Meet Our Santa Rosa Oral Surgeons & Care Team

Highly Trained. Board Certified. Focused on You.

At Wisdom Tooth Central, we believe that wisdom tooth removal requires more than just technical skill; it requires a deep understanding of medicine, anatomy, and patient comfort.

Unlike general dental practices, our care is led by Dual-Degree Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. This means our doctors hold both a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and a Doctor of Medicine (MD). This rare level of training, spanning both dentistry and hospital-based medicine, allows us to perform wisdom tooth removal with the highest safety standards, particularly when it comes to IV sedation and complex impactions.

Meet Dr. James Lelis, DDS, MD

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr. James Lelis brings a unique focus on safety and anesthesia to our Santa Rosa practice. A native of Salt Lake City, he graduated with a degree in Biology from the University of Utah before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

During his time at UCSF, Dr. Lelis distinguished himself in the field of pain control, receiving the prestigious Horace Wells Award for outstanding achievement in dental anesthesiology.

He then moved to Southern California to complete an intense 6-year residency at Loma Linda University, where he earned his Medical Degree (MD) and received extensive training in General Surgery, Pediatric Anesthesia, and Facial Trauma. This hospital-based background ensures that he is prepared for any situation in the surgical suite.

Why Patients Love Dr. Lelis:

Anesthesia Expert: His specialized training in adult and pediatric anesthesiology ensures you sleep soundly and safely.
Compassionate Care: As an Eagle Scout and father of two boys (Henry and Harrison), Dr. Lelis is known for his calm, reassuring chairside manner.

Meet Dr. Adam Wandell, DDS, MD

Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr. Adam Wandell is a Board Certified surgeon with a specific passion for wisdom tooth removal and complex rehabilitation. He grew up in Northern California with a dream of practicing in wine country.

Dr. Wandell earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from UCSF, where he was a classmate and close friend of Dr. Lelis. He continued his training at the University of Texas, San Antonio, where he earned his Medical Degree (MD) and completed his surgical residency.

Dr. Wandell is a recognized expert in his field, having performed over 2,000 full-arch surgical procedures. His academic contributions include publishing book chapters on facial surgery and winning the ACOMS National Research Award. Despite his academic accolades, his primary focus remains on the patient experience, ensuring that every extraction is as efficient and pain-free as possible.

Why Patients Love Dr. Wandell:

High-Volume Experience: With thousands of surgeries performed, he works with precision that minimizes surgical time and swelling.
Academic Excellence: A published author and researcher who stays at the cutting edge of surgical techniques.
Local Roots: When he isn’t in the office, you can find him biking around Sonoma County or fishing with his wife, Lani.

Why Choose Our Team?

1. We Are Specialists, Not Generalists

General dentists are fantastic for fillings and crowns, but wisdom tooth removal is surgery. Our doctors have spent 4–6 additional years in hospital residencies mastering this specific procedure.

2. Safety is Our
Priority

Both Dr. Lelis and Dr. Wandell are trained in General Anesthesia and IV Sedation. We use hospital-grade monitoring equipment to ensure your safety while you sleep through your visit.

3. Two Doctors, One Standard of Care

Our collaborative approach means you get the combined experience of two highly trained surgeons who consult on complex cases to ensure the best possible outcome for your smile.