John M Domanico, DDS

Dr domanico is great dentist/​surgeon ! I was so impressed by the time he toke to explain to me everything about getting my wisdom teeth pulled out. His hygienist was very caring as well. I would recommend him to anyone !

My college aged sons jaw was swollen and his dentist thought it could be his wisdom teeth and referred us here. They fit us in the same day and although we waited a really long time to be seen I expected such. He was seen by Dr Khaled. Dr Khaled determined it was not his wisdom teeth but instead his salivary glands. At this point he could have just told us go see his primary physician end of story, but he did not. He prescribed my son an antibiotic and told us his professional opinion but also suggested my son see his physician. He also did an oral consultation suggesting that my son have his wisdom teeth pulled sooner rather than later. I appreciated his compassion & honesty, two qualities you don’t see in the majority of doctors. Both of my sons will be returning to have their wisdom teeth extracted.

I had six wisdom teeth (yes, six!) extracted by Dr. Khaled Abughazaleh. Of the three oral surgeons I consulted, Dr. Khaled was the only one who was honest about the risks of the procedure. The other oral surgeons – Dr. Koos of ORA Dental and Dr. Patel of Lakeview Downtown OMS – didn’t bother to go into the risks or outright lied to me about them, respectively. If a doctor is proposing to chop into your body, they had better explain to you that it isn’t riskless.
Not only was Dr. Khaled the only honest oral surgeon, he was by far the cheapest, probably because he doesn’t cram unnecessary procedures down your throat. Dr. Koos, for instance, was adamant on general anesthesia, undoubtedly a profit center for him. All-​in, Dr. Khaled billed my insurance $ 2000, of which Cigna covered $ 800 and I only paid $ 200 out of pocket, for a grand total of $ 1000 (what a dentist bills and what insurance pays are often vastly different). Note that the costs were a bit higher because I had six teeth removed, not the customary four.
Aside from being honest and a great value, Dr. Khaled was as far as I could tell very competent. I had my procedure done with local anesthesia. He was efficient. There were no complications. The sockets healed up quickly, with no infection and surprisingly little pain – I barely took the painkillers I was prescribed.
Dr. Khaled is a great guy. If I had to speculate, I think it’s because he’s very religious. He doesn’t seem motivated by lucre as so many other oral surgeons are. It pains me to see other oral surgeons get rave reviews simply because they are nice. People, oral surgeons are businessmen – they have powerful incentives to perform unnecessary or marginal procedures on you to milk you for all you’re worth. They will be nice to you while ripping off your face. If you’re paying more than a couple of thousand all-​in for wisdom-​teeth extraction, you’re probably not getting a good deal.

I was referred to Dr. Domanico’s office by my dentist office for wisdom teeth extraction. Actually, three wisdom teeth, and a lingual frenectomy (clipping a tongue-​tie). I was beyond nervous. But let me tell you, the staff and the atmosphere is amazing. I have read other reviews, and I must say, I didn’t have any issues with the office staff (i.e. receptionists) but I definitely know which receptionist everyone has had complaints about. I’ve heard her get snappy with people and also I’ve heard her using profane language. She’s White, curly red-​head, with glasses, and she sits the desk closest to the window. The friendly receptionist is normally seated at the front desk and checks you in. There have been two different women seated at the front desk, both really friendly. But the not-​so-​friendly one, seats at the back. Please don’t take off too many points for her unprofessionalism, I would say if anything, report her to the Dr. Domanico and/​or Dr. Khaled, as they are her managers. Dr. Khaled Abughazaleh is the doctor that treated me, took x-​rays and went over all the pros and cons and risks during the consultation. On the day of the extraction, I was very nervous, even though I felt that Dr. Khaled was more than well trained. The procedure lasted less than an hour, which included the lingual frenectomy, two upper wisdom teeth being pulled, and the dreaded lower wisdom tooth which was a complete bony extraction. I did not feel any pain! And I opted for the nitrous oxide AKA laughing gas. Dr. Khaled kept reassuring me that I was doing a good job, and he let me know how things were going. Dr. Khaled also called me later that night to check in on me. That was well received and appreciated. The recovery process is another story, but that’s due to no error on his part. After the pain meds wore off, the pain kicked in. I was taking three-​four pills per day. Eventually, I called Dr. Khaled early Sunday morning, his answering service took the information, and he called back in less than five minutes. He was very understanding and empathetic about my situation and told me to come into the office at my convenience the next day. The office staff used a paste to place in the socket, and I didn’t need to use any more pain meds after that. I am very thankful for Dr. Khaled and the efficiency of his staff. I would definitely recommend this office, specifically Dr. Khaled. I wish this could be my general dentist office too!!!

Dr. Khaled is amazing. I have been twice and had a wisdom tooth extracted each time. Both times I was very nervous and Dr. Khaled was kind and patient. He made me feel very at ease. The first time I had a tooth removed, I went under general anesthesia. The parts of that appointment that I can remember went fine.
The second time, I just had local pain killers and the extraction took 2 – 3 minutes from beginning to end. I felt no pain at all. Dr. Khaled’s easy going nature throughout the procedure made it feel less daunting and scary. Then the only thing I was holding my breath for was the bill and there was no need to worry about that either because it turned out that the price was extremely reasonable! I hope I have never need to see Dr. Khaled again, but if I ever have any future tooth trouble, I will feel very confident calling Dr. Khaled. Also, I will be sure to refer anyone I know who is looking for an oral surgeon.
My only tip is– don’t be put off by the receptionist/​lady answering the phone. When I called the office prior to the appointment, the receptionist treated my questions as a personal affront to her. I don’t know the intricacies of referral forms, or what documentation to bring, that’s why I asked about it on the phone– so I could be prepared for my appointment. Her demeanor made me consider picking somewhere else, but I’m really glad I didn’t. I considered docking a star but Dr. Khaled was so awesome, that it entirely compensated and overall, even with the phone hiccup, it was a 5 star experience.

My mother was recently referred to Dr. Domanico’s office for the removal of two broken and decayed teeth. She is seventy, and lacks dental insurance. Dr. Domanico and his staff were incredibly kind and supportive of her, provided wonderful caring service, were respectful about her financial situation, and provided excellent aftercare. Dr. Domanico personally called her at home that evening to be sure that she was doing well, and that she was not in pain. I highly, highly recommend this office for their professionalism, sensitivity, and patient care.

My name is Tanya Blomquist I was referred to dr. Domanico 8 years ago for a wisdom tooth extraction. I remember being beyond anxious & nervous before the extraction. I asked dr. Domanico how much longer and he showed me the tooth. I couldn’t believe I didn’t feel a thing accept some pulling & tugging. No pain!!! I needed another extraction a few weeks ago. I couldn’t remember his name. I was thrilled when I found him after days of research. To my surprise not only was my visit as painless as the last time but my bill was half of what was quoted to me by other oral surgeons. This is your doctor if you’re nervous about your procedure!

I had all four of my wisdom teeth (two partially impacted) removed be Dr. Domanico. After all if the horror stories and pity I received from everyone before going in I was very pleasantly surprised by the outcome. Dr. Domanico made the process very easy and nearly painless. He was very thorough and I appreciated the time he took to explain the procedure and my different options. He definitely showed a level of care higher than I’ve experienced with other doctors.

Dr Khaled was fantastic! You feel so comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Best dental experience of my life.

I had all 4 wisdom teeth removed by Domanico, and the experience was as good as I could have imagined.

I’ll confess, I’ve never had a tooth pulled. I somehow made it through life without this experience. Well, the time came to where my top rightwisdom tooth finally had enough. My general dentist said it had to be pulled. He referred me to Dr. Domanico, who luckily, is in the same building as my DDS.
I was very apprehensive about the procedure. I’ve heard horror stories about these so called «pockets» that are created, or the blood cap comes off and there is pain galore! I informed Dr. Domanico about my apprehension. Him and his staff made me feel so relaxed about the entire procedure.
Step one: shoot me up with some Novacaine. This seriously was the worst part of the procedure. By that I mean the waiting, and the waiting for it to kick in. Finally, Dr. Domanico came in to test to see if I was ready. I didn’t feel like I was because I swear I still had feeling in the general area of the tooth. After he concluded I was ready, he grabbed some sort of dental instrument, poked around in my mouth for a few minutes, and said «Ok, I’m done.»
Say what?! I didn’t feel a gosh darn thing. I thought he was just scraping my tooth, for some reason. I’m sure I replied with «That’s it? Why have I waited this long to get that tooth pulled? Let’s do another!» Seriously, it was that quick and painless. Even after the Novacaine wore off, I didn’t have any major discomfort. No swelling of the face, nothing. I even went running the same evening. On a side note, I have extra teeth way down in my gums (I’m apparently a Mutant). He was very impressed with that. Anyway, instead of just going ahead and pulling them unnecessarily, he instead wants to keep on eye on them to see if they’ll move.

My dentist did a full-​mouth x-​ray kind of deal and deemed that I should see an oral surgeon re: «radiotranslucency» at the site of a wisdom tooth extract many many years ago. Said dentist referred me to a specific surgeon (who happened to have the same last name as him…) for whom I could find zero info/​reviews online. Yeah… def no.
Instead, I scheduled an appt with Dr. Domanico, due to stellar Unilocal ratings.
The appt was on time. Everyone in the office was super friendly — lunch locale recos and all.
Dr. Domanico was ideal. Reviewed x-​rays and my mouth, also showed x-​rays to his colleague in the office. Explained why he thought all was well enough and no biopsy or additional procedure was worthwhile.
The appt was thorough, and he told me to leave vs. getting more business/​$$$ from me. While this should be the norm, it’s just not. Thank you, Dr. Domanico. I will happily send any friend with oral surgeon needs your way.

I had an implant done with Dr. Domanico and was very pleased with the experience. I love his direct and honest approach during consultation and was impressed with the results!

Dr. Domanico and the dental staff — the ones that really matter — were awesome. My procedure was painless, quick, and came with comfortable conversation.
I am TERRIFIED of the dentist — even the harmless mirror thing they use in your mouth. Domanico never questioned my irrational fears but instead made me comfortable and provided me with choices that would suit me.
I’m still in pain (this happened this weekend) and I had to refill my Vicodin once already. I’m now out of that, the other pain killer, and the antibiotic he prescribed. This is one reason I docked a star — it would have been easier if he prescribed enough or at least told me I’d have to be so involved in retrieving all the pain medicine I’d need. However, I don’t know the rules about this sort of thing, so I’m willing to ignore it.
The receptionist is the real reason for my docking. There is one secretary that was very friendly and patient, but Sylvia, the other one, was rude and short every time I talked to her. From the first time I called to set up an emergency appointment to the call I just ended, she has been less that polite and very curt. It can’t be passed off as a bad day or for business-​like brevity, for I’ve called several times on different days, information readily at hand, and she’s been actually rude.
I will definitely be going back. Dealing with a slightly rude receptionist is worth it for the care and comfort of Domanico’s practice.

I had an emergency visit to Dr. Domanico’s office due to my wisdom teeth causing an infection on my gums. He was referred to me by a co-​worker. Dr. Domanico was able to take a look at it on a walk-​in, and prescribe antibiotic. I scheduled my appointment to have all four wisdom teeth pulled out 2 weeks later. He did a fantastic job, but I had minimal swelling and a bruise on my bottom right cheek (which was a tooth that had impacted). He prescribed enough antibiotics and pain reliever to get through the pain. I was able to eat normally with in a week.

Just went back for a follow up check. Dr. Domanico was very personal and told me everything was healing nicely. Also all my stitches were gone, they are indeed dissolve-​able!
I can’t recommend this place more. If you’ve always been nervous to see a dentist like I am, and you need to get your wisdom teeth extracted, come here! Dr. Domanico is highly professional and the staff here will put you to ease too.

As a preface, I’ve heard great things about Dr. Domanico.
I saw Dr. Abughazaleh to get a tooth pulled. He was also going to do an implant, but after a less-​than-​stellar experience getting the tooth pulled, I went somewhere else for the implant.
Dr. Abughazaleh has a very direct approach, which I respect, but after reading the handout they gave me about implants, he came in and went through a long list of every bad thing that could happen. He reassured me that this only happens maybe 2% of the time, but the tooth in question fell into the «this pretty much never happens» category twice before (the reason it was getting pulled).
I was already unsure about getting an implant between the risks and the cost, so after he flew through all the negatives without including any positives, I told him I just wanted to get the tooth pulled, get the bone graft (to fill in the hole), and just use a flipper (think retainer with a fake tooth attached).
He did a fine job pulling the tooth, I had no problems with the actual procedure. After, his nurse said they were dissolving stitches and I wouldn’t need to come in to have them removed. He walked in and, with the nurse standing there, told me they were NOT dissolving stitches and I’d need to come back. I asked the nurse after he left when I needed to come back to have them removed and she said again, they were dissolving and it would be unnecessary. Hello? She was wrong, and they did not dissolve.
The office did not call to schedule removing my stitches, so I called a week later. Their computers were down and they’d call me right back. I called two days later, got an answering machine. Left a message. No call. Then it was the holidays and I had to go out of town.
Frustrated, and now with stitches that were coming out on their own, I ended up taking them out myself. Yes. Gross. Ten months later, they have still never called to follow-​up. I’m sorry, but you don’t pull a tooth out, put in cadaver bone, and leave someone with stitches without having them come back for a check up.
Also, had he done the implant, he would have also done a bone graft (to give him thicker bone to work with) AND a sinus lift (filling in part of my sinus cavity, again giving him more to work with), which would have meant longer healing time, more invasive procedures, and a lot more money. The DDS I ended up going to gave me a perfect implant without either additional procedure.

My Story:
Referred by Dr Best in Hyde Park (also a good experience) to Dr Domanico. Unfortunately for me, my needs were rather urgent, and i was scheduled for an emergency extraction of a molar.
«Emergency» means local anesthetic only — no comfort of «going under». it also meant it was to happen whenever it could be «squeezed in».
After filling out the expected paperwork, i was led to my examination room pretty quickly. Sylvia (the assistant, hope i remembered her name correctly!), ran some preliminary checks and was great company while i waited for the good doctor — she was the one to initially drop the news about the way this was to happen.
That made me a bit anxious.
When Dr Domanico was able to see me (remember, Emergency = squeezed in), he very quickly showed himself to be attentive, informed, and genuinely concerned — it definitely helped to calm the nerves. He did follow up with Dr Best after our chat for good measure, and returned ready to work.
It was over pretty quickly, and entirely without pain. And as others have said, there was an unexpected follow-​up call that evening — genuine concern.
I cannot recommend this guy enough.

ANOTHER HONEST DENTIST!!! YAAAY!!!
I got a referral to Dr. Domanico’s practice and met with one his associates there; Dr. Khalid. I couldn’t have been more impressed.
When I first met with Dr. Khalid, he introduced himself by his first name and kept things informal with me, while answering all of my questions professionally. This isn’t the 50’s anymore, and it’s nice when someone doesn’t wave their title in your face.
I’d been experiencing some jaw pain, and my referring dentist (Dr. Shimoda another honest dentist) sent me to this office to see if my wisdom teeth were to blame. I explained to Khalid that my pain had mostly gone away since I started using an over the counter mouth guard for my habit of tooth grinding. He looked at my X-​rays, did a general exam and said, «Well if it’s not broken why fix it?!» He said, that like tonsils and appendices, lots of people have their wisdom teeth removed as a matter of course, but that in reality it wasn’t always necessary. Especially at my age (mid-30’s)
He then went on to explain that the over the counter mouth guards can sometimes do more harm than good, but when they work they work. Fortunately for me, he said, he didn’t feel the need to prescribe a $ 500 custom mouth guard if the $ 30 one was working just fine.. .
So, here’s what I walked away with. A dentist that didn’t feel the need to do an unnecessary procedure, didn’t think it was necessary to try to sell me an unnecessary dental appliance, and a dentist that treated me like an adult. This speaks for itself.. .
This practice lost one star, because it’s kind of a high volume practice and I did feel a little rushed by the staff.. .but it’s understandable.. .they were friendly enough, but they clearly had to keep the flow of patients moving.
Bottom line, if you need a referral for oral surgery, make sure you go to this practice!
–peace

Overdue review for sure. Dr Domanico is the oral surgeon for River West Smile Center too and he did such an amazing job I had to write a review here too.
Somehow I made it to my 30’s with all of my wisdom teeth, it was recommended that they be removed due to decay and one not erupting so the appointment was made. Sat down shot up full of novocain and the work began. In short order he had extracted all 4 and I was on my way. Maybe I am the exception, not sure, but the fact that I had pain killers left over because I did not need to use my full prescription speaks volumes to me. He did such a great job.
Follow up found no issues and I was done. If you are afraid of oral surgery this is the Dr to take care of you.