Lake Placid Dental - Dr Mara Mariani

I have been coming here for a couple of years and it has always been a great experience. The staff is and has been kind. I have to say, unlike the last review, definitely not pushy. I trust their professional opinion, and feel heard with the concerns I have raised.

Lake Placid Dental is an excellent practice. The office is modern and extremely clean. The new Adirondack-themed pictures in the rooms are a great touch and make the space feel welcoming and comfortable.

One thing I really appreciate is that there are no more unsterile curtains in the operatories. The rooms feel open, bright, and much more professional. With the recent transition in staff, it’s clear that things are continuing to improve and move in a very positive direction. The practice also used modern technology and offered convenient same-day crowns, which was a huge plus for me at my visit today.

I appreciate the emphasis on comprehensive treatment plans with Dr.Mariani. This approach provided greater continuity and clarity compared to the more piecemeal care (single tooth patch work dentistry) that I have seen previously. Dr. Marini is polite and personable, and clearly explains treatment options, including the associated risks and benefits, helping patients feel informed and comfortable.

I’m not someone who writes reviews unless an experience is truly worth sharing. Unlike some who may focus on minor issues or seek discounts or validation, I felt compelled to highlight the excellent care I received. The only minor point was that the waiting room could be a bit warmer, but I was kindly told they are already working on a new unit for that area.

Overall, Lake Placid Dental feels updated, clean, and very patient-focused. Highly recommend!

Dr. Mariani and her staff are excellent! The office is modern, meticulously clean, and beautifully updated, and the entire team is friendly, professional, and attentive.
Dr. Mariani has been my dentist and is gentle, thorough, and excellent at explaining every step of care. She creates a calm, reassuring environment.
My mother has significant dental anxiety, and when her tooth chipped while visiting Lake Placid, Dr. Mariani took exceptional care of her. My mother was more at ease than she has ever been in a dentist’s chair and is now willing to travel from Buffalo just to continue seeing her.
Some people may be resistant to change, but based on my experience, the quality of care and professionalism here are outstanding. I highly recommend this practice.

Very knowledgeable staff with a warm and kind approach. Made me feel very comfortable in their care. Highly recommend!

Even though they are short staffed, I was able to get in for a cleaning with Josie who was kind and professional. Dr Mariani was incredibly knowledgeable and provided short and long term options for services they could provide. Kudos to the officer staff who were welcoming and helpful.

Unfortunately, the stars on this practice come from the previous owner Dr Balestrini. Super nice guy, super staff. He sold the practice around early to mid 2025. Be aware as you read the reviews of the dates on them. I would not recommend the new administration. They do not listen and are extremely pushy. It is cold ( figuratively and literally ) Do not go here. You will find out. I had to give a star to get posted but my score is zero.

First, I want to say Dr. Mariano is an excellent dentist! She takes time to explain everything that she is doing!! Makes for less anxiety!
However, the practice has changed and not for the good. I understand they are having issues with getting hygienists. But when a June appointment was canceled due to only one hygienist I expected another appointment would be made. Never Hurd from them. When I called myself to try and make an appointment I was told i couldn’t get an appointment until January. I became upset and told them that was unacceptable. So I told them I would go elsewhere.
Now today I called to check on when my husband’s appointment was and was told that they cancelled his appointment because of me saying the long wait was unacceptable!!
It’s too bad Dr. Ballistrini practice has come to this so soon after his retirement!!

While in Lake Placid for a lacrosse tournament, a molar that had been giving me pain for months finally cracked. My own dentist had retired, and I couldn't get seen at home in the Hudson Valley until September — this was July. On a whim, I called Dr. Mara Mariana’s office, frustrated and desperate. Despite being fully booked, they got me in within 24 hours.

Dr. Mariana was kind, professional, and hands-down the best dentist I’ve seen in my 53 years. She quickly assessed the situation, explained my options clearly, and performed a painless extraction — all within 20 minutes. I made it to my son’s game an hour later, and days later I’m still pain-free for the first time in months.

Her staff was equally wonderful — compassionate and helpful. Her assistant even recommended a local historic bridge and swimming hole that became a surprise highlight of our trip. I never thought a dental visit would be one of the best parts of our short stay in Lake Placid, but it absolutely was. I’d drive 3.5 hours to see her again if I could!

First visit since the changeover. Not impressed. Very rushed cleaning, not a very friendly hygienist, doctors were both off on a Wednesday, in and out the door in 25 minutes and had xrays done too. Booking a year out for next cleaning.

Everyone was nice and friendly they took you right in most of the time it was done quick they were friendly on the way out and I liked all of them