Berkeley Parents Network: Oral Surgeons

Berkeley Parents Network

Oral Surgeons

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Health & Medical > Oral Surgeons

Questions:

Oral Surgeon that accepts Denti-Cal
Oral surgeon for anesthesia options
15-year-old with 4 impacted wisdom teeth 7/03
Advice about Oral Surgery
Extracting Teeth
Advice about Wisdom Teeth

Recommendations received:

Bloom, Berger & Krey
Frank Dal Santo
Michael Doucet
Dr. Rech
Richard Sobel, Dr. Loytz

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

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

Recommended:

Frank Dal Santo

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?

Recommendations received:

Bloom, Berger & Krey (1)

Michael Doucet (3)

Dr. Rech (1)

Bloom, Berger & Krey

Aug 2004

My 7 year-old son has been referred by my orthodontist to the oral surgeons Bloom, Berger and Krey for the extraction of 3 baby teeth. If anyone has had any experience with these doctors or advice on prepping my son for the procedure, I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Joan

I recently had an extraction and an implant done by Dr. Bloom. He was GREAT!, did excelent work and has a very easy going, humerous manner. I think he would be great with kids at putting them at ease. My regular dentist who put the crown on the implant told me that they usually have to glue the crown to the implant fittings, but mine was placed so perfectly that they could put a screw through it- so then if I need future adjustments they can unscrew the crown instead of breaking it(thus not having to spend another $800 for a new crown!) I highly recommend Dr. Bloom, and hear the other docters in his office are good also. Lisa

My 8-year-old daughter had two baby teeth pulled by Dr. Berger and it went very smoothly. The office staff was friendly and considerate, Dr. Berger was very nice, and I think the whole visit took about 30 minutes. Their instructions for home care were clear and I believe they even called later to check on her. All in all, I was very pleased. Alice

We had an excellent experience with this group. Each of my daughters has had teeth pulled in the last few years & we found the process surprisingly untraumatic. The office staff is great, the surgeons are great, the whole atmosphere is one of calm competence. I highly recommend them. Melinda

My now 11 year old son had 4 teeth extracted by I believe it was Dr. Krey last fall. The experience was almost pleasant. My son had routinely been to the dentist since he was four but had never had any cavities or other work done. He is also a bit of a wimp about pain. The oral surgeon was very calm and friendly and put my son right at ease. He was extremely quick about it and told my son to let him know the second he felt anything uncomfortable and he would stop.

Although the doctor suggested pain medication if he needed it, my son didn't even take any. Now he is in another phase of his orthodontia and may need additional teeth extracted - he asked if he could go back to the same guy! Good luck! Lisa

My daughter has been through a number baby tooth extractions with Dr. Bloom, and will be going back for a few permanent teeth. They provide an initial consultation with the Dr. and were very thorough about providing info and answering questions -- both mine and my daughter's. They gave us valium to give her an hour before the procedure -- it didn't knock her out completely, just helped her relax and wore off within an hour afterwards. I went in with her while they got ready, then waited in the waiting room until they were done. I think Dr. Bloom suggested that arrangement because she was anxious. Afterwards, I went back to meet her and we were out of there 30-45 minutes after we arrived.

She said the worst part was the shots they give to numb the tooth, and that the actual extractions didn't hurt at all. She didn't have any pain or swelling, but you use Advil and ice for the first few hours. It's not a pleasant experience, and she's not looking forward to going back, but she still likes Dr. Bloom. Both the dentist and the orthodontist say he's very good at his job, and I think the speed of his work and lack of complications are probably due to a lot of experience with the procedure. We've been through some terrible dentists, and I felt pretty lucky that she got such good treatment.

You can email me if you want more details.

These guys are great!!! My 9-year old had to have extractions for orthodontia. I found them to be very professional, kind and funny. We forgot our pulled teeth for the tooth fairy and they mailed them to us without us even asking. My son had no problem with pain during or afterward. kim

My children have been to Bloom, Berger & Krey several times for extractions. My daughter also had major jaw surgery (Mandibular Osteotomy) performed by Berger, and although it was really scarey going through it, it turned out perfect.

I don't have any experience with Krey (I think he's newer to the practice), but Bloom and Berger have done great work for my kids. If you want ''warm and fuzzie'' pick Bloom, if you don't care about that, and like a more direct manner, pick Berger. Either one is technically good.

As far as preparing your child for the visit, I'd just explain what was going to happen in a very low-key manner. If they express fear about the pain, tell them that the doctor will make sure it doesn't hurt. I think (check with the office) that you have a meeting with the doctors before the actual extraction and they explain exactly what will happen. Sue

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Bloom. I went to him just last week for a tooth extraction. He is wonderful!! I am extremely fearful of any dental experiences and was so anxious about this one. My own dentist recommended him and said that he and his family have seen Dr. Bloom themselves. Dr. Bloom completely put me at ease and made the experience as good as it could possibly be. I would send my own children there. If you ever have to have oral surgery - this is the place to go. I can't speak of the others there, but Dr. Bloom was great. Maria

My fussy and competent orthodontist thinks the world of this oral surgery practice. He referred us to Bloom, feeling that he was the most touchy-feely of the group but reported that all of the oral surgeons are technically excellent. Bloom pulled a few of my daughter's teeth and will pull 5 more this October (yes, she has plenty of teeth left). My daughter is completely unbothered by the pending extractions because her first experience with Bloom went so well. Sensitive Mama

I have had various experience with these guys--for myself, my husband and most recently my eight year-old daughter. They are excellent! Professional, nice, more than competent. I couldn't recommend them any higher! Good luck! Debbie

I had a badly cracked tooth removed by Dr. Berger a couple of years a go and he was wonderful- I will go straight back to him if I ever need an oral surgeon again. He is a genuinely nice person, and he got my tooth out painlessly and amazingly quickly- not even any of that yucky noise. Cecelia

My son had 4 baby teeth pulled by Dr. Krey within the last year, when he was 8. It was quick, easy, made as pleasant as possible by the staff's good cheer. My son did not complain of discomfort during or after the procedure. I was in the room with him the whole time.

We are returning for four more extractions in the next month. This time he is anxious re the sound of the extractions. He says that is the worst part of the whole procedure. We may try a CD player with headphones; the orthodontist suggested asking about nitrous oxide. iris

I just saw Dr. Krey a couple months ago for an extraction. I went to him partly because of recommendations on this web-site, as well as my dentist. I was very nervous about it, and he was very kind, gentle and it was so much easier than I expected. Of course, it can be different for a child, but I would highly recommend him. anderson h

These folks are pros! The only thing my daughter was unprepared for was the numbness she felt afterwards from the novocaine. She wasn't prepared for her tongue and cheek to be numb. That being said, Dr. Bloom, (the only one that I have experience with) is wonderful and puts the kids at ease. Sally

My children both have had braces, and part of this process has involved the necessity of extractions. Our orthodontist sent us/them to Bloom, Berger & Key, and our experience with them was quite positive (as positive as such an unpleasant process can be). Also, my father, then in his seventies, had a problem with a tooth during a visit, and Bloom, Berger & Krey handled his situation promptly and competently. My main advice would be not to express a lot of anxiety to your child in anticipation of the appointment, as they will pick this up oh, so promptly. Assure them that the process is routine and all will be well. And if you have questions before or after the process, ask them, without hesitation. Doug

July 2003

Re: 15-year-old with 4 impacted wisdom teeth

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

April 2000

I've been having some problems with my TMJ joint and have gotten a referral to Dr. Brian Krey. Does anyone have any experience with him? Also, any general advice about TMJ would be appreciated - what sorts of treatments are out there for someone with relatively mild pain and soreness? Any ways to prevent progression of joint damage?

I went to him last week for the first time for a tooth removal. Dr. Krey explained in detail what he would do and gave information about possible consequences (that never came true). The tooth was removed without me even knowing it had happened. I was given nitrous oxide and Novocaine. While not being a "pleasant" experience, I found Dr. Krey to be knowledgeable, calm and competent. Trisha

Oct 1998

Oral Surgeon: I recommend Dr. Benjamin Bloom, 848-1055.(South Campus area) I would aim for him, rather than other office surgeons. He is scheduled pretty far in advance, so you might want to schedule even if you need to change your appointment. He is sensitive and willing to dialogue and I thought he handled both my adolescent girls very well. One was very fearful of the entire procedure. My own dentist, Willie Moore told me years ago that he was a "genius with gums." Sherry

Frank Dal Santo

Re: Oral surgeon for anesthesia options (July 2003)
Dr. 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

April 2003

I highly recommend my oral surgeon, Dr. Frank Dal Santo. His office is in San Francisco on Sutter Street. He worked very patiently on my front tooth that required an implant (this is a multi-stepped procedure that takes about 2 years to complete). During this type of work, I had to be on a soft food diet following parts of the procedure. He worked with me on this while I was pregnant in a supportive manner. I referred a co- worker to his office for wisdom teeth issues and my co-worker was pleased with the service. His phone is - 415-989-1050 Good luck! amy

Michael Doucet

Website for Michael Doucet: www.albanyoms.com

July 2003

Re: 15-year-old with 4 impacted wisdom teeth

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!

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

Dr. Rech

July 2003

Re: 15-year-old with 4 impacted wisdom teeth

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.

Richard Sobel, Dr. Loytz

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

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