Ho James DMD : Endodontic Care Center

Edit a week after: after the horrible experience, I was referred to Dr. Nealon at North Hill Endodontics. It was a completely different and great experience.
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I have seen Dr James Ho a handful of times because my general dentist referred me there. I DO NOT recommend him to anyone. I have a long list of why, here are a few of them:
1) I had a infected tooth, sent to him for an evaluation. He proposed a treatment plan of redo my root canal, cleaning a bigger area, putting in medication for root infection for 2-3 weeks, after getting rid of the infection on the root, I come back to seal it up.multiple appointments, he charged $2800. I thought it is reasonable since it is multiple appointment and treatment.

After I was charged the whole amount at my first appointment, he first didn’t show up at my morning appointment since “his car broke down, so he can not get here”. At my second appointment, He apologized for missing the first appointment, and took 45 mins to redo the root canal, and sealed everything up and let me go.

I later questioned multiple times: that was not the treatment plan we agreed upon. They just dismissed it saying the doctor was the one making judgement call. He didn’t think medicine treating the root was necessary at the time he opened it up.

But the facts were: When I was on the dental chair, no one informed me the change from the agreed plan. And my root was infected again after 6 month. Treatment failed. The whole amount of $2800 was never adjusted to reflect the change in treatment.

2) when I had a second infection, he was the last one who treated it. I called his office, and was told he didn’t need to see me, and sent me to get a tooth extraction. I had a big bump on the root with pain, first time that happened. I was NOT comfortable without anyone taking a look, “just get an extraction”.

3) during one of the treatments, his anesthesia on the nerve did not work (missed the nerve?), when I showed sign of pain when he worked on the tooth, he literally pocked the big needle 7 times into my gum around that tooth, it was really bad and painful. After the treatment, it took a long time for my honey comb gum to heal.

4) more than once I witnessed him yelling at his staff members.

I hope I have given you a taste of what was like to be a patient with DR JAMES HO. I don’t feel he has patient’s well being as a priority.

Dr. Ho is such a wonderful doctor. He healed my painful tooth that had undergone terrible root canal treatment in Japan, just once. After that, no pain at all. We use state-of-the-art equipment to check your teeth before and after treatment. Even after returning home, Dr. Ho himself contacted me saying, "How are your teeth after that? " I have never seen such a wonderful doctor. I will be returning to Japan soon, but Dr. Ho is such a wonderful doctor that if I ever have another toothache, I would like to get on an airplane and see Dr. Ho.

I've been going to my dentist in Oakland for 25 years and was found in need of a root canal and was refered by him to Doctor James Ho, Entodontic Care Center in Berkeley.
Having had a root canal 10-12 years ago as I did was a nightmare and needless to say I was very anxious about a repeat performance of the procedure as I remember it.
From the very first visit to Doctor Ho's office I was treated with kindness, respect, and patience by his most kind efficient staff.
On the day of the procedure I went in as a wreck and explained to Doctor Ho that this was something that wasn't coming easy to me and I was on edge to say the least. I was very nervous.
Doctor Ho and the kind lady who assisted him made the entire procedure absolutly pain free. I didn't even feel the numbing shot given to reduce pain before the actual root canal. After he was finished Doctor Ho asked me if I fell asleep and I answered truthfully that I think I did.
Doctor Ho and his staff come highly recommended by me and if another root canal is in my future I most certainly know where to go without question.
Doctor James Ho
Entodonic Care Center in Berkeley

I've always been afraid of root canals based on other's descriptions of the procedure. Let me tell you, if you need a root canal, Dr. Ho is the place to go. I almost fell asleep halfway through my procedure. The experience was fast and pleasant. Dr. Ho and his staff clearly care about his patients. I was offered a pillow for my neck, a jaw support during my procedure, and vaseline to keep my lips from drying out. I came based on a referral from my dentist and ended up having an out of network charge but it was worth it considering how smoothly everything went.

Dr. Ho is top-notch. "STELLAR" at his job. The best of the best. Professional, skilled and so highly competent, took away my horrible tooth infection pain. Sharp, smart as a whip. Warm in a quiet way, caring and calls post-surgery to see how I was doing. Who does that these days? !
He will not allow a patient to stay in pain!
He is the best and anyone who thinks otherwise is foolish.

Getting a root canal is no ones idea of fun but always is necessary. When I learned I needed one Dr. Ho was who my primary dentist recommended. I am so glad that this is where I had the procedure done. From my consultation to the treatment Dr. Ho and his staff were great. He explained everything to me and at no time did I feel rushed. As for his work it was virtually painless and my comfort was primary throughout. I would highly recommend this practice. I worked for over thirty five years in this field and know an excellent practioner.