Seeking an Oral Surgeon

Related Page:  Advice about Oral Surgery

Parent Q&A

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  • Hi, we need wisdom teeth extracted in a teen, they want to be knocked out, and we would like to use an in-network provider if possible.  If you have experience with any of these oral surgeons, could you please comment on your experience?  Thank you!

    Simel, Or

    Simel, Oz

    Ajayi, Michael A

    Aklilu, Ephraim W

    Hossieni, Rozbeh

    Faraji, Zaid S

    Edwards, James B

    Tsang, David L

    Elder, Mahr

    Barber, Scott P

    Liao, Wendy

    Clayman, Lewis

    My 18 year old just had hers done today at Albany Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery , next to Wells Fargo at the El Cerrito PLaza. We were very pleased. 

    Good Luck

    Our son just got his wisdom teeth pulled at Parkside Oral Surgery (Wendy Liao) last week.  She was thorough, relatable and her staff was very kind. I would go back without question if I had the need.

    My kid had her wisdom teeth extracted on Monday from Albany Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. They were highly recommended by our dentist. They were professional, kind, and were very supportive of my scared daughter. They were also great with aftercare questions and concerns. I would recommend them without hesitation. 

    Our 20 year old just had all four of hers out three weeks ago at Bayside oral surgery in south Berkeley - it went well, and there were plenty of people doing the same there.

  • I am looking for a good oral surgeon recommendation for corrective jaw surgery. Most of the reviews I have found are with wisdom teeth. We are willing to travel across the Bay Area for a good oral surgeon. 

    The UCSF Oral and Maxillofacial surgery team are excellent. My mother was a patient of Dr. Brian Bast (and I work at UCSF, so accompanied her to appointments and surgery). Also don't underestimate the added benefit of being in the care of UCSF Anesthesiologists and Nurses - this "adjunct" care is just as important in many cases as the surgeon!  https://www.ucsfhealth.org/clinics/oral-and-maxillofacial-surgery-clinic

  • My 17 yo son’s experiencing some gum changes above his (unsprung) wisdom teeth. His orthodontist had recommended getting a consult & directed us to a berkeley oral surgeon. 
     

    I’d like to get a couple of consults (best thing I ever did for orthodontia) — anyone have a great oral surgeon to recommend?  

    Dr. Vu at Bayside Oral and Max. Surgery was amazing with my daughter's 4 impacted wisdom extraction (December 2020). Excellent care among the whole staff. https://www.baysideoralsurgery.com/meet-us/dr-giao-vu/

    I highly recommend Dr. Keith Gronbach Oral Surgery Lafayette CA | Oral Surgeon Lafayette (eastbayoralsurgery.com)

    Not only did he successfully extract 4 of my teenage son's teeth, but my son has a medical condition that made it higher risk and we had a complete and thorough exam and consultation beforehand. Before that, I had called early in the pandemic when every office was still closed and he returned my call personally and promptly to answer my concerns. As you will see, he has excellent reviews and I was referred by friends who also took their kids to him with great success. Good luck!

    Hi - for our son's wisdom teeth our regular dentist recommended Dr. Alex McDonald. Dr. McDonald discussed what he saw in great detail with us (impacted growth, even an extra tooth!) and was very accommodating with our schedule. He took out all four wisdom teeth at once, with light general anesthesia, and our son was back in shape very quickly (aka he ate a light dinner that night.) We followed the discharge advice to the letter: take Tylenol even if it doesn't hurt, ice for 20 minutes every so often, and he never got "chipmunk cheeks". We went to one routine follow-up and confirmed there were no issues at all. His staff worked with our insurance and we only paid the out of pocket amount that we owed. All in all a very good experience. We highly recommend him. Dr. McDonald's office is at 3300 Webster St, Suite 300 in Oakland, and his phone is 510-832-4466.

  • Our teen son needs teeth extracted - but has health issues, specifically concerning his heart (SVT), so we are looking for an excellent oral surgeon who SPECIFICALLY has experience with patients who have health/heart conditions for which contra-indications for certain anesthetics may apply. TIA for any and all suggestions.

    Hi - I don't know details about his specific experience with heart issues, but believe it is worth checking in with the office of Keith Gronbach at East Bay Oral Surgery.  My 14 year old just had major oral surgery with involved general anesthesia - our experience with him and his amazing staff could not have been better. My daughter agrees. Good luck, and feel free to PM me if you would like to chat.

    https://www.eastbayoralsurgery.com/

    Best to you!

    HI - You may want to speak with Dr Ali Iranmanesh at Diablo Oral Surgery. He is also an MD as well as an oral surgeon. His medical education is from Harvard and UCSF. And he has extensive background in anesthesia, per his website bio. He's also a great guy and made both my kids feel very comfortable with oral surgery. https://www.diablo-osic.com/ 

    Good luck to you!

    You may get some great suggestions here; my suggestion is to ask his cardiologist for a recommendation.

    If he will need anesthesia for the procedure, be sure the anesthesiologist is board verified in pediatric anesthesia. 

    Please do not move forward without discussing the plan with your son’s cardiologist. The procedure may need to be done at a pediatric hospital, under general anesthesia, provided by a board certified pediatric anesthesiologist, who will specific expertise caring for patients like your child.

    The anesthesiologist has at least as important a role as the oral surgeon in caring for your child. You mentioned certain medications that are contraindicated for your son. It is the pediatric anesthesiologist who has knowledge required regarding what meds to use or not use.

    i work at Children’s Hospital, and this type of procedure, for patients with cardiac/ health issues, is a routine practice here. Unless his cardiologist assures you it’s safe, I don’t recommend that your son have this procedure done under anesthesia (or without anesthesia) in an office setting. If his arrhythmia were to occur during the procedure, you’d want him to be able to be treated immediately, by specialists who treat his condition frequently and routinely. That is not true in an office setting.

  • Hi there,

    I'm looking for a recommendation for an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth extraction for my 17-year-old daughter. I went on the Denti-Cal site and then looked up those folks on Yelp and yikes--not such great reviews. The one place that was given decent reviews was the Western Dental on International Blvd. in Oakland though other Western Dental locations get terrible ratings. I'm fine to travel anywhere in the Bay Area for a good surgeon.

    Thank you!

    My 16 yo just had her wisdom teeth removed with Bryan Krey in Orinda. He provided this device with all three of my kids. He was a good listener and provided excellent care. Office staff friendly , they called that evening to check on her 

    My son had his wisdom teeth extracted last summer by Dr. Keith Gronbach in Lafayette. It was a really good experience and the entire office was wonderful to work with. Definitely worth it if you live anywhere near by (we are in Oakland). The website is www.eastbayoralsurgery.com

    We used Dr. Berger at 2522 Dana Street in Berkeley and have no complaints at all.  Best of luck!

    Drs Berger and krey did a fantastic job with both of my teenagers multiple teeth removals

    I second Dr. Berger.  He has office in Berkeley and Orinda.

    The place called something like "Orinda Barkeley Maxilofascial surgery" is the place to go to. But, also, read about weather this surgery is really necessary....I did when my daughter's was recommend. Dentists will tell you part of it is a pure money mankind deal.

    My teen has had to have all molars extracted and other oral surgery since elementary with Dr. Berger of http://www.berkeleyoralsurgery.com/

    offices in Berkeley and Orinda.  Dr Berger is terrific and very personable - as are the attending practitioners. 

    Highly recommend.

    We have used Berkeley-Orinda Oral Surgery, with offices in (you guessed it) Berkeley and Orinda.  Dr. Mobati was our surgeon, and we had no problems in any of the three extractions my two kids have had over the years.

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Looking for oral surgeon for dental implant

Oct 2010

HI, I'm looking for a good oral surgeon for dental implant work in the East Bay (ideally someone near Bart). Please let me know. Thanks, Nikki


For an oral surgeon I recommend going to San Francisco. I live in the East Bay and I recommend going to San Francisco because I have found that I receive better and curent, more up to date care by going to San Francisco. In fact I now go to San Francisco for all of my dental care - it is a bit of a story but overall I have found and been much happier and receive correct, up to date treatments with dentists in San Francisco. I recommend Dr. Joseph Gabany in Union Square as an oral surgeon and Dr. Sean Moran for dental care and Dr. Robert Quinn for orthodontics. Happy With My Teeth


I just had lengthy and long dental surgeries and implant surgery to replace bone and 2 teeth. I highly recommend periodontist Dr. Ryan Horn for this work, he has done an amazing job under very difficult circumstances. He has 2 offices, one on Regent St and one in El Cerrito. He can be reached at 510-524-3414. He worked closely with my wonderful general dentist Dr Richard Clopton, who ALSO can do implants (my case was complicated with several bone grafts) and he can be reached at 510-848-0114 - Dr Clopton did the crown and bridge, and he is an artist. emily


My dad placed a few implants last year. He needed extra bone, CTscan and of course sedation! Dr. Rahmatian who is a general dentist performed the surgery and did the crown work for the implants. The result is great and there was almost no discomfort afterward. There is an advantage to see an implant dentist like him, someone who doest both part of the implant work. He does have specialists and sedation doctors in his office if there is a need for them. A gum specialist worked with Dr. Rahmatian for some part of my dad's surgery. Their website is www.berkeleyfamilyandimplantdentistry.com and their number is 510-848 7239. you could talk to patty, she is the office manager and is very helpful. goodluck AM


Oral Surgeon to extract wisdom teeth

Aug 2010

Just moved to Berkeley from Philadelphia, and my wisdom teeth are acting up. Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and get them extracted. I don't know any medical professionals in the area and am hesitant to just go ahead and pick a random one, so I would like to get recommendations for compassionate and comprehensive oral surgeons (looking for one that would use IV sedation/general anesthesia -can't stand the thought of being awake during the procedure), preferably in Berkeley proper or else in the very near vicinity. While we're at it, if you have recommendations for a general dentist I'll be happy to ge those too. Thanks a lot! Rachel


I had impacted wisdom teeth and was pulling other teeth at the same time for adult orthodontia. I had 7 teeth pulled at once with Dr. Berger and he was excellent. The office was well run and they explained everything very clearly. They put me under and the next thing I knew, it was over and I was in recovery with my hubby there to pick me up. The group is called Berkeley Oral Surgery (www.berkeleyoralsurgery.com) and I believe Drs Bloom and Berger both have many recommendations archived in BPN. joc


My husband went to Dr. Alijanian in Walnut Creek for his wisdom teeth removal and liked him very much, especially in how he followed up a couple days later. I also thought he and his staff were well-organized, knowledgable and patient. They gave us much more attention than expected, eventhough this was a pretty standard, relatively inexpensive procedure. frances


2009 Reviews


Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Teeth

Dec 2009

Both my son and daughter need their wisdom teeth pulled next year,and I do not have dental insurance. I am looking for a recommendation for an oral surgeon (or dentist?) to do the work who is reputable and hopefully not too expensive. If I have to pay more to get the best, so be it. If so, perhaps someone who will allow monthly installment payments. wishful thinker


Hi All three of my kids had their wisdom teeth removed by Dr. Craig Bloom in Berkeley. He treated them very kindly and called to check up on them. I would recommend him. Mom of three


Looking for a good oral surgeon

Feb 2009

My husband is looking for an oral surgeon in the El Cerrito/Berkeley neighborhood. Crystal


I can recommend Dr. Michael Doucet, in Albany. He removed my daughter's impacted wisdom teeth without a hitch. The office staff was very nice, especially when it can to paying the bill! His number is (510) 526-8000. Good luck!


2008 Reviews


Oral surgeon for 15-year-old with asthma and seizures

Jan 2008

I'm looking for an experienced oral surgeon who extracts impacted wisdom teeth. My 15-year old daughter needs to have this done, and I want to make sure that she is in very capable hands before moving forward. My daughter has some existing medical conditions - mild asthma and a history of seizures, so I need someone who is willing to work with her doctors, and can handle any complications which might arise. We live near Richmond and have Delta Dental insurance, but would consider going to Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Oakland, or Concord for an excellent oral surgeon. anonymous


I highly recommend Dr. Keith Nelson , 548-9114, who has an office next to Alta Bates. He specializes in wisdom teeth. Jennifer


I can recommend Dr. W. Craig Noblett, D.D.S. who has done several root canals for me. He has an office on Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley, and his number is (510) 841-6357. Jim


My teenage daughter had a good experience with Bloom, Berger and Krey in Berkeley (510-848-1055). They were recommeded to us by her orthodontist. Dr. Krey walked her through the whole process ahead of time, the surgergy went well, and the follow-up was effective. Anon


My 12-year daughter saw Dr. Craig Bloom of Berkeley to have an impacted baby tooth removed. His pre-procedure talk with her was perfect. The procedure went fine. Good luck. Anon


Craig Bloom is an excellent oral surgeon who operated on my then 8-year-old. He is very calming and patient. He explains everything and takes the time to answer your questions. He does not rush the appointment and is very thorough. Recently, he removed 4 of my older son's (18) impacted wisdom teeth and again he was quite thorough. His address is 2522 Dana Street, Suite 202, Berkeley. Phone is 510-848-1055. rishida


2007 Reviews


2006 Reviews


Oral Surgeon that accepts Denti-Cal

Jan 2006

Help! I'm having a hard time finding an oral surgeon who can extract two widsom teeth and accepts my insurance. Does anyone know anything about Dr. Michael Cory who works with Western Dental or Dr. Ahani in Richmond? I'm nervous to go to anyone that I've haven't heard good things about. I'm open to anyone else too. Thanks!


Not sure about accepting Denti-Cal, but my husband and I have been going to Dr. Jill Martenson 's office in Piedmont. She has been nothing short of excellent! We have had significant issues with previous dental work (done in recent months), that need to be re-worked entirely (involving implantation and bone grafting). After consulting with my orthodontist, Dr. EG Righellis in Claremont/Oakland, she seems to be one of the best in her field. (Dr. Righellis came highly recommended by my ortho from New York City, who is also renowned in his field) 510.652.2911 1331 Grand Ave., Piedmont
Chi-wai


2004-05 Reviews


Older Reviews


Oral surgeon for anesthesia options

July 2003

Can anyone out there recommend a good oral surgeron in the Alameda/Oakland/Berkeley area. My 17 year old step daughter needs her wisdom teeth removed and the oral surgeon she currently has does not seem very interested in offering her choices such as local vs. general anesthesia (he's just telling her she needs general anesthesia). I had a very easy and good experience with local anesthesia with an out of town oral surgeon, and I'm looking for any feedback others may have had with either experience. Thanks in advance for your help! mary


Frank Dal Santo in San Francisco at 450 Sutter. 415-989- 1050. When I had mine pulled, I told him I wanted to be knocked out; this wasn't an issue for him at all. I woke up in their recovery room very happy to have missed the whole operation. Ann S


It may be that your daughter's teeth are too impacted for local anesthesia. Years ago my doc gave me the choice or general or local as my teeth were not ''too impacted.'' Since my brother had done it local the year before I knew I could too... After the first tooth came out with lots of crying and anguish on my part, they put me under and the last 3 were a dream :) I didn't have pain with the local, but the tugging, pressure, and noise of the tooth breaking in my head was psychologically a bit challenging. I was about 20 years old at the time. If I'd been told more what to expect I might have been better prepared, but my doc had not really walked me through the procedure before hand so it was a bit overwhelming. send me dreams


15-year-old with 4 impacted wisdom teeth

July 2003

We just learned our 15 year-old daughter has 4 impacted wisdom teeth and we'd like to have the extractions taken care of this summer. Our pediatric dentist referred us to Bloom, Berger, and Krey. However, their practice is so busy, they might not be able to schedule us before her school starts in August. Our regular dentist recommended Dr. Doucet in Albany. I checked the archives and found one recommendation from 1998. Does anyone have anything more current to say about Dr. Doucet?


Bloom and his colleagues are the best--we have researched this thoroughly No wisdom teeth but other issues


I just had two teeth extracted and implants put in by Dr. Doucet. Prior to the surgery, I had two consultations with him and I was very impressed with his state-of-the-art office, with the considerate and caring staff and dental assistants, with his thorough exam, and with his patient and clear explanations of the procedures. During the surgery I was also impressed by the attention that he and his assistant gave to any discomfort that I might be feeling and by how he was very happy to explain what he was doing and why. I also appreciated the modern surgical suite and the careful attention given to sterility. Of course, I have yet to see how successful the implants are...but so far my experience with Dr. Doucet has been very good and I would certainly recommend him. Gen


Dr. Doucet removed my wisdom teeth at two different times and I think he is a great doctor. His staff is very nice. He is a nice relaxed guy with very good bedside manner but also very focused on his work. I would definitely go back if I ever needed anything else. Julie


Dr. Doucet removed all four of one son's wisdom teeth, and removed bone that was blocking the growth of another son's adult tooth. He did a fabulous job with both surgeries, and his staff was kind and supportive. He's a kick to meet with his surgery glasses!


I highly recommend Dr. Rech, 2999 regent/ashby 510.843.6341. I did not have wisdom teeth removed, but he did surgery on my gums deep pockets in my gums)and worked on my tooth's bone loss (and did a fantastic job!!! He was recommended to me by my dentist.


Oral surgeons with PMI

May 2003

Could anyone please give me some feedbacks concerning these oral surgeons that PMI named for me (I'm with them because of their $1k orthodontic plan, I can't afford braces otherwise). I need feedbacks on Dr. Michael Ajayi in Richmond (222-2163), Dr. Basili Patakas in Alameda (523-1862), and finally, Dr. Thomas Love in Oakland (452-0110). I need to have my 4 wisdom teeth extracted. Thank you linh


I know a lot of people like Dr. Love, or so my dentist says. However, I went to see him years ago and when he came in to examine me, his forehead and the instrument he wore around his forehead (the mirror) were splattered with blood. It freaked me out and I did not go back. In fact I still have the wisdom teeth-not the best idea, but I was traumatized by the bloody doctor! anon


Oct 1998

When I had my wisdom teeth removed I went to Dr. Doucet (526-8000) who is an oral surgeon. His office is in the professional buildings across from the Lucky's in the El Cerrito Plaza. He removed all four of mine, and I don't remember using anything stronger than Tylenol for a couple of days after. He did a great job. For the procedure I was in twilight sleep (I think that is what they call it...) so while I was not knocked out, I also have no memory of anything except walking in, and walking out. He met with me at an appointment a few days before to explain everything that Rose


October 1996

I have a daughter who is now 11 yrs old. She has been through 4 oral surgeries. One of which her baby teeth had to be obtracted. After the surgery you could see her permanent teeth right away. She is a heart transplant patient and the medicines she takes causes her gums to grow over her teeth. Our first oral surgery was performed by Dr. Richard Sobel at the Anticoch Pediatric Dentistry (415) 757-4220. The surgery was performed at Oakland Children's hospital. Her other surgeries were performed by Dr. Loytz, who is my favorite. He is very good with children and he also referred us to our Orthodonist now, who has worked with children with special problems. Dr. Loytz has two offices. He performs his surgeries out of Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto. The office I am familiar with was located in San Jose. He has moved since the last time I have talked with him and I am not sure where the office is located now but his number is (408) 366-1171. He is wonderful with children. If you have any questions about the anthesia, I will be happy to talk with you. The surgery is done by lazer and the children are sometimes eating the same day. Your daughter's surgery will be a piece of cake compared to what my daughter's surgery consist of and I was very happy with the results. Carlis