Wisdom Tooth Removal & Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa

About

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Welcome to
Wisdom Tooth Central

Our practice is built around one core specialty: wisdom tooth removal. We are proud to be a leading destination for individuals seeking a reliable and experienced oral surgeon in Santa Rosa. By dedicating our knowledge, training, and equipment to a single area of oral surgery, we deliver exceptional care, predictable outcomes, and a smoother healing experience for every patient.

We believe the most important part of surgery is how quickly you heal afterward. That is why we are one of the only providers in Northern California to standardize Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Therapy. By using your body’s own natural healing properties, this advanced technique significantly reduces post-operative pain, lowers the risk of dry socket, and speeds up gum tissue regeneration. We don’t just remove your wisdom teeth; we engineer a faster recovery.

When you’re searching for an oral surgeon in Santa Rosa, you want someone who is not only clinically skilled but also genuinely committed to your comfort and well-being. At Wisdom Tooth Central, we work hard to create an environment where you feel heard, understood, and cared for like family.

Why Choose Us

Specialized care for impacted teeth, sedation dentistry, and rapid recovery at Wisdom Tooth Central.

Specialists in Wisdom Tooth Removal

Because we focus exclusively on wisdom teeth, our team has extensive hands-on experience with all types of cases, from routine extractions to complex, impacted teeth. This specialized approach allows us to perform procedures efficiently and with advanced precision, helping reduce discomfort, surgical time, and complications.

Faster Healing with PRF Therapy

Our practice incorporates modern platelet-based healing techniques that help reduce inflammation, control post-op discomfort, and decrease the likelihood of dry socket. By supporting your body’s natural healing process, we aim to make recovery faster and more comfortable.

Convenient Virtual or In-Person Consultations

We know that life can be busy, and scheduling medical appointments isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer both virtual initial consultations and traditional in-office evaluations. This flexibility allows patients to start the process from home, ask questions, and receive expert recommendations with ease.

Insurance Assistance & Flexible Financing

Navigating insurance can feel confusing, but our team simplifies the entire process by handling insurance verification and filing on your behalf. For patients without coverage or those needing payment assistance, we partner with a trusted financing provider to offer affordable monthly payment plans.

A Preventive, Patient-Centered Approach

Wisdom teeth often begin causing issues long before they become painful. They may push against neighboring teeth, increase crowding, damage roots, or lead to jaw discomfort. Our approach emphasizes early evaluation and treatment to help prevent long-term complications and support a healthier future smile.

Meet Your Santa Rosa Oral Surgeons

Dr. James Lelis, DDS, MD

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

A specialist in anesthesia and patient safety, Dr. Lelis holds a Medical Degree from Loma Linda University. He is the recipient of the Horace Wells Award for outstanding achievement in dental anesthesiology.

Dual-Degree Specialists for Your Safety

Your safety is our highest priority. Unlike general dental offices, Wisdom Tooth Central is led by Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons who hold both medical (MD) and dental (DDS) degrees. With over 6 years of additional hospital-based training in anesthesia and surgery, our team offers a level of expertise that ensures your procedure is safe, predictable, and comfortable.

Dr. Adam Wandell, DDS, MD

Board Certified Oral Surgeon

Dr. Wandell is a Board Certified surgeon who has performed over 2,000 major surgical procedures. He combines high-volume surgical experience with a gentle, patient-focused approach.

Our Services at Wisdom Tooth Central

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth typically begin causing problems during the late teen or early adult years. Whether your teeth are erupted, partially erupted, or fully impacted, our team provides safe and predictable removal with a focus on minimizing discomfort and maximizing healing.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every patient receives a tailored plan based on their age, anatomy, symptoms, and future oral health goals. We take the time to walk you through every detail, including the procedure, anesthesia options, healing expectations, and aftercare instructions, so there are no surprises on the day of surgery.

IV Sedation & Sleep Dentistry

We understand that dental anxiety is real, especially when surgery is involved. We offer several sedation options to ensure you feel relaxed, calm, and comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Your safety is always the top priority.

Post-Surgery Care & Healing Support

Our aftercare process is designed to keep your recovery on track. We provide detailed instructions, check-ins, and recommendations to help you heal quickly and comfortably. With our platelet-based healing enhancement, many patients experience reduced swelling and improved post-op comfort.

Who Should ConsiderWisdom Tooth Removal?

Wisdom tooth removal is recommended
for many individuals, including:

Teens and Young Adults (Ages 14–17)

Why wait?

This is widely considered the "golden window" for extraction. At this age, the roots of wisdom teeth are not fully formed, and the surrounding bone is softer.

The Benefit:

Removing teeth during this stage usually results in a significantly faster recovery, less post-operative pain, and a lower risk of nerve injury compared to waiting until adulthood.

Adults with Pain or Jaw Discomfort

The Signs:

You may be experiencing intermittent throbbing in the back of the jaw, swelling around the gums, difficulty opening your mouth fully, or unexplained headaches.

The Cause:

These are often classic signs of pericoronitis (infection of the gum flap) or an impacted tooth pushing against the molars. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to severe infection or cysts.

Patients After Orthodontic Treatment

The Risk:

You invested time and money into braces or Invisalign—don't let wisdom teeth undo that work.

The Protection:

As wisdom teeth try to erupt, they create "mesial pressure," pushing all your other teeth forward. This can cause crowding and shifting, leading to "relapse" (crooked teeth) years after your braces come off.

People Seeking Preventive Care

The Silent Damage:

Even pain-free wisdom teeth can be dangerous. Impacted teeth can silently erode the roots of the healthy 2nd molars next to them or form fluid-filled cysts that weaken the jawbone.

The Strategy:

We take a proactive approach. By using 3D imaging, we can spot these potential issues early and remove the teeth before they cause irreversible damage to your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Everything you need to know about Wisdom Teeth in Santa Rosa.

Do I really need an Oral Surgeon, or can my regular dentist do it?

While some general dentists perform simple extractions, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon has undergone 4–6 years of additional hospital-based surgical residency. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, close to a nerve, or if you prefer being fully sedated (asleep) during the procedure, an oral surgeon is the safest and most comfortable choice. At Wisdom Tooth Central, we specialize in these complex cases.

Will I be awake during the procedure?

Most of our patients prefer to be asleep. We offer IV Sedation (General Anesthesia), which allows you to drift off peacefully and wake up with the procedure already finished. We also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and local anesthesia for simpler cases. We will discuss the best option for your anxiety level during your consultation.

How long does the surgery take?

The procedure is surprisingly fast. Most wisdom tooth removals take only 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of teeth and their position. However, you should plan to be in our office for about 90 minutes total to allow time for anesthesia to take effect and for a brief recovery period afterward.

How much time will I need off work or school?

We generally recommend taking 2 to 3 days off to rest and recover. Most patients have their surgery on a Thursday or Friday and are back to their normal routine by Monday. If you have a physically demanding job, we may recommend a slightly longer break.

What is "Dry Socket," and how do I avoid it?

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot dislodges from the extraction site, exposing the bone. To avoid this, do not use a straw, smoke, or spit forcefully for at least 72 hours after surgery. Our use of PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) therapy also significantly lowers the risk of dry socket by speeding up gum tissue healing.

When can I eat solid food again?

You should stick to a soft-food diet (yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, applesauce) for the first 24–48 hours. You can gradually reintroduce solid foods as your comfort allows, but you should avoid crunchy, spicy, or small foods (like rice or seeds) that can get stuck in the sockets for at least a week.

How much does wisdom tooth removal cost in Santa Rosa?

The cost varies based on the complexity of the extraction (erupted vs. impacted) and the type of anesthesia used. During your initial consultation, we will provide a complete breakdown of costs with no hidden fees. We strive to keep our rates competitive for the Santa Rosa area.

Do you accept dental insurance?

Yes, we work with most major dental insurance providers to maximize your benefits. Our team will perform a complimentary benefits check prior to your surgery so you know exactly what your copay will be.

Do you offer payment plans?

Absolutely. We believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of health. We accept third-party financing options like CareCredit, which offers flexible monthly payment plans to help fit the procedure into your budget. Patients with approved credit often receive plans with 0% interest.