HUGE MONEY + INTEGRITY ISSUES!! I sought help from Dr. Chao because my dentist referred me to get a gum graft to solve tooth inflammation and pus. Dr. Chao said he could help me and that I was a candidate for the Pinhole treatment. I felt relieved and hopeful for my healing. Dr. Chao presented me an $16K treatment plan to get the Pinhole surgery which included a mandatory deep clean, Perio Protect trays, and occlusion device. He gave me a 50% discount and required that I pay everything upfront. It seemed like an odd way to do business, but he was confident in his ability to help me. He ordered the Perio Protect trays and occlusion device for the day of my deep clean. But unfortunately nothing went any further. His office did one deep clean and then Dr. Chao refused to move forward with the surgery. Nothing changed from our first session, so I have literally no idea why he suddenly couldn't treat me when he said that he could. I called multiple times to try and get clarity. When I did, he spent about 5 mins on the phone with me and kept referring me to see other specialists. I tried seeing these specialists (some who cleared me for the surgery), and Chao just kept sending me out to more. I had to hound down his office for over a month to try and get the right referral. He even sent me out to get a biopsy for cancer (I definitely don't have mouth cancer). He clearly no longer knew what was going on. Finally, I got fed up waiting and saw two periodontists. They both told me I my tooth needs to be surgically cleaned by a periodontist (a gum specialist who is licensed to perform surgery). Dr. Chao is not a periodontist. He's a general dentist. Which means he has severe limitations in treating anything beyond the basics. When I went back to Dr. Chao with the information from the periodontists, he offered me $2,700 for the surgery he never performed (a small fraction of my original $8K+ investment). I had to harass them for over a month to even get that back, and then they only sent $2,400! I came to find out later that some of his fees (even with the 50% "discount") were more than DOUBLE the industry standard. * $2,400 for a deep clean (industry standard = $1,200) * $1,750 for Perio Protect trays (with the 50% "discount") Industry standard = $650. * $350 for a bacteria test. The same test is $130 online. * $900 per tooth for the Pinhole. I was quoted $625 per tooth by a microsurgery periodontist. * $1,800 for occlusion device (I was quoted $1,200 by another dentist) Paying too much sucks, but the worst part was that Dr. Chao wasn't even able to help me and I'm fighting to get my money back. No medical practitioner should ever treat people who are seeking healing this way. The way he runs his business is everything that is wrong with the business or private medicine in this country. I HIGHLY SUGGEST THINKING TWICE BEFORE MIXING YOUR MONEY UP WITH DR. CHAO. After many months of searching, I ended up getting Regenerative Periodontal Endoscopy treatment instead. After 7 months of struggling for help (which Dr. Chao couldn't do), this procedure cleared my infection in one treatment. For those of us who don't want traditional gum grafting, I recommend finding a periodontist who does microsurgery. I found someone in my area who did that for me too. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't work with anyone who isn't using a microscope. There is a lot going on that can't be seen with basic magnification that most dentists use (including Dr. Chao's office). Gum recession is often a result of bone loss, which is often a result of occlusion. All of that needs to be worked on, not just lifting the gums up. As an added bonus - Dr. Chao makes patients sign a document stating they will not leave any online reviews - which is ILLEGAL in the state of California. Another red flag. I was able to get half my money back by filing a credit card dispute. After NUMEROUS emails and calls, posting BAD reviews everywhere, and filing a complaint with the Dental Board of California, Dr. Chao begrudgingly refunded me the rest, still taking zero responsibility for his actions. If anyone reading this has struggled with Dr. Chao, I highly recommend filing a complaint with the Dental Board of California too. I will say that the ladies in his office are very kind and warm. Joy, Meredith, Gia, Cynthia, and others were very caring to me. I give them my thanks. It's not their fault that Dr. Chao struggles with greed and runs a bad, unethical business. Dr. Chao - I am working to find it in my heart to forgive you for whatever happened in this life to create this greed in your spirit. I can only imagine what thta has really cost you in this life. And I say this - it's never too late to turn it around and let the real beauty of your heart be what guides you. read more

Alhambra Dental - Invoice from Dr. Chao - he grossly overcharges and then gives you a "discount" - still nearly double the price of anywhere else! - General Dentistry Near Me - Alhambra, California

在美国要找到一位从患者角度出发，有效沟通健康理念，提出行之有效方案的牙医是非常难得的。赵医生就是目前为止我认为最好的牙医！ 今年八月，我的下门牙在原来的越南裔牙医诊所照X光时，由于牙科助理的失误，差点被器械嗑断。之后近一个月的时间，我靠吃流食和漱口水等尽全力保牙并遍访各中西牙医诊所。结果令我大失所望。总结下来，西方牙医把责任都推给牙周炎造成的牙齿松动，说我必须进行全口植牙，甚至要拔掉现有的好牙齿。我问他们，如果解决牙周炎就是拔牙，牙医学院就改叫拔牙和植牙学院就好，一年就可以毕业，你还要学4-5年？！有个年轻医生甚至挑战说如果有牙医可以保留门牙并治疗我的牙周炎，要签名承诺。真是狂妄至极！华裔医生比较实际，主打一个成本和应用技术是否过关。看似为我着想，实则不愿给我个可行性计划或者根本就拿不出方案。最后，我借助谷歌和度娘，终于找到了赵医生。他艺高胆大，谦逊务实，立刻通过3D和MRI照影结果做出判断并提出方案，分析哪些是我该改正的坏习惯vs非人为因素，哪些是牙医可以采取的补救措施和步骤，哪些是跟进的术后干预，条理清楚，简明易懂。接下来的深度清洁、重新种回（我原本的门牙）、以及纠正牙套（夜间）一气呵成。 目前，满口的原产牙齿仍在继续为我服务着, 我和牙科诊所也在尽力地保养着这些卫士们... read more

Been coming here since 2016, I had 2 pinhole surgeries for gum recession. Dr. Chao is the best dentist I have ever had, truly an expert in his field. Peggy, my hygienist, is just the best - warm, friendly, thorough and skilled. The front desk great - caring, friendly, and Joy is quite funny! I would absolutely recommend Alhambra Dental to anyone who is dealing with gum recession, I will continue to come see them as long as I can! read more

I absolutely love this dental facility! Everyone is like family. They're kind, thoughtful and professional. I've been going for about a year now in preparation for the pinhole gum recession technique. I feel so fortunate to live near the founder of this technique. I tried gum graft but it didn't last. I'm only 6 weeks post procedure but so far so wonderful! I almost got cold feet on the day reading those mandatory worst case scenario disclosures but Dr. Chao say with me and calmed my anxiety. In fact, I was easily soothed and was ready to proceed but he insisted on explaining in further detail by drawing a diagram of the process etc. It wasn't painful AT ALL. If you're looking for a dentist for any service I as you can see I highly recommend Dr. Chao and everyone at Alhambra Dental. read more

Alhambra Dental - Before and after. - General Dentistry Near Me - Alhambra, California

Dr Chao and staff are the nicest people. I have been a patient for almost 50 years. I drive over an hour for my appointments and wouldn't go anywhere else. Once you find trustworthy people, why look for replacement. read more

Had Pinhole Technique this past December (19 Teeth) - So grateful I did. My gums are thicccccc like my thighs (jk) but in all seriousness, the staff and Dr. Chao are experts in the game. With minimal pain and great results AND after meeting with (2) other periodontists who do the traditional cut and graph technique - hands down, PINHOLE :) Excited for the next 6 months and feeling lucky that the OG Dr. lives in California. read more

Alhambra dental group deserves more than five stars. I went in there the other day to have a procedure done to restabilize my front teeth and when the dentist showed me my x-ray that I had New bone growth from following his simple directions, now I've been going to him for about 13 years and when I first went to him I had a very loose tooth in the bottom front and was told that I needed my teeth pulled , but Dr Chao said no we can just stabilize them and voila I was able to keep my teeth and have a beautiful smile that I have today. All of the staff are very knowledgeable caring and kind and I must say Joy is a real doll. Alhambra dental group goes above and beyond on air purifiers and UV sanitizers throughout the procedure rooms and waiting room and offices, And follow all covid 19 protocols. I recommend Alhambra dental group 100%. read more

My wife and I and my three kids have been coming here to see Doctor Chao for over 30 years. He is the best and the staff always go out of their way to accommodate us. He always has our best interest in mind and always discusses options and recommendations. I highly recommend to see Dr. Chao for your dentist needs. To Dr. Chao and the Staff have Great Holiday season and Thank You for all you do. read more

Alhambra Dental - Alhambra Dentist - General Dentistry Near Me - Alhambra, California

Found Dr Chao on the internet as I was looking for a solution for my receding gum on 5 of my lower teeth. I saw his videos on the pinhole technique he created and was very impressed by it. I told him my goal that I want to have all my teeth when I die of old age . I am in my late fifties. So pinhole was the first recommendation followed by yearly quarterly teeth cleaning . Went through the entire process for 5 of my lower teeth. I am super happy for the results. Gum healthy back again and bone mass has increased. Thanks to Dr Chao, I will not loose my teeth as my gum is back to normal. His staff is caring and his hygienist who does my regular teeth cleaning is skilled and wonderful. Dr Chao dental office deserves 5 star ******. read more

Alhambra Dental - Dr Chao with me a week ago 09.20.23 in front of his office after my check up and teeth cleaning. - General Dentistry Near Me - Alhambra, California

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I thank Dr. Chao for inventing The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation). Traditional gum grafting procedure is too invasive. I have had two Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation procedures done at Dr. Chao's office. The procedures went smoothly, and I had very little pain. The results are fantastic. In addition, Dr. Chao has an amazing team. They are professional, courteous, and always ready to help. read more

Dr. Chao is an amazing dentist. I came in to get some dental work done and what I really got was outstanding dental care that included my gum cleaning using updated technology, an amazing gum surgery for recession and the rest of my treatment that I needed. The staff are so friendly and helpful. Joy and Jeanette are excellent. I love Alhambra dental. read more

Thank you Dr. John Chao for all years of service, help, kindness. I have been continuously attending my appointments for 28 years. I highly recommend him. read more

I happen to find Dr. Chao out of luck! I was going to another dentist which I felt wasn't helping me as much. I was recommended to see Dr. Chao by a friend. When I came to see Dr.Chao he addressed my issues fixed my cavity and I was extremely happy with the care I got. My cleanings are great with Gia the hygienist. The staff is amazing. They are so friendly and they are like family to me Joy, Jeanette and Deanna. I recommend Dr. Chao to everyone! read more

Friendly staff and knowledgeable Doctor. Facility clean and comfortable. Doctor has a calming demeanor. Will recommend.

My gums were receding a few years back, and I got the graft surgery. Recently, I needed some more recession surgery (different teeth), and I became aware that someone had invented with a less invasive way to fix the problem- our own Dr. Chao. I don't mean to heap scorn on my periodontist who did the graft surgery; he did the best job possible in the realm of grafting. Dr. Chao's pinhole technique is just superior in every way to grafting: - Grafting took 45-50 minutes. Pinhole took 8 minutes. - Grafting is more invasive, so you have to go on antibiotics, just in case. Pinhole is much less invasive (as the name suggests) so there's no need for antibiotics. - Grafting involves cutting. Pinhole does not, so no scalpel involved. - Grafting requires stitches, which need to be removed at a later appointment. Pinhole needs no stitches, so follow-ups are much easier. - Grafting involves about 2 days of bleeding in your mouth. For me, Pinhole involved no bleeding that I noticed at all. The pinhole was all but completely healed up within 24 hours. All that I experienced was some minor swelling for a day, which was expected. I didn't even need an Ibuprofen. Long story short, I could not recommend Dr. Chao highly enough for his innovative pinhole gum surgery. And besides, all the rest of the staff were friendly and professional, the office was clean and orderly, all the good stuff. read more

I wish I had read the previous reviewer's statement before going to see this dentist. Three years after their visit, next to nothing has changed. While I will say that the service is very friendly, the facilities clean and welcoming, and the dentist himself highly qualified, it's obvious that Alhambra Dental is essential a scam. They specialize in "cowards" and "painless treatment" not to make life easier for people with anxiety or a fear of needles or whatnot, but because these people are less likely to be confrontational about high costs and easier to railroad into unnecessary treatment. As far as I can tell, the order is the only thing that has changed since diamente d.'s 2008 visit. I had my x-rays taken on the first visit, at which point I was charged for my second appointment in advance. The second appointment, I got a cleaning. I went to see this dentist about a chipped tooth. My tooth has not been treated in any way. Instead, a week after the initial problem and $500 poorer -- and that price only after he discounted my visit by almost another $500, both him and the nurse making a big deal of what a discount I had scored by visiting the website -- he told me that I have a choice of options, ranging from $1200 to almost $4000 in order to fix this chipped tooth. I have no dental insurance at this point, and they've already scheduled me for two more appointments to deal with "gum infection" -- NOT the chipped tooth I initially came in about. At this point, it seems clear to me that the only smart thing to do is to see someone else. read more

Dr. Chao's practice and staff are absolutely the best, they make you feel very welcome. They are very informative, the best dentist I know of. I've had some bad luck with dentist up here in NW Washington, one dentist in White Rock I was seeing did great gold filling work, but never said anything about gum disease, had he been more concerned about gum disease than doing fillings, I might have saved so much distress over the last 15 years, I feel because I put my trust in this BC dentist, he also helped contribute to me having a heart attack in 2012, I've since learned gum health and heart disease are connected, apparently it's the same plaque. It's very unfortunate, but I can't go back, and would recommend to all, to get second and third opinions when it concerns your health, not all doctors and dentists are good, we put our blind trust into these folks, with sometimes very negative results. When you find someone that really knows and wants the best, then you stick with them. Dr. Chao and staff have saved my teeth and gum line. I recommend them to everyone I talk to about dental health, and also have a stack of their flyers on my counter at Horseshoe Coins & Antiques. I wish I would have known about Alhambra Dental Clinic 15 years ago. By the way, this dentist is the first dentist in my life, that has check my pocket depth and seemed to have gum health in high regard. Very highly recommended!! Thank you Alhambra Dental Clinic! Bill Becht Blaine, Wash. read more

Dr. Chao is a very caring and gentle dentist!!! My husband loves all the high tech dental equipment and Dr Chao is so progressive in treating our teeth!! The pinhole technique is the best ever!!! A lot better than the old way of treating gum recession! The staff is great too! read more

Dr. Chao and his staff are absolutely incredible at what they do. I have had gum grafts by other periodontists, and I can say without a doubt that Alhambra Dental is head and shoulders above all of them. You are getting state-of-the-art, cutting-edge treatment here. Dr. Chao is a pioneer in his field, and periodontists from all over the world come to HIM to learn about how to perform his Pinhole Surgery Technique. He is a true innovator. So far I've had the endoscope cleaning (where they look under your gum-line with a tiny camera, and get it squeaky clean), and the Pinhole Surgery. Both treatments were essentially pain-free and and completely changed the health (and look!) of my mouth. Thank you Dr. Chao and staff for saving my teeth! read more

I read the reviews, I TOTALLY DISAGREE with the negative comments. I've been going to Dr. John Chao's office for many years. From my very first visit unto the last, which was a few weeks ago, I have felt totally at home and with total confidence in Dr. Chao's expertise. When I first went, to my shame my teeth were not in very good condition. I tried my best to conceal my smiles, but since that first visit, unto the present, Dr. Chao has helped me to smile again. I'm AMAZED at what he has been able to do for me. Most recently Dr. Chao performed his "Pinhole" surgery on me. WOW! I always had problems with receding gums, and I thought there was no hope for me. But not now! The surgery was virtually painless. A little swelling the first day. By following the few basic steps the doctor gives you, you come away with gums back to where they were originally. Yes, Dr. Chao and his staff get my 5 STARS! Thanks Dr. Chao for all you have done for me! BTW, Joy and those who work around her are AWESOME, too. You are always greeted with a friendly and warm greeting. read more

This dentist, is a good dentist. However, the practice gets 1 star from me. They are very high pressured sales. They just don't know how to take "no" for an answer. They use scare tactics to bring back their customers. They also prefer to provide the most expensive treatments. I think they are in the business to help their pocketbooks and not the patients. Let me just give you one example. With the economy in the as it is, I haven't been able to afford the dentist, so therefore have not responded to their phone calls. I just received an email from them telling me that I should come in to avoid things like oral cancer. I'm officially switching dentist. By the way, he over charges, about 100% more than what the average dentist charges. read more

I have been going to this dentist for years. It is the only dentist I will go to. They are incredibly thorough, clean and efficient. The office is always spotless and the nursing and administrative staff is amazing. Even though I have to drive far, I will always continue going to this dentist and when I have kids I will take them there too. read more

Dr. Chao and his staff are amazing. For many years i was terrified of going to the dentist. I read about Dr. Chao and how he caters to "chickens", (and yes that's me, im a big chicken), and i decided to check it out. I am so amazed at how painless everything has been. My first visit i was so nervous i was literally shaking, but they soon made me feel very calm and relaxed. I told Dr. Chao how terrified i was, he was very understanding and gentle and assured me i would be ok and woudn't feel pain. All the staff as well was very caring and understanding. Oh and by the way, im afraid of needles, and was so nervous of getting the anestesia shot, well, Dr. Chao himself did the shot, and i didn't even feel it, i just started feeling my lip numb and i asked him "you did the shot already? I didn't even feel it!". That's how good he is. The rest of the procedure was painless as well. I usually don't take the time to do reviews, but this is a big exception. Dr. Chao has greatly helped me overcome my fear of dentist, and at least in his hands i am not afraid anymore. I wish i would have come here sooner, im so happy i found Dr. Chao. So i'm spreading the news! Dr. Chao really is pain free. For any fellow "chickens" out there or anyone in general that wants comfortable and excellent quality dental work, i highly recomend Dr. Chao at Alhambra Dental. Thank you. read more

I went in for a consultation on Dr.Chow's famed pinhole technique and while I feel he is a competent dentist and that he would be able to fix my minor gum problem, I have a real problem with how he treats patients. After being there for an hour, I was then left in a chair for over 30 min, just sitting there after I told him I didn't want to discuss any other "potential" issues in my mouth but only the minor gum recession on 2 teeth. After that, he went from nice to pissy and said he couldn't give me a price without x-rays. Fine. After the x-rays I was abandoned so I got up and went to the front desk because I legitimately had to leave. The front desk girl tried to get me to go to the bathroom while she went in to talk to Chow...now I know why. He left me to take a call from a media outlet for an interview (clearly more important) and when she disrupted him he had a hissy fit. Literally a flat out screaming hissy fit and told her "if she has to go, let her go. Whatever". Okay Chow, I got it, you don't need my business. Then I was presented with a quote for $1,800/tooth when the range is $500-$1800 per tooth. Based on the fact that having this done is purely and truly elective for me as I don't need it YET I'm confused as to what would constitute the $500/tooth price. My opinion is that when he saw that I wasn't going to go for any extras and then I challenged him by leaving after being abandoned, he retaliated by charging me as much as possible. Guess what Chow? No dice. Just because I can pay for it doesn't mean I should or will. I think I will wait until someone else learns your technique and can perform it on me. Also, bag the hissy fits. No one cares that you're a doctor, this doesn't give you hissy freedom. What people do care about doing business with honest, nice, qualified people. read more

It really makes me wonder some of those negative review maybe "staged". It's been 1 year since I started to go to Dr.Chao. I see most of the patient are more mature than the other dentis around this area. I have sat in the office for 6hours of treatment saw few people came in for consultation. None of what I saw reflect the negative review that I see here. But then again I am not all the time. I can only speak from my own experience and observation. Frankly for any medical provider, yelp is not the best place to get the review. However I don't think those negative review really reflect of my own personal observation of his practice. So here goes my experience with this office. - USC dentistry has its reputations of Excellency and that is the fact. - Is the treatment offered expensive? YES - Is Dr Chao more expensive than others? NO - Does he offer other treatment which is cheaper so insurance will cover? YES - Does he recommend the best treatment for you? YES Some of the comment talk about the sales - my treatment was way more than what I wanted to pay for sure. I am just average income person. They never pressured me. They just offered the option. I am really glad he told me the truth about insurance driven treatment vs best treatment for me. I have spent more than 7years by other dentist telling me how my gum pocket was deep and needed to improve my cleaning habit , go through painful deep cleaning and gum grafting. I finally found out the reason why, insurance will pay for treatment. But was that the best option for me? NO - I wasted all these years thinking because insurance will cover and endured painful treatment and uncertainty of my situation. After 1 visit with Dr.Chao, I realized my previous dentist was not on my side. And if I do not take charge of my own, I may not have my teeth when I am older. So I started the treatment with Dr Chao. Was the money worth it? Every penny. Every situation is different, we are what we eat and teeth are important to me. I only have 1 body. I want the best for my case so I am making the choice of best treatment and this office has been nothing but honest and clear what is available for me with or without insurance. read more

Dr Chao and his staff is the best dental team I ever encountered! Dr Chao's pinhole gum rejuvenation technique is awesome. I am very glad he did the surgery for me. read more

I've been coming to Dr. Chao for over 40 years. I drive a long way, since there is no else I trust with my dental care. He is an early adopter of the latest equipment and techniques, which is beneficial to his patients care. I appreciate the amount of experience he brings to his practice and my teeth are thankful too! read more