I had been told to get my wisdom teeth taken over six years ago. I was told that they were or would cause impacted teeth and possibly some other issues like bleeding gums. Let me say that I am not a big fan of Dentists, let alone having some serious surgery without warrant. I decided since the wisdoms were not hurting and causing any issues to PASS on the recommendation for wisdom teeth extraction. Well, about four months ago I started to have some pressure in my teeth and bleeding of my gums after brushing. The gums started to bleed slightly on their own at times. Yuck-O! I went to see a great general dentist Dr. Murthy, who cleaned my teeth and took a full set of X-Rays. I told her about my issues and she gave me an "open" referral to get a "consult" with an oral surgeon. I called over twenty different offices and was mostly given the run around on scheduling and consult pricing, given that it is not typically covered by most insurance, the "consult" would be 100% out of pocket expense. I finally called Gentle Dental Costa Mesa and was quoted $60 for the consult. (many offices asked for $120+ for the initial consult). I also got a good vibe with my phone conversation with Yvonne and went in for the consultation. I met Dr. Karimi and found he was professional and knowledgeable. He had me take and additional full mouth X-Ray (at no charge) which he used in addition to a physical exam and my physical history forms to give me his prognosis. He told me that I should proceed with the surgery and told me all about the process, which included general anesthesia (we were taking out all 4 of my wisdoms - yikes!!!). He was reassuring, confident and had a polished demeanor that I found comforting. He is only in the Costa Mesa office every other Thursday. I asked for and was given a detailed description and pricing for the surgery. I decided to "wait" (like a big ol chicken) to decide (if) and when I would schedule the operation. I felt good about my experience and I called back the next day to schedule the procedure for the next Thursday two weeks ahead. Admittedly I was effen nervous about this and while making my appointment, was told to bring an adult who could drive me home and watch me for a few hours after the surgery. Gulp! I went in with my wife and was called in to the operating room. I was met with the surgeon assistant whom I had chatted with on my first visit, he asked how I was doing and told me not to worry, that I was in good hands. Dr. Karimi then came in and asked how I was feeling and I told him I was pretty nervous! He told me not to worry and then asked I had had eaten anything for 12 hours (which I had not per procedure) and then gave me some laughing gas via a small nose only mask which I breathed in and breathed out through my mouth. "This will help to relax you, he said..." which it did. Next he told me "this is going the be the most painful part of the procedure" which was to put a IV needle into my right arm. This did not hurt at all and I was happy he was "gentle and knowledgeable" regarding how he inserted the needle. Next I started to count from 10 backwards just to see how far I could count back - I only remember counting to 6. Next thing I remember is waking up in the recovery room with my wife sitting next to me. I asked if they were already done? She smiled and said "yes, it only took about half an hour and then they called me in from the waiting room". I felt a little dizzy and could understand why I would not be able to drive, but amazingly I felt fine! They had explained to my wife that the operation went smooth and no complications are expected. The third and fourth days were the worst with a little chipmunk cheek on my left side only. I followed post surgery recommendations of warm salt water rinses, taking my antibiotics, etc...Yes I had noodles and mashed potatoes in every possible style and form and won't be having any cravings for them in a while ;) but after just two weeks, I am pretty much fully recovered! I highly recommend Dr. Karimi should you require any oral surgery, he and his team were top notch in my book. FYI - under his advice he asked me to visit my general dentist 1 week after the surgery for a "check up", Dr. Murthy said "not many oral surgeons ask patient to do this, he must care..." and that "everything looks very good" and even was surprised as to how quickly I was healing and how little damage was done to the interior of my mouth. This is proof positive that I picked the right practitioner. Do be afraid of getting your wisdom teeth removed when choosing Dr. Karimi as your oral surgeon.
Ease of scheduling appointment: 4
Professionalism of Dr. and Staff: 5
Pre Surgery Procedures and Info: 5
Post- Surgery Procedure and Info: 5
Pain of Surgery (none): 5
Post Surgery Pain: 4
Overall Experience: 5
Recommended: YES.
Website: http://www.gentle1.com/gentledentals/orange_county/gentle_dental_costa_mesa/ read more
