James YS Ho, DMD

GREAT Endodontist! My Dentist Dr. Yip is the best and referred me to Dr. Ho. He was very nice, educational, patient… then had a 2^nd apt. for the root canal… VERY profession, proficient, diligent — just nailed it. Amazing equipment, real time photos, x-​rays, and professional friendly staff too –I can’t image a root canal going any better, more efficient and smooth than it did with Dr. Ho. Highly recommended. Have no fear — just go ;)

Well, a root canal is the last thing I want. But I have gotten 2 with Dr Ho. He is amazing. A root canal is pretty uncomfortable, but Dr Ho is so kind and caring, he takes the edge off of the experience.
You are lucky if you are referred to him.
I had an easy recovery on both procedures, (they were three years apart) no complications.
I never want to get another root canal, so I hope I never see Dr Ho again. But I am happy to know he is there for me.

My new dentist referred me to Dr. Ho for a root canal. He was very patient and explained clearly about what was happening on my tooth to the entire procedure that would be done. I had limited time here in the Bay before I go back to school in AZ and Dr. Ho did his best to get my root canal treatment in as soon as possible. After my root canal, I did feel some soreness but the dental assistants provided ibuprofen to take home so it could relieve my pain. That evening Dr. Ho called me to see if I was doing fine.
Very nice staff, great doctor, beautiful office. Overall a good experience.

Dr. Ho is the BEST of the best endodontists! He saved my tooth with his great skills in a very thoughtful manner. Dr. Ho is always sincere and courteous with his patients. 1 million stars could not adequately rate his service. He is AMAZING!!!

I’d give their office 10 stars if I could.
I preface this post by saying that this is my first root canal. I do not like needles and have a fear of getting dental work done on me. I was expecting pain during and after the procedure. Usually my jaw aches for days and my neck is sore from holding a position for an hour or so after fillings, so that was what I was expecting. BUT, none of the above happened. Ok, I was still apprehensive of needles, but that quickly changed when I didn’t feel any pain during the injections.
The exemplary experience started the moment I called and spoke to their kind and professional receptionists. Next came the local anesthetic injections (painless!!), the root canal procedure (again, painless), to Dr. Ho’s postoperative call the next day (to check on how I was doing), I was simply blown away by how warm, knowledgable, and caring the entire team was.
24 hours after my procedure, besides a bit of expected soft tissue soreness, I’m feeling great. No sore jaw or neck!
Kinda blows my mind, that I’d had a root canal without pain, and recovering with minimal discomfort, without the need for ibuprofen. He’s got awesome skills, that Dr. Ho.
He took his time to explain the procedure and discussed my root anatomy while looking at my xray. He took his time to take an excellent history of duration of tooth pain by asking pertinent questions, and made sure I was comfy (bite block for jaw comfort, neck pillow for neck comfort) before he started. I was so relaxed during the procedure that I even noticed how polite he was to his assistant, always saying please and thank-​you when he asks for various instruments. No pomp, no arrogance. My respect for him expanded exponentially thereafter. Being a good human being trumps being a great doctor, and it’s not everyday that you get to meet someone who is both those things.

Above the Rest!
Unfortunately, I hve bad teeth and have had 8 root canals, and also multiple root canal redos.
So when one bad root canal — even w/​a fix 3 years earlier did not work, to Dr. Ho I went. AND I am so very relieved and satisfied.
He is thoughtful and in my opinion — the most knowledgeable endodontist I’ve met thus far. There is a level of skill and care here that sets him above the rest. He explains the implications, what he’s doing, and everything is documented very well.
Moreover, his team is very kind and welcoming — my Dad had a root canal as well and he went there as well and such above-​and-​beyond care for him (Dad is 81 and hard of hearing).
A really special place!
p. s. on a side note, he’s very good at giving shots minimizing pain and very calm. the first time during the tooth procedure, i actually dozed off. (a first for me)

I have never before left a dental office wanting to write a review. Well I had such an amazing PAIN FREE experience from Dr. Ho that here I am. He was so passionate about his work and so concerned with my possible pain. He called later that evening to check up on me and was apologizing about the pain. I was giggling while listening to the message because I was not in any pain still. I was in to have a problem tooth looked at. while drilling drilling a tooth that has been a problem and finding pieces of tools left in my tooth by the previous dentist years ago. The whole office knows customer service. They are compassionate and caring. Real people.

I’m very happy with the service I got from Dr. Nealon
He took my appointment the same day (it was emergency)
He preform Re — treat for unsuccessful root canal.
He is a professional.

Nice website. Nice office. Professional staff. Horrible experience!
I had a painless bump on my gum from getting hit with an elbow, and Dr. Ho skillfully cut the small abcess, but then Dr. Ho talked me into getting a root canal, because it «may go bad» and I should use my insurance before it expires for the year (2011) Stupid me I had him drill the tooth which DID NOT HURT before the treatment, but ever since, I have not been able to eat a carrot or steak on the tooth! Two dentists told me that it seemed unnecessary. They made me pay almost $ 2000 even though I had insurance. Then they sent me a check for $ 18 (no joke). Then they sent me a bill for $ 50. I requested explanation, but instead they just sent it to collections. Therefore:
1. Tooth with no pain now has pain.
2. Paid ~$ 2000 at appointment.
3. Credit damaged for unexplained $ 50 bill.

James Ho is a lone superstar
Based at Endodontic Care Center, he will do a running commentary on request and will draw your specific roots to show a particular tricky procedure.
I once had a dentist try to perform a root canal on me without proper anesthetic, never here, Dr. Ho uses several methods to test the effectiveness of the anesthesia, and keeps track of where the nerve was found between visits. There is never any rush, he always allocates time enough for me, and even on tricky curved roots I always seem to leave on time without feeling rushed.
Dr. Ho uses the best instruments in the business, takes detailed color photos of his work and uses low radiation electronic x-​ray without delay for developing film.
My comfort level is not tied to friendliness of staff, but to competence.
I have been to plenty of Dentists and Endodontic specialists who are nice, I only care about Competence.
I can quickly detect the jovial but mediocre tooth doctor once I am in the chair, with Dr. Ho I know I am in the very best hands in all of the East Bay.
I feel so safe in his hands that I am not afraid to close my eyes and let my guard down for the procedure.
I never write Unilocal reviews on a first visit having been burned before, Dr. James Ho delivers consistent high quality results, and now that he has fixed former bad root canal work and treated previously untreated teeth on me over more than 1 year I am now comfortable in recommending him as «The Best Endodontist» In East bay.

Seems Dr. Ho has some pretty good ratings and I know why. I had a crazy bad tooth ache one day and found out I needed a root canal. Dr. Ho’s office took me right away. His staff was courteous and truly efficient. Dr. Ho did a good job of what the procedure was and gave an estimate of how long it might take. Root canals are never any fun and this was my first. I have to say, I never want to have to do it again, but if I did, I’d have Dr. Ho do it.

I recently had my second root canal done by Dr. Ho. I can unquestionably recommend him for his exceptional work. I would not go anywhere else for such important dental procedures. In addition, I found everyone at his office to be friendly and courteous and they worked with me regarding a payment plan for the amount my insurance did not cover.
My first root canal was attempted over a year ago and was not completed because the endodontist I saw was in a rush, was unfamiliar with TMJ, continued to work on me using too large of a bite block until I insisted I could not continue. My jaw was trembling a ton and I was in a great deal of pain. Turns out the meniscus in my jaw was displaced from this procedure and I was in agony for a few months. After a trip to the ER, I had a consultation with an oral surgeon who hooked me up with an expensive endodontist and they offered to work as a team ($ 4,000 for the procedure and sleep medicine.) Fortunately, I continued my search and heard about Dr. Ho from a friend.
Dr. Ho met with me and listened to my history, looked at my MRI, discussed the «sleep medication» that the SF professionals were going to use at exorbitant rates and came up with a plan that I felt comfortable with. He understood that I was terrified of having another displaced meniscus. He did not charge me anything extra for the sleep medication that allowed me to tolerate the procedure without causing further injury to my jaw. He also took extra time with me because of my jaw issues and my need to use the sleep medication. And, best of all, he saved my tooth which was cracked. He’s a brilliant man and uses state of the art techniques. He’s not about ripping people off, but is about using professional techniques to perform outstanding work. I am sending my mom and sister to him and when/​if I need another root canal, I will see Dr. Ho again.

This was my first root canal, and I was pretty scared. Dr. Ho began with a talk about my teeth and dental care in general. He said several times that his patients didn’t always appreciate the time that he took to educate them. I told him that I was very appreciative, and had learned several useful things. He then did the root canal with little pain, although he questioned my desire for gas strangely, asking whether I was afraid of the pain or whether I just didn’t want to be present. At this point, I was trying to jolly him along, so I tried to stay aware during the procedure, making goofy, jokes as is my wont when nervous.
Finally, the procedure was over and I was readjusting myself prior to getting up. Dr. Ho then said he wanted a word with me, and I was pretty sure he was going to tell me something horrible about my teeth. So, still reclined on the chair, with the hygienist right behind me, putting stuff away, Dr. Ho begins to tell me that he has a problem with my attitude (!) and feels that I am not appreciative of him and the time that he takes with his patients. I feel like I’m in the principal’s office! I’m a grown woman. I was so shocked that I gave him everything that he wanted and got myself out of there. It was weeks before I got over this incident.
If you want to placate a pompous, self-​important little man, go to Dr. Ho. He’s waiting for you to stroke his ego, because I won’t be doing it again.

It almost hurts me to write this review, but I loved this dentist. I had my root canal done years ago and had to look his contact details up since he was so good to me.
When I had to have my root canal done I had complications and Dr. Ho was amazing. Little pain and it was much better than I ever expected. I felt horrible afterward (because of my complications) and he called me at home the next day to make sure I was ok. Great customer service, great job on my root canal. He was wonderful.

I am extremely impressed with the friendliness of staff here and the thorough followup after a root canal.
In late April, I faceplanted in a bike accident, which caused one of my front teeth to get pushed inward. After a few days of endless «Dear God, please let my tooth be OK» prayers, the classic symptoms of pulpitis appeared and I called up BCC.
They were able to fit me in the following day, so I wasn’t in pain for very long. Mind you, I called in the afternoon the previous day, so I was very impressed! Dr. Ho was very punctual (appointment started when it was supposed to), and it only lasted for an hour. It honestly felt like a dental cleaning, insofar as painlessness and efficiency went. I was very pleased. Afterward, I was given Ibuprofen for pain, but I didn’t need it. Nothing hurt!
I expected inasmuch for a root canal, though. What was really cool about ECC, compared to other places, was the fact that Dr. Ho didn’t charge me for my followup! He was very sympathetic about my accident and the dental trauma. My followups were scheduled as follows: two weeks after procedure, one month after that, three months, and then six months. Yes… he wanted to see me six months after my root canal! Just to see how my teeth were doing! He’s very caring, and it really shows in the way he runs his business.
On top of that, everyone I talked to — front desk staff, assistants — were all very friendly. They remembered my name after my initial visit… that was amazing.
Overall, I just felt as if I received excellent care. This place is great. Very smart doctor with a modern, caring practice. Great service. Highly recommended.

I never thought I’d review a root canal, nevertheless give it and the place where I got it done 5 stars, but Dr. Ho and his staff definitely deserve it. The first time I went to see Dr. Ho a week ago, he squeezed me in on very short notice because I was in crazy pain and my regular dentist wasn’t available. Everyone at Dr. Ho’s office is über-​professional, knowledgeable, nice and understanding. I felt taken care of every step of the way. The moment I walked in the door the ladies at the front desk greeted me cheerfully and wished me a great day as I left. Dr. Ho made me feel very comfortable as he walked me through the steps of the procedure. At the end he sat down with me and explained how everything went, and he even called later to check-​up on me. I had the second part of that root canal this morning, and there was no swelling and I didn’t feel any pain afterward.
The office is beautiful, hi-​tech and surprisingly soothing with the modern décor, nice color scheme and orchids. Even more soothing than the nice digs – multiple framed degrees from prestigious schools – UCLA, Berkeley and Harvard. In addition to being a smarty, Dr. Ho has awesome people skills. He was totally aware of my comfort during the entire procedure, made pleasant conversation – well, as pleasant as can be with half of my mouth numb and a paper bib around my neck – and he even asked someone to change the music in the room when my least favorite christmas song came on. I hope I don’t need another root canal, but if I do, I will definitely go back to Dr. Ho.

Having to get a root canal sucks. Yes, they pull out a needle and shoot you up. Yes, the sound of the drill is scary and awful. Yes, your mouth is propped open for what seems like a very very long time.
But really, Dr. Ho walked me through each move he made and made me feel really comfortable.
I had the worse experience getting a crown a few months ago with another doctor and was expecting pain and suffering afterwards for weeks. But with my root canal, I felt no pain afterwards, no swelling… seriously NOTHING. I had not felt normal since before my awful crown experience.
Thank you Dr. Ho and your staff for my root canal. I would recommend you to anyone!

I am not sure why my previous was removed but here it is again below:
I have had three root canals with Dr Ho and am about to have two additional ones in a couple of weeks. Root canal surgery is no picnic for sure; however, Dr. Ho and his staff (two thumbs up for Alicia and Sandie) do an amazing job of making the entire experience as «non-​eventful» as it can be. What do I mean by «non-​eventful»? Exactly that… it’s a non-​event. There is no pain or discomfort during the procedure at all. None. This is no joke… the guy knows how and where to inject the novocaine and there is communication throughout the procedure to make sure that you are comfortable.
I must say that Dr. Ho and the entire staff go to great lengths to make the experience pleasant! Who would dream such a thing while having a root canal. The unparalleled expertise, professionalism and follow-​up care from calling me at home following the procedure just to see how I am feeling through the crown placement are first rate attributes of a clearly exceptional dentist and office team. Two of my three teeth Dr. Ho worked on were considered possibly unsaveable. Despite the odds, Dr. Ho went in (and I think even to his own surprise), saved both of them. I would not trust my mouth or the mouth of any of my family and friends to anyone else by Dr. Ho and his team.
If you need a root canal, don’t mess around… give Dr. Ho a call. He is seemingly tireless as I am seen whenever I am in trouble with a tooth without question… the staff always find a way to fit me in.
Like Jeff D., I too have no idea what’s up with the review written by Pea p except to say that if you were not treated there, you’ve got no business writing such a review. Your review reads as if you have issues other than endodontics.

First off, I am TERRIFIED of going to the dentist. I don’t mean just scared or nervous. I usually end up having anxiety attacks and crying and freaking out… while in the chair.
I was referred to Dr. Ho by my dentist, Robin Whitley (also highly recommended!) for an urgent root canal. Dr. Ho’s schedule was quite full but he managed to find an opening and I was in his office within an hour!
Dr. Ho’s calm demeanor, expertise, gentle care and flexibility was incredibly reassuring. He went out of his way to make sure I was comfortable. His assistants were also very caring and competent.
I know it may seem hard to believe, but the only time I felt any discomfort was during the initial Novocaine shot. Even then, he had already numbed up the area and talked me through what was happening and why I was experiencing some discomfort.
The guy knows his stuff because throughout the rest of the procedure I didn’t have any pain. Their equipment and office was high-​end and professional.
They also really went the extra mile to help me relax. They changed the xm radio station to music that would be soothing for me, gave me blue tinted glasses as «color therapy», adjusting N20 levels to my comfort level throughout the procedure, and reassuring me from all the way from checking in for my appointment to paying the bill after. He even called me later that evening just to check in with me and see how I was doing.
I’m also amazed that the day after an urgent root canal, I have zero pain or soreness. They provided me with Ibuprofen, but I haven’t needed to take a single one.
Like another Unilocaler mentioned, my experience was as pleasant as a root canal can be! :)

I live in San Francisco, but could not find a endodontists that could see me for my emergency Root Canal that both was affordable and close by. I eventually Unilocaled around the bay area and found reviews for Dr James Ho and Dr. Nealon in Berkeley. I called his office and told them this was urgent and they fitted me in right away.
The office staff was super nice. My experience with Dr Neally was wonderful. He was very gentle and informative. It was the best dental experience I’ve had in a while. He went over all the options I had for a tooth that was throbbing with pain. Including a clean up of the root so the pain would be relieved. Just so I could look around for some dental insurance (which I do not have). I wanted it over with, so i gave him the go, and he finished the entire root canal in about an hour.
The entire time him and his staff made sure I was comfortable letting me stretch whenever I needed. He also went step by step on what he was doing in my mouth.
Over all, the experience was a class act. Even his business partner Dr. James Ho came over and introduced himself to me and chatted it up.
Front Office– Very friendly, modern and clean waiting room. They even offered to put more money in the parking meter for me.
Dr. Neally and Dr. Ho– wonderful and comforting
Price– they gave me plenty of options-​was not concerned about the money at all, just wanted to take care of me. CLASS ACT!!!
Equipment-​New and State of the art