Monica Lara-Cordoba, DMD, DMSc

Has a warm puppy ever made a nice spot on your lap during a painful experience? If so, then you know how therapeutic it can be. I always think I’m so brave when I end up at the dentist. Though, I can’t deny, the drilling and needles can conjure up a B-​slasher film from the 1970s. Like nails on a chalkboard.
Oscar, the office pup, along with his sister, Lucy, kept rushing to my side to protect and comfort me during a deep tooth cleaning to deal with some mobility in a back molar, which required multiple injections of Novocain and other pointy, metal objects poking into my gum tissue and the roots around the tooth.
Dr. Monica Lara-​Córdoba has a soft touch and describes what she’s doing or will do, as she goes along. She offers a detailed PDF download section of her website which allows full explanation of all procedures, their health benefits or implications and more. A native of Mexico City and a 2005 Harvard graduate, she is bilingual and highly knowledgeable in her craft. Due to her popularity, she’s often caring for multiple clientele at once, and sometimes appointments can be hard to come by or may not start on time.
Her practice offers only periodontics and implant dentistry, so you won’t find basic dental services offered here. She receives a large following by way of your dentists’ referrals. And in fact, my regular dentist, Dr. Ivan Serdar, sent me to her for my deep cleaning. Who knew that the way your wisdom teeth were removed many years ago and how you treat that empty space can still affect your gum health? Thank goddesses and the brilliant engineers for electric toothbrushes.
The office itself is cozy, architecturally-​pleasing, with bits of Mexican-​infused art and culture found about the room.
Some parting notes of merit:
*Front desk staff do not accept e-​mails or voicemails for appointment-​making, etc. You must call during office hours, otherwise, you may find your e-​mails or voicemails went unanswered.
*If you are frightened of dogs, inform Dr. Lara-​Córdoba or office staff prior to your arrival to ensure they can meet your needs. Though, it’s important to mention that Oscar and Lucy are very kind and not aggressive or in your face. They are very loving and have a sweet disposition. Their presence is the equivalent of someone holding your hand during the procedure.
*Another note about the amazing puppy-​duo, Oscar & Lucy: they volunteer at mental health clinics to help calm down nervous patients! They are so generous of their time.
*Points of interest and assistance offered here include Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery, General Anesthesia, Guided Tissue Regeneration, Dental Implants, Maintenance Therapy, Occlusal Therapy, Osseous Surgery, Sedation, Temporomandibular Joint, Oral medicine related to osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer screening, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.
*Dr. Lara-​Córdoba treats your dental needs aggressively, and leans towards predicting potential issues that could erupt later on in your life. This style of treatment is obviously not for everyone.
*If x-​rays are necessary, you’ll be sent downstairs, in the same Medical Arts building, to Reveal Diagnostics, who make use of cone beam CT imaging. The only odd thing is the x-​ray I received was completed inside their break-​room, next to the microwave. But that’s another review for another time. Check back.
*For after-​treatment care, you may purchase Periosciences brand of oral gels with antioxidants to prevent inflammation and infection. I was directed to use the AO ProVantage Gel.

ok, let me start by saying i am TERRIFIED of dentists. TERRIFIED. which in turn lead me to neglect my teeth for years. after being far too enthusiastic with some chips and salsa, my tooth shattered. which is why i was going to see dr. cordoba for a tooth extraction. needless to say, i was beyond scared.
dr. cordoba and her staff were funny, down to earth, and extremely patient with me every step of the way. they offered valium to help calm me down, which helped. but what REALLY helped was oscar, the resident therapy pug. he sat on my lap the entire procedure, snoring away happily, and i was able to focus on him instead of the tooth being ripped out of my skull. dr. cordoba was able to get my problem tooth out in 1 piece, and much quicker than i had anticipated! the entire experience was worlds better than i ever could have imagined. i really trust dr. cordoba and the work she does.
the front office staff is also super nice and helpful — they explained all costs upfront, and we discussed a payment plan. carlos, the front desk guy, even called me the next day to make sure i was doing ok.
super positive tooth extraction! a phrase i NEVER though i would say!
thank you so much dr. cordoba and staff! and oscar!

Dr. Cordoba and her staff are about as good as they get. My experience there was so much better than I ever expected. I actually look forward to my next visit. Go figure!

Dr. Codoba is absolutely amazing. She is well informed, kind, honest and sensitive. She went out of her way to help me, and I greatly appreciate it. She spent time with me and responded to all my emails and calls. I recommend her highly.

I have the unfortunate honor of being on a first name basis with the staff here. Some bad luck and a cracked tooth this year landed me back on the fourth floor on Post Street. I had another implant surgery performed last year.
Dr. Cordoba and Norma are as gentle as they can be with a process like this which requires some numbing agents, some waiting, some pulling. I grew up with images of Maxwell Silver Hammer bludgeoning people with his drill and Dr. Cordoba is as far from this as they come. Gentle and clear.
I would recommend getting prescriptions ahead of time so you can have everything at home when you return from surgery. After surgery, the last thing you want to do is stand in line at Walgreens for your amoxicillin. Elaine or Carlos can help you with that.
Another great thing about the office is that this type of work often involves good coordination with your dentist. The office is very good about communication with other relevant parties so they can install abutments and crowns in the proper time periods.
I echo other reviews that the reception area is warm and calming: no flickering fluorescent light bouncing off the light-​toned oak engineered flooring.
The work is expensive but I imagine it is «market rate.» :)

I was referred to Monica by my dentist, whom I love and trust.
When I arrived at the office, no receptionist was there, for about 15 minutes. I was left sitting there with no one explaining anything while I waited.
When I was seen, Monica said because I am pregnant, she cannot do any work on me until after I am done breastfeeding.
I was billed $ 170 which normally I wouldn’t see but as my dentist bills my cleanings as exams, I was over my premium and needed to pay it. Personally, I felt this was an unfair amount to pay for a consultation, especially when she ended up explaining to me that she cannot work on me for a long time, before which is would certainly need another exam.
I brought this to her attention and she reversed the fee, which I thought was a little over the top but still appreciated. Next time, just lower your fee. Just because you are in SF doesn’t mean people should have to pay top $$, especially when you aren’t really working for it.

Let’s face it, no one is happy to go into oral surgery or to have to give up a tooth. It’s also not a cheap ordeal! But I can honestly say the silver lining to it all in my case was Dr. Cordoba and her fantastic staff. There’s a real culture of friendliness and attentiveness among all of them, but most importantly as with any medical procedure it’s very clear that Dr. Cordoba knows what she’s doing. After my first couple of visits I knew that I could absolutely trust her judgment and skill, and I would go out of my way to go back, should the need ever arise (however much I hope the need does not arise again!). Dr. Cordoba called me herself to follow up several times… other times, when she knew I’d just called and checked in, she jumped on the phone to personally see how things were going. And on top of it all, I have just never experienced another group of people who so naturally make people feel welcome and comfortable in an otherwise unenviable situation. You are never just another patient. Thanks Eileen, Norma, and Dr. Cordoba for everything!

Came here for my gum surgery. I was worried and scared of the hurt to see how much I can bear with. However, Dr. Cordova and her staff cheered me up during surgery, and made feel relax. I tool local anesthetic and it worked well. Highly recommend here.

What could be better than two awesome pups to calm my nerves! Really friendly staff, and a highly skilled periodontist! Norma and Carlos are a pleasure. I was so nervous and even a little scared! No mas!

Dr. Cordoba somehow gives novacain without it hurting– even giving me shots in the roof of my mouth. While obviously no one loves getting their gums grafted, the entire staff made my experience as good as it could be. Especially Norma the dental assistant– she made me laugh during surgery– and no laughing gas was involved!

I have to agree with a majority of the reviewers here, Dr. Cordoba has a wonderful demeanor, professional staff that is warm, friendly and understanding and very helpful!
I had been referred here for some deep cleaning and an exam per my regular dentist. Both parties knew I was losing my job and my insurance within a month and wanted to give me the most efficient and cost-​effective service with what I had left in my plan. Thankfully, things worked out wonderfully. I had a deep cleaning that I can’t say was «pleasant», but it was pretty tolerable and the dentist who performed the duty was very sensitive to my needs, pain level and comfort. My follow-​up appointment was smooth and the advice/​care given showed a genuine concern for my oral well being and future. That sounds kind of dirty though…
Can I also mention I LOVE the décor of this office? It’s not your normal dental office. It’s classy, laid out with some wonderful day of the dead pieces and Spanish influenced art. I also appreciate the «adult mobiles» that hang from the ceiling when you’re stuck in THE CHAIR and have to stare blankly above your head for an indeterminate amount of time. The gray/​taupe/​red color scheme really works well with the dark wood floors and I just automatically feel at ease when I walk in. They know what they’re doing! Kudos to your interior designer, heh.

Dr. Cordoba and her staff are extremely skilled professionals and warm, compassionate individuals.
From the moment you enter the modern, welcoming office, the front desk staff make you feel at home. You are offered a variety of tasty beverages and are made to feel very comfortable.
Dr. Cordoba has consistently been on time for all of my appointments and has done an excellent job instilling a strong sense of confidence during treatment. She is terrific at explaining what she is doing and why she is doing it. After each visit, I have walked away knowing that I have received the highest quality care and my teeth and gums are the better for it!
I can’t recommend Dr. Cordoba and her fantastic staff enough!

Excellent service, presence but specially professionalism. Not just from Dr. Cordoba, but from all her staff. She will answer your questions and she’ll drive you the details of the procedure so you can decide on her opinion. When you pay for this services you expect the best,

Dr. Cordoba was really helpful with my gum problem, since our first meeting she explained me in detail my diagnosis, procedure and answered all my questions, her staff was very supportive and care taking. She also has a beautiful and warm office that made me feel less anxious. I felt supported and well care when she took off my stitches and during all my mouth recovery. I definately recomend her!

I could not believe the lack of professionalism and sensitivity with which Dr. Monica Cordoba and her staff treated me today.
I was referred to this Dr by my dentist as one of my lower teeth cracked in half. Dr Cordoba was going to «move» my gums, remove one broken piece of tooth to see how deep the crack was and decide on whether to remove the tooth. Alas, she said the tooth could not be saved .
They did tell me this could be a possibility and they also told me that my dental insurance will not cover the full price and that I would have to pay around $ 700 out of pocket. However, what they did not tell me is that the FULL out of pocket payment from me will be due at the time of the service provided.
I have been going to my dentist and other Doctors for years, had various procedures done, but never was I presented with a bill at the time of the office visit. They always send the bill to you later. If it is an expensive procedure, they usually go over it with you and discuss payment options. Not in this office!!!
So there I was, shot full of novokaine, shaking from the sheer terror of having the Dr. cut my gums open and totally shocked by the fact that I had to produce $ 650 on the spot. When I said that I was not made aware that I had to pay the full amount right away, the staff and the Dr. herself started arguing with me and telling me that they told me. I explained that I had called their office twice yesterday, expressing my concern about how high the fee would be, and it was not made clear to me. They proceeded to argue with me, short of calling me a liar. I was clearly distressed by the situation and shaken and they did not see that and did not even mention a payment plan until I flat out said that I am not a millionaire and cannot produce almost $ 700 on the spot. Instead, Dr. Cordoba herself kept saying that they’ve never had a problem like this before and all the patients pay.
She went ahead and removed my tooth and I requested to have the fee broken down in halves. I am still confused as to why NOONE made the payment terms clear to me and why they do not have an option to bill the patient like other doctors do.
I will not go back to this office for more work if I have a choice.

I would seriously think twice before trusting your periodontal needs to Ms. Lara-​Cordoba. I went in for a simple procedure to prep one tooth for a crown and Dr. Lara-​Cordoba instead performed a much more invasive procedure on the entire upper left quadrant. She removed a massive amount of bone and gum tissue, leaving huge holes between my teeth and the roots of my teeth exposed, as well as, destroying my gum line. It has been devastating. Dr. Lara-​Cordoba would not take responsibility for performing a procedure I did not agree to and is unwilling to repair the damage she has caused to my mouth. If anyone can recommend a good periodontist, please let me know.

My little munchkin gave me something else besides joy and happiness-​gum disease.: (
Dr. Cordoba was referred to me by my dentist and she is saving my gums and teeth! I have been suffering for months with bleeding gums and frequent infections, this is the best I have felt in a long time! I still have more work that needs to be done, but I am on the road to recovery.

I went to Dr. Cordoba because my dentist said I needed a gum graft. Dr. Cordoba said I needed two and decided that we would start with the less significant recession — the one my dentist had never told me needed a graft. When I asked Dr. Cordoba why she was doing that one first, she never gave me an answer.
I do find the Dr. to have a nice presence, but i found many times that she avoided answering my questions and it felt a little like going to a sketchy mechanic — come in needing a tune-​up, leave having paid for 10 unnecessary repairs.
The assistant was unbelievably casual about which pain med she was prescribing me. After the doctor instructed me to stop using the mouth wash due to an allergic reaction, the assistant tried to give it to me again. When I told I was allergic at first she disregarded it, saying lots of people have that reaction. When her I told her my reaction was listed on the bottle’s side effects under «Stop use immediately and contact a doctor if occurs,» she replied, «oh I never read that far down the side effect list.»
Now that my gum graft is complete, it does look good, but the roof of my mouth (where the graft was taken from) has a totally different contour. When I asked the doctor about this she told me that it would resolve itself within 6 months. It’s been 7 now and doesn’t seem to be changing back at all. I wish I had been informed that this was a risk.
I wouldn’t recommend her office to anyone nor would I visit it again.

Dr. Lara-​cordoba and staff are extremely nice, efficient and not to mention they are so helpful. Dr. Lara is on top of things and has assisted me in many ways. She is very sweet and explains things very professionally. I have a lot to thank her for. She listens and knows exactly what she is doing. I highly recommend whoever needs to see a periodontist to go see her.

Dr. Cordoba is extremely talented, compassionate and professional. I brought Dr Cordoba a significant periodontal challenge and she handled it with confidence, ease and clearly the correct medical action. Not only does she have me on the road to recovery, but I have not felt this healthy in over 7 months! I applaud Dr. Cordoba and I highly recommend her to anyone challenged with periodontal disease. I will continue to see Dr. Cordoba exclusively for my periodontal needs.