This place is terrible. Thankfully I had a bad feeling about them and found someone else. I took my teen daughter in may 9 for a consultation to have her wisdom teeth removed as we were referred by her ped. Dentist. I received a bill 8/11 for $223 for the consult. No one called let me know how much they billed $366 for the consult, and on top of that the office doesn't have a scale but they put people under (apparently they just take your word for your weight) my teen doesn't weigh herself and they asked me to estimate. I was 25 pounds off. The doc wasn't reassuring and now my kid is unrealistically afraid of the surgery and no one ever called me to let me know how much the surgery would be or when we could get her on the schedule. I was hoping she could have her wisdom teeth removed over the summer but now I have to start all over with another office. I'm glad this place thinks so highly of themselves. As a parent, I can't charge them for my time but I sure can protect my kids from them. After reading some terrible reviews, I'm just lucky I felt all the bad vibes before something much worse happened. read more

My daughter and I both had appointments for evaluation. When the receptionist asked my name, first she said she didn't have any appointment for me, even though my chart seemed to be the one on top of her stack. Then she told me she had no appointment for my daughter even though her orthodontist had sent the referral over which I confirmed when I made our dual appointments. The waiting room was completely filled which means they were running behind and did not care about inconveniencing their patients. We are all busy and should not tolerate people or businesses disrespectful to their patients/customers by not seeing them on time. Disaster! read more

Unfortunately , as someone who has state provided dental coverage, and being referred here for an extraction I was told when I called that they don't accept the insurance unless it's to extract more than one, when I asked "so, two?" the woman responded "full mouth extraction only" While I've not met the staff here, I will state that I find that to be very unprofessional. If you accept the coverage to extract ALL of the teeth, why wouldn't they accept it for ONE tooth. Sadly disappointed in this policy from an oral surgeon. read more

Okay.. so far.. I'm completely ambivalent.. so three stars right now because I just don't know how else to even feel. Late January I got what I thought was an abscess in my mouth, ignored it and the pain got worse, google images told me I had an impacted wisdom tooth.. as I was trying to make an appointment elsewhere my mom made my appointment here, Originally, I didn't see any negative reviews and went with it. My appointment to be seen was a couple days in, went, painless and easy while I'm literally shaking due to my fears, dr elder was nice, the younger dude who took my xrays was super nice, I felt ok about the decision for surgery made I was thrown this giant bill and was told I'd need tO have aLl of it ready the day of surgery in less than a week, So say the least due to personaL reasons, I wasn't and had a super awful couple days right before and ended up missing my appointment They called my mother and she rescheduled Honestly, I don't remember literally anything from the day of surgery Absolutely f**king nothing I was given no information on what exactly was done No info on care or what todo next Nothing This was done Friday morning I've cried six times since Friday morning Now being late night Sunday, I still can't open my mouth, half my face is beyond swollen, In literally so much pain, have no idea what todo or how to take care of this I had this weird feeling like something was moving, I move my tongue slightly and feeel something loose in my mouth- disgusted I spit it and look to see- my stitches.. at first the swelling went down and the pain went from a everywhere feeling to a small localized area,, I was excited for about 3 minutes Very quickly my jaw is throbbing, I can't open my mouth again, blood, stabbing pains randomly deep in my jaw, neck is swollen.. Not only am I traumatized from this experience but I know this is just the beginning of what I'm assuming too be hell- I'm going to just show up first thing In the morning and demand to be seen but I literally am just speechless about how to even feel about this- let alone do I ever waNt to go to the dentist again. Not too happy this is my experience after avoiding the dentist for six years. Too be continued.. read more

See all

Dr. Elder and staff need to brush up on their sterile field protocol. I chose to be sedated for an implant procedure and as Dr. Elder set up the IV his assistant used ungloved hands to place surgical tape over the IV site on my arm. Not cool and hardly a way to instill confidence just prior to going under. Another aspect of this practice is the policy of collecting all fees prior to the procedures being performed. As a healthcare professional I understand being clear up front about expectations and payment, but presuming someone won't pay post-procedure is off- putting. read more

They were very caring and gave us more information then other office when dealing with getting dentures or implants or how to combine them .

Wow. I was in pain and financial strife and this office put up with my bad attitude and fixed my face. I can't thank you enough. I was terrified to even walk thru the door. They instilled trust and followed thru with an expert treatment.. read more

Went in for my wisdom teeth extraction yesterday. Everyone in the front office was super helpful and welcoming. I wish I could remember the name of the Surgeon that worked on me. I want to say his name was Dr. O? Point is. The one thing I do remember. He was really supportive. And talked me through the procedure. And he was very personable. As a person who absolutely HATES the dentist. These guys know what they're doing. And they do it well. read more

I had my one and only dental implant done by Dr. Elder. Everything went very well, I had no pain. Office personal were professional and explained everything I needed to know. I read some of the other reviews and am appalled that Dr. Elder's office gets blamed for insurance issues. Blame the insurance company they are the one that makes it difficult. read more

My daughter had 4 wisdom teeth pulled a few days back. removal of teeth went well, but my daughter (17) was very nervous and crying before the procedure. The nurses and doctor showed no sympathy, had no kind words or anything to calm her nerves. All they could say, is to be quiet to make it easier on them :( I will not get my teeth implants at this place for sure! read more

Both my husband and I have had dental surgery (extractions and implants) performed by Dr. Elder over the years, and he's always done a wonderful job. When my daughter needed her wisdom teeth removed, I insisted she see Dr. Elder even though we have moved about an hour away from Novato. She is now almost a month past surgery and is feeling fine. In the early days post-surgery, she had some concerns about (normal) pain and Dr. Elder was always there to guide her and put us all at ease. Great doctor and overall good guy. read more

****Please note I was under anesthesia when I wrote this review. Sorry for the misspellings. I will leave them because it shows you that despite waking up mid-anesthesia and surgery and experiencing teeth being removed awake he was still a cool dental surgeon. ***** Original Review: Opened early for me...6:20 asap appointment. Didn't stress me out even when I failed to respond to the knock out I've meds and I got to beat witness to 2-3 teeth removed then replaced with screws and a few biopsies done. He sent me with the right meds and worked with me when I explained the antibiotic made me sick. I am still in chair post op ... tells you it is simple! read more

This office is unethical. I was told by Delta Care Insurance and my Kaiser Dentist that Dr Elder was part of the Delta Care network and that my implant would cost $775. After fasting for 12 hours and arriving at Dr. Elder's office at 8 am for the surgery , I was told that they do accept my insurance for everything BUT implants. When I asked why they didn't disclose this during my pre-op visit the office manager apologized. I told her I was 75, had no income and the extra $1200 they were charging me was unconscionable. Especially in Novato where at least 1/2 their patients are Kaiser members, there is no excuse for their not pointing this out. They obviously just don't care about anything but money. read more

I was referred to dr Elder to have my wisdom teeth extracted. When I went for my initial consult, I did not get to meet dr Elder. A different staff member did my exam and looked at my X-ray. I was nervous about going back and having a surgery performed by someone I never met. So I read reviews online. Felt better. When I got there for the big day, there were many rewards and certificates on the wall for Dr Elder. So I felt better. I read them all carefully. When the dr came in, it was not dr Elder. He hurriedly introduced himself, I told him I was nervous, he said "I'm not." Showed me my x-ray and told me my nerves could be damaged. Told me I will be very very swollen, more than I can imagine. Put the mask on me and I was out. When I woke up I was SOBBING. The nurse was rubbing my face and saying wake up. She brought a wheel chair in and said get in, you can leave now. I couldn't open my eyes, or speak, or feel my legs. There was no way I was getting in the wheel chair. My husband carried me since they were rushing me out. The days that followed, I was more swollen than I could've imagined. And I had Trismus (lock jaw) I could not open my mouth for 2 weeks. 2 weeks post op I saw my regular dentist and he said I was not healing well. I had more swelling than normal. And the numbness in my tongue never went away. 3 months later, my tongue is still numb. I called today and talked to dr Riley who did my surgery. He said another surgery could possibly fix the numbness, but might not. I have nerve damage. There is no information about Dr Riley online, nothing on the walls in the office, and his name is not posted anywhere. That really freaks me out. read more

Mahr Elder, DDS MD - This is the swelling after my wisdom teeth extraction, and my normal face. - Oral Surgeons Near Me - Novato, California

See all

I had wisdom teeth extracted two months ago. One of them was impacted and I was scared how it would go. I left with a numb face but minimal pain after the numbness wore off. Dr. Elder was very helpful with explaining the aftercare and I had no problems at all. Everybody was very clean and professional. I would definitely go to him again. read more

Both my Son and I have been seen by this office and would totally recommend this Doctor! He is very friendly and kind with no pressure. The office staff helps with a discount if there is one available. The Doctor was amazing! I had to have a tooth pulled and he was gentle and talked me through it and was very patient and understanding! The only thing I was surprised about was during the wait for my Son's wisdom teeth removal there were two of the office Associates complaining about office politics. Something about an Associate not doing enough work and then about scheduling and then about Diana and Jessie and overnighting things. But other then the rather loud convo about things my Son and I did not care about the Doc is amazing! I would love to give 5 stars to the Doc but had to knock one off for the office convo at 6:20am! read more

Mahr Elder, DDS MD - A simple sterile room equipped with the proper tools. Most important! - Oral Surgeons Near Me - Novato, California

Okay 5 stars for dr elder and the staff that helped me for my 4 impacted wisdom teeth removal. Was so nervous going in but everything was quick and painless (I was put to sleep). I was in and out pretty quickly. The recovery sucks but I mean I just had 4 teeth removed from my jaw so I was expecting that. The only thing I was a little disappointed in was nobody informed my mom (driver) if they followed through with extra steps (wisdom teeth into sinuses or not). Would have liked to known how bad they really were impacted from what was talked about at the consultation. She didn't even see the guy. He was gone before they had her come back to get me. This review is more for the front desk. Through my whole process, every interaction with them was rude. From setting up my consultation, my consultation, the day of procedure, and the follow up call. Rude rude rude! It doesn't help when someone already has anxiety about getting wisdom teeth removed. It's not hard to be nice, or even smile. I mean, you are representing the drs in the other room. You are on the clock and getting a check. The whole vibe in the reception area is horrible. I expect better from such a great oral surgeons office. They act like you're a burden on them. It's ridiculous. Get nicer receptionists. read more

I would not recommend this dentist office. I took my daughter in January to them for a wisdom teeth consultation. Our dental insurance approved coverage for the bottom teeth only. The dentist refused to remove ONLY the bottom wisdom teeth when we stated we couldn't afford to pay the balance of the ones our insurance was Lyn covering at this time. When I spoke to the staff they were downright RUDE when I said that it wasn't right to leave a child in pain with bleeding teeth because they wanted to take them all out at once. She said, "well that is just your opinion." Not professional at all. read more

Dr. Elder is an excellent dentist who saw me immediately for a virulent oral infection, even though I was a new patient & he was fully booked. He also made sure my infection was being treated in a timely manner & gave me medication that finally got the infection under control. I've been going to the dentist since I was a girl & have been treated by many dentists throughout my life. I also write for a dental website, DrBicuspid.com, so I have an informed personal & professional opinion about Dr. Elder's competence. He's a wonderful dentist & a compassionate person. read more

I was very, very nervous to have a tooth implant done, since I'd never had oral surgery or anesthesia. When Dr. Elder saw me on the day of my surgery, he said "You're gonna do great," which immediately put me at ease. The nurse helping him was very kind and I felt comfortable. I asked him how soon the anesthesia would kick in, and next thing I knew the nurse was waking me up. That was amazing! I felt very relaxed after the procedure and was back to myself within the hour. It was a seamless procedure and I experienced only a bit of soreness that night and the next day, for which I took the prescribed Motrin. I feel grateful and relieved for Dr. Elder's professionalism. read more

Dr. Elder did a great job with my son's oral surgery. Well done.

Great doctor! Knowledgeable, caring, thorough, and skilled. Dr. Elder was recommended to me by a friend in the dentistry business. I am so grateful for the referral. My family has been going to his office for several years for extractions and implants. If you have any apprehension toward having your teeth worked on, he is very patient, and kind. He's happy to explain the dental procedure/process you're having done, whatever it takes to help you feel at ease. I've mostly had interaction with two gals at the front office, both have been helpful with scheduling, and billing. While I do have insurance, there are co-pays, and some costly. Dr. Elder's office has been kind enough to set up payment plans that work for our budget when an emergency extraction was needed. Wonderful office, compassionate, kind, and local! Love! read more

Somehow my original review got deleted. This was a few years ago, but everyone should beware when choosing this place to get wisdom teeth removed, or any procedures done for that matter. Never met the dr who was going to remove my teeth, thought at the consultation that would have happened, nope. I got there the day of my procedure, thank god they give you something to take the edge off before but I was absolutely terrified when I WOKE UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THEM REMOVING A TOOTH!!! This is so incredibly unprofessional, I still can't believe it happened. The bad experience didn't end there. I called because I was in extreme pain, after the pain should have subsided, and kept telling the lady I thought I had dry sockets or an infection. She said oh you'll be in pain for a while, ummm no not 2 weeks after. Reluctantly she scheduled an appointment for me to come in and get it checked out and all they did was flush the sockets with saline solution and sent me home with a syringe to do the same. I continued to have severe pain for a month + after and they did absolutely nothing to help. Had numbness up through my lip for a couple years after, I have finally got feeling back. I get this is a known thing that can happen but I do believe a good dr can avoid this. DO NOT GO HERE, they are the absolute worst. read more

Extremely professional staff . Easiest pain free tooth extraction So happy I did a little searching. You will not be disappointed with your care. Highly recommend Dr . Elder . read more

They were so great, they made me feel comfortable during my procedure. I have never been in better hands. I got put under anesthesia and apparently started to cry a little, one of them said he was wiping my tears as to not mess up my makeup. They were so sweet and joking with me the whole time to make me feel less nervous. I am so glad I got this place recommended to me and I urge you to go here. I even got a follow up phone call a couple of hours after my appointment. They're the best. read more

I had oral surgery on 1/14/2020. My experience here was the best one with an oral surgery in my ENTIRE life. I am 60 yrs of age. The ladies in the office were prompt courteous and very compassionate. The doctor was GREAT along with his assistants. I was put to sleep with Dr. Explaining each step that he was doing. I'm usually a person of high blood pressure along with high anxiety. I never experienced ANY of that while at my appointment. It has been 48 hrs and everything is coming along wonderful. A bit of swelling and soreness, far less than what I anticipated. I've had a few oral surgeries and lots of dental work. I am so pleased with my visit to Dr. Elders office. I would give 10 stars if available. I HIGHLY recommend this office and Dr to all looking for a GREAT experience for your oral surgery. Thank you so much Dr and staff. Sherrie Carpenter (a very satisfied customer) read more

My sister needed emergency work done because she had terrible tooth pain. Dr. Elder and his staff were phenomenal in getting her in immediately. They were kind and attentive to her needs and not to mention the precautions they took given COVID-19. They took care of her and gave us clear instructions on what was next. Dr. Elder, you and your staff ROCK!! read more

I live in Santa Rosa but was referred to this office for my daughter to get two wisdom teeth removed because they take MediCal. When I called the office and told the person my situation, she said that they only perform extractions if there are four teeth to be removed. I guess there is not enough money in just removing two teeth. I told her my daughter was experiencing some pain from the wisdom teeth coming in, but she did not care one bit. I don't blame the person on the phone, but the greedy oral surgeons. It's all about the money. read more

I was referred to this dental office by my new dentist, the consultation by an older gentleman was sub par. Wish I could remember his name. When I went in to have all of my remaining teeth extracted, at 30 years old, due to the teeth dying after an aggressive treatment for a different health issue, they were beyond nice. It was 5:50am and they opened the doors right at 5:50, the receptionist was super kind. I looked horrible, no concealer, bad acne break out(also a long term side effect of aggressive medications for other health issue) and half awake. She treated me so kind even though I looked like hell. I didn't feel judged for having all my teeth removed and how I looked. Being comfy was key. The staff was awesome, professional, no thumb fiddling. I was under anesthesia within 15 mins of walking in the front door. I barely remember Dr. Elder since the IV had been inserted and I was starting to feel the anesthesia kick in. He came in friendly and kind with a smile and that's all I remember. My husband was in the car and the receptionist brought me out in the wheelchair and told my husband all the important info. I was super loopy. My procedure took about 45 mins, a little less probably. I am healing, swollen, the pain is manageable. Overall, good quick visit. Would be 5 stars if the consultation had been better and the other fill in dentist for Dr. Elder hadn't been so rude. read more

I had 1 wisdom tooth extracted. I have a lot of anxiety in hospital settings and no one really explained to me when they started administrating the anesthesia. Everyone was just talking in a room around me. I wasn't really explained any discharge or post op information at all prior. Obviously after the surgery I was so out of it they weren't going to tell me then. I just remember being scared when I got knocked out and waking up sobbing in pain and being pushed out of my wheelchair into my car. The only time I've been put on anesthesia I was put into a post op room until I woke up. I feel like that was a lot less traumatizing. They definitely want to get you in and out as fast as possible. No complications so far really but it was not a great experience. I have to get 3 more removed and am looking into other offices to get them done that aren't going to kick me out of the office before I'm even awake fully. read more

I am so glad this is my last kid to go through this doctor or should I say office. I have had ok experiences with the other two kids however this one was HORRIBLE. They have always been a bit rude and abrupt but this experience has been way worse. Dr. Elder has brought on another doctor and I don't know if this is the reason things have gone down hill. My son had his wisdom teeth taken out and we went back for the 1 week follow up the man who looked at his teeth (not the doctor) said it was all closed up and that he didn't need to squirt out any food as it all was fine. I pressed him on this as both my other kids got the squirt thing to clean out the pockets, he insisted that it would do no good. WELL THAT WAS A LIE and 4 weeks later here we go with infection and puss coming out putting him in lots of pain right before going back to college. They got my son in right away but the other doctor he has in his place was abrupt and rude in her examination and worst yet told us that he did get a squirt thing to use. Well he did not and the man who examined him LIED and put in his file that he did! THAT IS NOT OK you can not lie on a medical form saying you did something you did not do!!!! HORRIBLE!!!! I will NEVER go back to his office again. read more

The dentist of my daughter found Odontoma in my daughter's x-ray (she fell into hysterics in front of me about how dangerous it could be), in addition to this, of course it showed that wisdom teeth had already formed in my 14 year old daughter's mouth. And she also made a scene about how dangerous this could be as well, because they are coming in at an angle, and that we right now, right this moment, immediately need to run to her friend Dr. Elder, the best orthodontist in Novato, in her words, who's very busy, and we probably could not get an appointment to him soon, because that's how busy he is. She scared me to death about that Odontoma, and said that a new tooth could grow out and push out permanent teeth, and of course I don't want this to happen to my daughter. I felt that it was a type of con, to scare us and make us go to him, and I told her that we could get these wisdom teeth out at any age till my daughter turns 20, and we have time. When she understood that she didn't convince us enough to go to Dr. Elder about wisdom teeth, she tried to scare us with Odontoma, and she convinced us that we should at least go to a consultation and check out this Odontoma with him. And we were like, "Okay, we will go have a consultation about this Odontoma." We called the next day to make an appointment for the consultation about Odontoma, and it just so happened he wasn't that busy, and we got an appointment in a couple days. And by the way, we got an appointment for the wisdom tooth removal right the next week, so he wasn't that busy like our dentist had described. Our dentist said that she would send all the information about the Odontoma to him. When we came for our appointment, the nurse led us into a room and started immediately preparing us for the surgery for the wisdom tooth removal, giving us papers to sign, and the nurse didn't even care that we had come for an Odontoma consultation. After the nurse who was preparing us for the surgery left, in comes Dr. Elder, holding in his hands a black and white photo of my daughter's jaw. He started telling us about that surgery, and starting writing out pills, and I asked him, "So what about Odontoma?" He acted like he didn't even know about this Odontoma, and he cared only about the surgery of the wisdom teeth, like it was the first time we were talking to him about it. He said indifferently, "I couldn't see very clearly how far away it was from the root, and if I did try to remove it, I might damage the root." At this moment I understood that all of this drama about Odontoma wasn't even real, and he didn't even care about this Odontoma, all he cared about was wisdom tooth surgery. In the end, seeing me not understanding the situation, he said he needed a clearer x-ray to see the Odontoma better, because the pictures that our dentist gave him weren't clear enough for him, and we needed to go next door and get a CAT scan done, and he gave us a referral. I was honestly thinking that if he needed a clearer picture, it would be under the code that would be covered by insurance, but when we got into the fancy office next door, nobody told us before we took the x-ray that it wouldn't be covered by insurance, and after they took the CAT scan, the receptionist started telling us that it wouldn't be covered by insurance, and if we could pay $289 right now. I said that I didn't know it wasn't covered by insurance, and asked her to send it to our insurance anyway, but we ended up receiving a bill from this fancy office for $289. The whole experience was very unpleasant and I feel conned and I feel like I never want to do business with either Dr. Elder or our dentist. And I'm definitely not going to pay the CAT scan. And they made me feel like an idiot about the Odontoma in my daughter's jaw. There is my experience. I felt like it was a collective responsibility/mutual cover-up to make money, like some kind of business cartel. Consultation noun the action or process of formally consulting or discussing. synonyms: discussion, dialogue, discourse, debate, negotiation, deliberation a meeting with an expert or professional, such as a medical doctor, in order to seek advice. read more

Just because Dr. Elder was late, or someone in his staff was rude to you doesnt mean you need to give a low-ball review. He is only one person. He only has a handful of reviews on here. He is a great dentist and a great guy. I am terrified of the dentist and he is always so kind and makes you feel like things are going to be ok. Anytime I have had to have any special work done he is the one I always request. Also--he has done special work in other countries just to show you how much he likes to help other people. He is wonderful and I recommend him to anyone. So before you judge him maybe you should get some work done by him first. read more

Dr. Elder has been our family Oral Surgeon for several years. We are always greeted by organized staff & clean office. Dr. Elder is gentle, kind, & knowledgeable. My family and I highly recommend Dr. Elder for all your Oral Surgery needs! read more

Had my wisdom teeth pulled in it was one of the best experience I had with a dentist. The staff was friendly in kind in had to problem afterwards only had to take 3 pain pills in lots of ice cream cause I like ice cream hehehe but if you need your wisdom teeth pulled dr mahr is your man read more

I don't like going to the DDS. I especially don't like going when I am pregnant with twins and discover I have an infection under the tooth that needs to have the tooth pulled. Alas, you must wait when pregnant with twins. So, I waited... three months later, and 56 pounds lighter, my DDS referred me to Dr. Mahr for the surgery to take out the tooth. Now, I have just given birth, it was a horrible emergency delivery so I am a little bit weary of being put under fr a tooth pull or being poked with any type of IV. Dr. Mahr put me at ease, got the IV in and I DIDN'T EVEN FEEL IT, and pulled the tooth etc in under half an hour. It went perfect. even my husband was impressed. Two weeks later the stitches were out and I was waiting to heal a little more before we discussed plates for the jaw/tooth. Then I ate popcorn with my son and broke another tooth.... which had to be pulled... via surgery. Seriously, I hate my Irish teeth. So again, my regualar DDS refered me to DR. Mahr. As he is very busy I was worried I would have to wait all weekend. Nope! He fit me in within the hour and everything went as smoothly as the first time. This guy and his staff are A+ and top shelf! read more

All in all a good experience for my daughter's wisdom teeth extraction!

This dentist office so accommodating . My husband had a severe toothache and needed it to be pulled. Called several dentist and no one seemed to be available for at least two weeks. I called the office of mark elder and got an appointment for the next day! Once here the staff was very kind and efficient. read more

I got my wisdom teeth pulled by this dentist and I had no complaints. I didn't get bruised or wasn't in a lot of pain. I healed fast and had a good experienced. I was scared to death to do it and it wasn't that bad. read more

After putting off broken/ loose tooth for longer than I should have, I dragged myself to the office for now completely disintegrating molar. Ended up needing extraction of 2 molars and bone graft. Loved fact I was put under for procedure and with the exception of extreme pain(for which I was given adequate medication for) had a non-traumatic experience! More trauma getting stitches out than actual procedure! Definitely recommend for all us dentophobes and procrastinators! read more