank you Dr.Lee.

I was put on a years waiting list to finish my root canal, from Shasta community dentist. (After they did open and med)
I was recommended Lee David's office. The first appointment of filling out paperwork and x-rays, they took me in immediately. They finished my root canal in 10 minutes tops, and I have a crown on the way.
After my horrible experience with shasta community dentist , I cannot express how greatful I am that they took me in and finished the job. The staff is great they are friendly and professional, you can tell they actually enjoy doing their job. This office is clean, it smells great, the way it's decorated gives you a comforting feeling. They had me in and out within the hour. I would recommend this dentist to everyone in Redding.

Super nice staff, except when it came to my procedure. I wasn't getting numb, so they gave me more shots and ask if I'm on any medication (I'm not) or if I have ever had anxiety (I haven't, not at the dentist anyway). About 15 min, still not getting numb. Dr. Lee says he can give me one more shot, I'm fine with that. Another 15 minutes and my tongue is beginning to feel tingly, so i say I think it's working. He grabs a drill and slams it harshly into my tooth. I feel everything, and tell him. He says he can't do anything for me at this time, and when I come back to not to be on and medication (I WASN'T) and also to not have any anxiety (good luck with that now).

Oh and also he shoved something into the freshly widened hole into my tooth, which hurt a lot. I winced and he says "How did THAT hurt?" I don't know dude, you're the dentist.

I've been to a few dentists over the years, but Ive never been treated like a liar/junkie. I won't be coming back, sorry Dr. Lee.

I need work done on my teeth but don't live in reading anymore. I must say that doctor Lee was so fast and efficient working on my teeth I would go back to Redding just to have him do the work. It's just like getting haircut buy a great Barber, fast and efficient. looks great.!!! Nobody wants to sit in the dentist chair with their mouth open getting grounded for any period of time so faster so better and very efficient.

Horror stories about root canals? ....
NOT with this dentist. I have now had 2 root canals by Dr. Lee and have had less discomfort with a root canal procedure than a simple filling. Great work, prompt, courteous and always professional.