Alex Tom

Dr. Tom is an exceptional doctor and extremely patient. He takes the time to listen, explain, and work out any details. Amazing surgeon and the staff is likewise exceptional. Always friendly, efficient and helpful. I do not hesitate to recommend his professional services. He and his staff are all outstanding quality people. My pleasure to endorse. My deepest thanks for all that you do.
Jo Ann Olvera Trembath, Monte Sereno, CA

I was referred to Dr. Tom by Dr. Ho due to deeper gum pockets. I was immediately placed on a alternating 3 month cleaning cycle between both doctors. Christine showed me a different way to brush and floss my teeth and after several months, my gum pockets improved and I felt very optimistic. However, Dr. Tom gave me scary news that I have significant bone loss and he recommends gum pocket surgery and if I didn’t have it done, then I would lose my teeth in 10. 20 years. I was basically ‘ticking time bomb’ for losing my teeth. I got really scared and went along with the surgeries. Then everything went downhill from there.
I was aware that gum surgery had a risk of shifting my teeth slightly, so I got worried when I started noticing that my night guard stopped fitting and my back molars started hitting slightly harder than the rest of my teeth. I pointed this out to Dr. Tom (and Dr. Ho). Dr. Ho recommend I go back to Dr. Tom to shave my teeth a bit to straighten out my bite. This continued on for a while because my bite kept feeling ‘off’ and I kept going back for adjustments. Dr. Tom assured me that this is normal and I’m going to have to keep doing this until I get my bite right. My bite eventually shifted so much that my front teeth won’t close anymore and my back molars are the only ones hitting. Yes, I was only chewing with 4 teeth! Dr. Ho recommended I see orthodontics and Dr. Tom agreed and that he’ll need to work with the orthodontist closely to ensure I don’t risk any more bone loss. This sent up red flags fast! I started having a lot of doubts and regrets… WHY do I need another regimen for my teeth? Was gum surgery really necessary in the first place? Could I have gone another route and had less invasive options for treatment?
My family started getting concerned and urged me to seek a second opinion. So I found another dentist and she was appalled when I told her about my treatments. She said that there are newer and better technology that are less invasive. For example, Dr. Tom could have used lasering techniques to treat troubled spots. She also said that Dr. Ho and Tom should have monitored my bite closely after surgery and even given me a splint to stabilize my bite. My night guard not fitting should have been a strong indication that something was obviously wrong. She’s also against orthodontics because that will risk more bone loss and possible teeth loss. So now I’m on damage control with my new dentist who genuinely cares! I’m still going to be placed on a 3 month cleaning cycle between her and a new periodontist and she is consulting with several other dentists and is working up a careful plan to get my bite back to normal (hopefully). She is a true advocate for my health.
I am extremely disappointed with Dr. Ho and Dr Tom. I really wanted them to be advocates for me. So a warning to those who are considering gum surgery, take caution. It could be a downward spiral to your health and livelihood. There are other newer and less invasive alternatives to gum surgery. Always seek a second opinion!

I don’t think DDS Tom is the best Periodontist since I don’t have another one to compare. I have a different bite after the surgery. In order to fix he suggested to remove two of my front teeth. I have a problem with his office filing a claim to my insurance. Even though I have enough coverage does not mean to be abusive on my insurance. Now I have to wait next May to get my regular cleaning somewhere else, or pay full price. By the way I only got one cleaning this year and he claimed two. DDS Ho made a wrong referral with DDS Tom; very disappointed.

Dr. Tom is one of the best periodontists in the bay area. Dr. Ho recommended him so I wasn’t surprised to find how good he was. Dr. Tom really listens to you and will make your time in the chair as comfortable as possible. Also the staff is really friendly. Genuinely friendly. If you happened to be in the need of an oral surgeon, don’t hesitate and call Dr. Tom right away.