Alex R. McDonald, PhD, DDS

I had been oozing blood for 2 days and had this radiating pain from my lower jaw after getting 4 tooth extractions at a different clinic with a different doctor. It was a Saturday, so I was referred to an on-​call doctor which so happened to be Dr Alex McDonald.
Even on the phone, Dr McDonald was attentive to my concerns and pain. He even assured me immediately what the problem might be and how he would fix it. I was happy to hear that because I went in to see my oral surgeon when the bleeding first started but she told me everything was fine and cleaned it up — no explanation. When I came in his office I felt so dead inside and I left feeling a WHOLE LOT better. Throughout the whole procedure he also chatted with me, which made injecting anaesthesia into my gums slightly less unpleasant. After I left, Dr McDonald also routinely checked in with me about how I’m feeling.
Judging from the other glowing reviews and my own experience here, I wish I came to him for my extractions in the first place! Would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone.

I had to return to Dr. McDonald for two, lower wisdom teeth extractions. Of course I was nervous. During my consultation, Dr. McDonald discussed my options and genuinely wanted to make my experience as comfortable as possible. I opted for intravenous sedation to accomplish this. Dr. McDonald as his staff are a well-​oiled machine. They are so communicative with each other and you, the patient. There were some issues finding my small veins, but they took care of that with a few warm towels which was nice! Once again, I had a PAINLESS EXTRACTION. They are so talented and I am so appreciative.

Today was my first experience with this doctor after being referred to by is Nextdoor Neighbor Dr Steebsame building. I looked him up and all looks great also from hearsay from coworkers as well as a couple of friends.
I went in a couple of days earlier to get all the necessary paperwork and was interviewed by the Secretary far as the procedure the fact that I was going to be put under anesthesia and obviously the building which I was fine with all of that. However anesthesia is always scary for anyone and everyone. My entire experience was very professional courteous and the staff was great as well as the doctor. When you do that kind of work or any kind of work you always have to look at the information xrays etc of the patient the procedure accordingly. After couple of interviews from the nurse. They got me ready and I was out within a second of the injection once everything was set up surgically. They do have a little bedroom for post op recovery which is great however you have to make sure they do have a driver to take you home.
The procedure started at 10 I don’t know what time I got. Went home and we caught up couple hours later. I guess I am just a different type of patient in that I had no pain no swelling no bruising that did not require the medications or the narcotics were given to me. great job great experience…
The building has ample parking that connects to the elevator of the building. I think cause the parking is about $ 8 per hour I’m not sure

I was just looking through my old reviews, and realized I hadn’t reviewed this guy. This is a notable omission, because this guy is story-​book good.
I went to him over a year ago, to pull out wisdom teeth. I asked not to have general anesthesia, and he was fine with this, saying «you look cool» (in the sense of easy-​going). When surgery time came, they numbed me up. Then he just basically reached in, very carefully chose his angle, and pulled. In seconds, the tooth was out. Then this was repeated. Each tooth was handed to me, whole, no yanking or effort whatsoever.
I rock climb, so I’ve watched lots of rock climbers who are much better than I am. I’d always been impressed by how they get the angle just right, and apply incredible force simultaneously with amazing precision. The strength this guy exerted in pulling my tooth out of my jaw, with the perfect angle, blew me away (I could feel the forces, as he held my head in place for me). I decided I’d stop worshipping climbers, and begin worshipping oral surgeons instead.
Then, on my follow-​up visit, I learned he was an incredibly serious alpine climber, of the kind that climbs world-​class peaks. Ha! It’s super cool to me to see the skill transfer.
And the smoothness of the operation translated to smoothness in recovery. My housemates commented they’d never seen someone recover from wisdom tooth extraction so fast — my jaw was barely swollen, and there was minimal pain in the couple of days after.
If you need teeth out, go see this guy. It’s *almost* worth going even if you don’t need teeth taken out, it was that good.

My dentist sent me to Alex for a dental implant. She said that my situation was unique, so she would only send me to the best — and he really is the absolute best. He is extremely nice and speaks very frankly, which is something I really value in a doctor. He doesn’t shy away from fully explaining the situation in all its details.
After I got my implant, my dentist found white tissue near where she put on the crown. She sent me back to Alex, who saw me the next day, gave me a free full-​head x-​ray, and thoroughly addressed the concern (it was not a problem, just cosmetic). I asked for a copy of the x-​ray for my records, and they spent about 15 minutes burning the image software onto a CD so that I could view the full 3-​D image, which I had no idea even existed.
Then, about 9 months after I got the implant, I returned to my dentist and mentioned that I have somewhat frequent flare-​ups of a very dull, non-​localized pain near the implant. She sent me immediately back to Alex, who gave me another (!) free x-​ray. He said that there is no evidence of any bad reactions in any of my tissue or bone, and that everything looked completely fine.
I feel very lucky to have gotten such a great dental surgeon, and I highly recommend him!

This is an absolutely awesome physician. I am so happy that I was referred to him. The staff is really awesome too. Everyone is very cordial and professional. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone seeking services

My general dentist referred me to Dr. McDonald for oral surgery after finding suspicious cysts in the roof of my mouth a few years ago! He described Dr. McDonald as «top of the heap» and was he ever right about that! Not only is Dr. McDonald brilliant, dedicated, skilled and caring — but after my condition requiring multiple surgeries, I trust him completely. When my 94-​year-​old mother recently needed resolution to 3 failed root-​canals, I was so grateful to Dr. McDonald for resolving this medical/​dental crisis immediately. No matter how complex the problem, you can trust that Dr. McDonald will find the appropriate solution. He cares deeply about the people he works with and his entire staff is top-​notched too!

Dr. Alex McDonald is well known for his expertise in maxillofacial surgery. All of the dentists that I have spoken with in the area know of him and have nothing but good things to say.
I was lucky enough to get in to see Dr. McDonald when I had a nerve injury, As soon as he saw my case and how serious it was he got me into the office immediately and did the work that I needed that very day.
All of the office staff deserve metals of honor for their exceptional caring and professionalism.
I can’t say enough good things about this practice. If you ever need a great oral surgeon, this is the first stop that you should make.

Everything you want from a doctor in this otherwise impersonal world… incredible man, so grateful to have met him and had our family in his thoughtful, experienced, compassionate care.

I went to Dr. McDonald for an upper implant. All I can say is it was a pain free, speedy and professional experience. My implant adhered perfectly in five weeks. A top notch group of professionals in his office.

This office is great — very professional, friendly and courteous. Dr. McDonald is knowledgeable, personable and a talented oral surgeon.
My orthodontist informed me that I would need a wisdom tooth removed, so I searched for a nearby oral surgeon. Based on reviews, I contacted Dr. McDonald’s office for an appointment. His staff were very helpful and friendly, and worked with me to make it as quick as possible. I emailed them x-​rays from my orthodontist, Dr. McDonald looked over them and agreed to schedule a consultation and surgery during the same appointment, so that I would not have to miss as much work. His staff worked with me to find an appointment that worked with my schedule. I was a little nervous as the date approached, especially since my friends and family have told me horror stories about getting their wisdom teeth out at other offices. I felt a little better when my orthodontist asked who I’d be seeing and he told me that Dr. McDonald is a great oral surgeon.
When I arrived they apologized and informed me that they were running late by about 45 minutes, which was disappointing, but they definitely made up for it. When I was called in, I discussed the work to be done with Dr. McDonald and I told him that I would prefer to avoid being put to sleep. Dr. McDonald assured me it would be a simple procedure and whichever I preferred was fine. I signed some papers and moved to another room to start. It was 1:00 and I nervously stared at the clock as they laid me back. The nurse put numbing cream around my tooth and waited a few minutes. I was then given 4 shots, and I only felt the last one. He explained what he was going to do, joked a little, and started. I was nervous since I had just gotten the shots about a minute ago, but I didn’t feel anything so it must be stronger than what my dentist uses! Although I imagined pliers, he told me that’s not how it works. He pressed a flat metal tool against each side of my gum and basically «popped» my tooth out. When he said he was done and pulled the tooth out, I was amazed. I looked at the clock and it was only 1:10 (10 minutes for the whole procedure!). I was given a prescription for pain meds «just in case» — with a bag of gauze and a cold bag. The nurse explained aftercare and after sitting for a few minutes they let me go. I didn’t end up needing any pain meds. I kept waiting for it to kick in, but it never did. It wasn’t even uncomfortable after. I also didn’t have any swelling. It’s now been a week and it feels healed. I am so happy that a procedure I dreaded so much turned out to actually be rather pleasant.

Dr. Alex McDonald and his team are angels sent from the heavens! I was about 4 years late on getting my wisdom teeth extracted and I was having serious pain in one of them. I called in and Mercedes told me that the soonest appointment wasn’t until 2 months later! At that point I just wanted to rip my teeth out myself! But alas, she informed me that she would go over my x-​rays with Dr. McDonald and try to squeeze me in. And I don’t know what kind of sorcery they used, but she was able to fit me in just a week later!
Now I did my share of streaming youtube videos of people getting their wisdom teeth extracted, and asked every single person I knew who had already gone through the procedure, and let me tell you… I was horrified! But the wonderful team here made me feel so comfortable! They let me know that my procedure was a simple one and that I had nothing to worry about. Dr. McDonald even threw in a few jokes and little stories to make the experience feel far from surgery! He was so personable and reassured me that everything would be okay.
I passed out. I woke up. And everything was done! Even the days following, I had very little swelling and very minimal pain. I had heard so many horror stories of the aftermath, and I was feeling fine.
My followup appointment was just as friendly and welcoming. Everyone that had helped with my extraction greeted me and we talked and laughed about the overall experience. All in all, I am so happy that I found Dr. McDonald and his team. They are amazing and made this experience as pleasant as can be. I almost wish I had more problems in my mouth so I could come back. Just kidding :)

I returned to Dr. McDonald to have a tooth extraction today. Two years ago, he did an extraction and implant prep. He continues to define compassionate expertise. He is gentle, concerned about your comfort and willing to be flexible to embrace the patient’s needs.
He acquired a special pad for one with neck and back issues. My biggest concern today was my neck and back, and he had already thought ahead to ensure his patient’s were comfortable. It made a big difference today and is an excellent example of the kind care you will receive from him and his entire staff. Joyce Brown

Years of being ashamed of my teeth from my younger years had led me to avoid dentists and orthodontists… like the plague. I also was not necessarily in the financial situation to have my pick of the litter with who would be working on my now very aggravated wisdom tooth. I had several vacations coming up and it was getting urgent.
I had been sent home from work… the pain was too much to handle. I had to start considering my choices. I heard a few options (Highland, various dental schools, low-​income practices, etc) and then came my good friend with her SHINING review of Dr. McDonald. She told me her experience with wisdom teeth extraction couldn’t have been better and that her father sees him on a regular basis. I was hesitant… because I couldn’t afford that kind of quality, but I trusted her. I wanted someone I could trust to remove my tooth that I had regrettably held onto for FAR too long.
I called his office. I was told he wasn’t in but early the next morning, I heard from his receptionist. I WISH I could remember this lovely woman’s name! She went above and beyond to fit me into Dr. McDonald’s schedule for the following morning and was so on top of keeping me updated and informed. She made all the necessary phone calls on behalf of my emergency. This woman should teach a class on reception and patient care. She was an absolute angel. She even told me every step to being set up and approved through CareCredit so I could afford this surgery on my own.
Next morning rolls around and I’m so scared. I’ve never had oral surgery done and I’ve never been put under. I don’t have a terribly long wait before I’m pulled in for X-​rays. They ask me to remove my facial jewelry, which was a very difficult task, but Dr. McDonald passes by and assured me that he can work around it. My anxiety subsides a bit and I immediately realize I’m the most nervous person in the office. These are professionals… there’s no reason for me to be scared now; I’m in good hands.
I’m taken to his office and Dr. McDonald comes into the room to talk to me and his accent and smile IMMEDIATELY calm me down. Some people just have it, and this guy definitely does. He points out the tooth that’s bothering me on the x-​ray and asks if the opposite tooth is also bothering me since it looks like it is pretty close on the image. I told him they’d all bothered me at one point or another but that I didn’t want to do more than the one because 1) I couldn’t afford it, and 2) I had a flight to catch the NEXT morning to Seattle.
He told me he wouldn’t feel morally right leaving that second tooth in. Then he tells me he wants to remove it for free. I was shocked… I had never had a health care professional go above and beyond for me like that out of the kindness of their own heart. My eyes welled up and I thanked him profusely for his generosity and reminds me that he’s not in it for the money. He went over the procedure and aftercare with me and in comes the angel from the phone exchange the day before! She broke down costs and noted that Dr. McDonald would be performing one extraction on the house and my eyes welled up again.
After going over the costs, I was brought to the operating room. The nurse was so sweet; we told each other about our lives, and I told her I felt for her having to calm us patients down and schmooze with angsty, nervous pre-​op folk. She informed me that she didn’t have to sit and talk to anybody, that it was her choice to be chatting with me; that made me feel good. We went through a LOT of laughing gas in that waiting period… and she cleaned me off for my IV. I was shaking pretty violently and fighting off a panic attack. I just wanted the nitrous to kick in! In comes Dr. McDonald and without hesitating, puts the IV in painlessly! I didn’t notice it in the slightest bit and they all laughed with me for being so scared of a needle when I’m covered in tattoos. I’m wondering when I’ll fall asleep at this point… and they start sucking the spit out of my mouth, I’m still shaking quite a bit and trying to calm down.
All of a sudden, I’m awake and my mouth is full of gauze. I can smile, I can walk, I’m not tired and I don’t feel high. That was it!!! I don’t know how much time had passed but the nurse walks me to the recovery room where I lay down. Everybody comes in to check on me and can’t believe that I’ve come to as rapidly as I did. Another nurse brings me all of my aftercare items and walks me (and my ride) through my aftercare treatment one more time. I stopped at the pharmacy downstairs to get my painkillers and off I went!
The swelling was gone by the end of the night. I didn’t have a single complication and didn’t run out of medication or anything. Overall, I have not ONE single complaint. I only wish Dr. McDonald and his staff were available as my primary care!
Thank you guys, so much. You gave me hope in the health care industry again and helped me to overcome one of my biggest fears.

I was terrified to get my wisdom teeth pulled so I just kept putting it off. The pain became so unbearable that I decided to see Dr. McDonald. His staff was so sweet and very pleasant to deal with. His assistant, Kristel, took such great care of me and helped to calm my nerves by being so compassionate! I woke up in a resting room and didn’t feel a thing. If I knew getting my wisdom teeth pulled was that easy I wouldn’t have waited so long!

I first heard of Dr. McDonald through Unilocal and I decided to give him a try because he’s the only oral surgeon in Oakland that I saw who had all positive reviews. Dr. McDonald and his staff are very friendly, caring and professional. I recently got my wisdom teeth extracted, the operation was smooth.
Process:
1^st Visit: Consultation — panorama x-​ray, this staff go over with you about how much your insurances cover and Dr. McDonald go over your x-​rays.
2^nd Visit: Surgery– Laughing gas, then anesthesia once you’re knocked out that when they numb your gums with injections and they worked their magic. All this while you’re sleeping.
I didn’t feel a thing woke up an hour later in the resting area. I didn’t even remember walking to their resting area They have an operation room and a resting room. I only got my right side done. The process was painless.
After the operation they provide you with a pack of gauze pads, oral wound dressing (in a syringe), ice pack and their business card (to remind you if you have any problems you can contact them) They also call you a few hours later to check up on you. I guess you can say he’s great because after it was extracted I was able to eat normal in like five days with no pain!
3^rd Vist: Follow up, To check on the aftermath they also give you another syringe to help you keep your wound clean because it is difficult to keep to that area clean.
The only down side about this place is because Dr. McDonald is like best Oral Surgeon ever! He is always booked so I recommend you book ASAP because it normally takes about a month to see this guy.

Caring, efficient staff of professionals and Dr. McDonald himself is hilarious with that Scottish accent. He pulled two lower wisdom teeth without incident. Everything from start to finish was smooth as silk.
There were a few problems on my part that the staff gracefully maneuvered and I am very happy with this business. HIGHLY recommended!
Follow-​up (6−20−13) WOW! The most painful experience I have ever endured!
(with the possible exception of my previous girlfriend KMS but, thats another story)
Wisdom teeth being pulled at 54yrs old is no joke!
Fortunately, Dr. McDonald and staff are treating me right.
Thanks Folks!

I went here because of all the great reviews. I am sooooo scared of extractions that I’ve been walking around with a bad tooth for a couple of months. It was painless and if I would have known that I could come to this Doctor and get it done with no problems I would have went months ago. Thanks Doc and thanks Unilocalers for being so honest!

My husband saw Dr. McDonald to have his wisdom teeth removed. They keep a very clean office, the staff are extremely personable, and Dr. McDonald efficient and knowledgeable. He did a great job and my husband recovered within 2 days!

I went to Dr. McDonald based on the strength of his Unilocal reviews — I wasn’t disappointed.
In need of having 4 wisdom teeth removed, I had both my consultation and removal performed at the same time. The procedure was quick and completed without issue, I was on my way after a couple hours in the trusty hands of my partner with a decent supply of pain medication.
Dr. McDonald’s personal manner is extremely comforting. Softly spoken, smart, and open to any and all questions; he took the time to place me fully at ease.
His staff excel at what they do, friendly and highly communicative over the phone, friendly and helpful in person. I forget the name and feel dreadful for it, but the lady who prepped me for the procedure was both comforting and funny, I deal with anxiety with humor and she was willing to throw it right back at me — I was put to sleep still laughing to myself about the conversation we had.
The procedure itself was as far as i know unremarkable. During my follow-​up I had dry socket in one location and dressing and medication was applied by one of Dr McDonald’s staff, however still suffered some pain. I called his office and the moment I mentioned pain an appointment was booked, the same procedure (dressing+medication) was repeated but this time by Dr McDonald himself (!). I didn’t have any further pain and haven’t had any since.
I’d recommend Dr. McDonald and his staff to anyone looking for wisdom teeth removal. I was disappointed to know I wouldn’t return given the great people at Dr McDonald’s office, yet very much relieved I had no reason to return!

Amazing, highly recommended! had my wisdom teeth out the other day and the following day I had no pain or swelling. Dr McDonald is a bright and cheerful guy with a good sense of humour, felt very at ease here and would come back if I didn’t have any more teeth to pull.

As a recent transplant to California, I was looking for a new surgeon to complete my implant procedure. After meeting Dr. McDonald today, I understand my own surgical needs much better than before. On top of that, I have complete faith that when my surgery does happen, it will be a huge success.
Last, but not least, something about that charming accent set me totally at ease. I will update this review after surgery (may have to put it off a bit), but I’m certain it will remain 5 stars and I’m actually happy to have relocated because it means I will have a top notch, patient oriented surgeon taking care of me.
Sadly, my experience with Dr. McDonald made me realize just how poorly my previous surgery had gone. Once I finally get reimbursed by that doctor for the charges they put on my card without authorization I will definitely update Unilocal.Best not to tip the cart before I get my money back.
If you need to have oral surgery, at least speak with Dr. McDonald. I’m sure that after a visit with him you will be feeling just as confident of his abilities and intent as I do today.

If I had to review Dr. McDonald’s practice based on my initial 2 phone calls, it would be a much weaker review. Initially I dealt with an older woman over the phone who promised to call me back twice and never did. She also couldn’t keep my file organized and gave me wrong information… twice.
I was really worried until the day of my oral surgery, when I called back again and talked to a very nice and knowledgeable staff member who put my trepidation at ease.
The office itself is modern and comfortable. The staff was really, really, really great. One in particular, I wish I remembered her name, stayed with me between surgery consultation and prepping just to help ease my anxiety. She was so wonderful to me! I am a very, very, very nervous girl when it comes to dental stuff and she reassured me and explained each step to me, just as I had requested. After my 2 wisdom teeth were pulled, she stayed with me and gave a cold cloth (I wasn’t feeling so good for a little while there!). After me and my husband left the building, she called me to say that I had forgotten my teeth (ha, my Dad requested them to make a necklace, or some sort of nonsense like that!). Even though we were in the car and exiting the parking garage, she ran down and found our car to make sure I went home with them! So nice!
Dr. McDonald was nice and gentle. His job was a fairly small one, I think, compared to the other jobs he has to do, but I appreciated that he was soft spoken and caring.
The office called me 24 hours later to check up on me. Also, they have a nice answering service so you’ll always reach a live person who will have a doc call you back – even at 2am (like I just experienced, by the way!).
I’m so glad I didn’t judge on my initial call.