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David S. Kao DDS

Periodontics and general care in Westlake

Closed
(213) 481-2699WebsiteUpdated Aug 25, 2026

Featured on Smyleee

David S. Kao DDS is ranked in the top 3 on 1 Smyleee Top 10 list.

About David S. Kao DDS

Based on Wilshire Boulevard in the Westlake area of Los Angeles, California, David S. Kao DDS is a dental practice serving the area. Periodontics is the specialty focused on the gums and the bone supporting the teeth, handling more advanced gum disease, related surgical treatment, and — in many practices — dental implant placement, which sits naturally alongside that training.

Beyond any single treatment, most dental visits start with an examination — checking for decay, reviewing the gums, and looking at existing fillings or crowns — often alongside X-rays where there is a reason to look between or beneath teeth. That groundwork is what a dentist uses to explain any findings and set out next steps before you leave.

Routine attendance, roughly every six months for most people, is what actually keeps small problems small. A lot of decay and gum disease develops without any pain in its early stages, which is why regular checkups matter even when nothing seems to be wrong, rather than only booking an appointment once something hurts.

A first appointment at a new practice typically covers a full examination, a review of your dental and medical history, and a professional cleaning, with X-rays if you do not have recent ones. It is also a reasonable time to raise any longer-term concerns, cosmetic or otherwise, so they can be factored into a plan going forward.

Day-to-day oral health still comes down to the basics between visits — brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth, and limiting how often sugary food and drink appear through the day matters more than the total amount eaten at once. Regular professional care is what catches whatever those habits do not.

Digital X-rays are a routine part of dental care because they show what a visual exam alone cannot — decay forming between teeth, bone loss below the gumline, and how developing adult teeth are positioned in children. They use a low radiation dose and are taken on a schedule matched to individual risk rather than at every single visit. This page has the practice's contact details and full service list. Get in touch through it to ask questions or book a visit.

David S. Kao DDS offers periodontics on Wilshire Boulevard in the Westlake area of Los Angeles, California. The practice is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Use this page to see the full range of treatments listed and to get in touch about an appointment.

Clinic Details

Best Known For

Dental Implants, Periodontics

Business Hours

Monday
8:30 AM5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM5:00 PM
Wednesday(Today)Closed
Thursday
8:30 AM5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM5:00 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is David S. Kao DDS located in Los Angeles?
David S. Kao DDS is on Wilshire Boulevard in the Westlake area of Los Angeles, California (90017).
What days is David S. Kao DDS open?
David S. Kao DDS is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Contact the practice through this page to confirm current appointment times before travelling.
What services does David S. Kao DDS offer?
Listed services at David S. Kao DDS include Periodontics. The full list is shown on this page.
What does a periodontist treat?
Periodontists focus on the gums and the bone supporting the teeth, handling more advanced gum disease and related surgical treatment, as well as placing implants in many practices.
When should I see a periodontist instead of a general dentist?
Usually on referral, when gum disease has advanced beyond what routine treatment is resolving — deep pockets, ongoing bone loss, or gum recession needing surgical management.
Why do dentists take X-rays?
Decay between teeth and problems below the gumline are invisible to the naked eye, so X-rays are what reveal them. Modern digital images use a low dose and are taken only when clinically justified.

Location

Services Offered

Dental ImplantsPeriodontics

Reviews

255 reviews

Smyleee Rating reflects verified profile signals, reviews, and overall care quality.

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Recent Reviews

W
W***1 month ago

Always great.

D
D***1 month ago

Thorough and courteous!

G
G***1 month ago

Thank you to everyone! You were all very welcoming. Dr Kao was very personable and assessed and explained everything that needed to get done.

M
M***1 month ago

Wonderful professional staff! Skillful hands of June the dental hygienist make regular needed scaling painless!!!

M
M***1 month ago
K
K***3 months ago

I'm still in the process of getting a dental implant, so far the experience has been amazing. Dr. Kao and the staff are very friendly and informative! I love the care and service I receive each time I visit the office. I highly recommend them!!

J
J***4 months ago

I’ve been having my teeth cleaned by a Aya For many years and have been through several Periodontist with her as she has moved, she is now with Dr.Kao, an excellent Periodontist. Aya is one of the best teeth cleaners in California or anywhere and I’ve had a lot of teeth Cleaners in my life. I recommend the office highly AAAAA+

J
J***4 months ago

First and foremost I absolutely dread dental procedures. I had previously had a tooth removed and a bone graft done on my front upper tooth. My dentist referred me to Dr Kao for the implant. I had an initial appointment to take X-rays and consultation. Everything looked good, so we schedule the implant. The removal and bone graft portion was a long and painful recovery so I anticipated being sore and bloody for a couple of days post procedure. I was very surprised at how painless it was. I have Invisalign retainers right now and I was able to put my trays in the following morning! Procedure went so smooth, no stitches, and minimal bleeding! Staff: so kind and helpful and every step of the way. I will give a special kudos to their staff. I had issues with insurance covering my procedure and paid out of pocket. After chatting with staff their, they took the time to review and identify the appropriate charge code that my dentist should have used and they encouraged me to have them resubmit the previous claim so that I can have the implant covered. My dentist staff did not take that same time and due diligence, and for that I am very grateful for this staff! I will be recommending Dr. Kao to others!!!

M
M***5 months ago

I am a general dentist with my own practice here in LA . I have been going to several dentists for my cleaning and after each appointment my mouth and teeth felt like they were never cleaned . One day after I felt like I needed another cleaning . I decided to go to Dr. David Kao . He is the periodontist that I have recommended to my patients for implants and gum surgery . Dr Kao did scaling and root planing and I must say this was the best cleaning I have ever had in my entire life . My teeth and gums felt so clean even the day after . I did not get local anesthesia , there was pain here and there , he was doing a great job digging and scraping and it was a good relieving pain . I think everyone needs a good scaling and root planing once a year and a regular cleaning every four months depending on your gum situation . . I was not disappointed and Dr Kao is top notch , I am glad he sees all my patients for their deep cleanings , implant placements , gum surgeries and extractions . Thank you so much Dr David Kao ! You’re the Best !!

N
N***7 months ago

All the staff are kind, and I think Dr. Kao is the best dentist in L.A. I had a tooth extracted by him, and I didn't feel any pain. He has a light touch. I will definitely go back to him if I have any more tooth problems. My whole family goes to him for dental care.

Reviews are aggregated from public sources.

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