I'm so happy to have been referred to Dr. Mao after I asked for a second opinion. Recently I noticed additional sensitivity, suggesting the recession might be worsening. Considering I've already shown some bone loss, this makes me nervous. My dentist said nothing about this, but I asked for perio consult.
The first opinion I got offered no solutions for sensitivity, wanted to do a few grafts to protect teeth from falling out. Dr Mao, on the other hand, suggested pedicle grafts in addition to the ones first opinion offered. While the healing of this seems to mean a bit more swelling at first, it addresses the sensitivity issue, and my teeth look so much more normal! I've had issues for over a decade, always a background consideration for if/when things get worse, and that was becoming more present with choosing foods based on sensitivity. If the pedicle grafts restore coverage so I'm less afraid to look in my own mouth, background worrying about worsening, that is awesome, I had never heard this option before. And I love that I don't have to worry about the cold of eating carrots!
All of the office staff is friendly and effective. I emailed about a question and got a call back the same day; they even put Dr. Mao on the phone to answer my questions. I was pretty nervous about the procedure and I got the text from my pharmacy about the Valium prescription I requested almost immediately after getting off the phone.
I've just had my second procedure with Dr. Mao. He's great about making sure questions are answered, and it says something that he puts his cell number on the care sheet. He gave me a call around 8pm the evening of the procedure just to check in. I feel very cared for and trust his opinions and his work. He takes pictures before and through the healing process at follow ups. I haven't asked to see these yet, but I think it will be fascinating to do so down the road. I had to go out of network from my insurance to see him, but I'm so much more confident in his care, I think the extra cost is worth it. read more