Inspired by a PBS special on facial reconstruction, Dr. Stephen Goei started his journey to become an oral surgeon. He attended Loma Linda School of Dentistry and graduated in 1986. He practiced general dentistry for three years before attending his first year of Oral and Maxillofacial internship at Vanderbilt University. He then continued his Oral and Maxillofacial surgery residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center where he finished with a Masters in 1993
Removing wisdom teeth is one of the most common extraction procedures. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually come in around age 20. They are the last set of permanent teeth to come in and will fill out your matching set of 32.
Tooth extraction is the forced removal of the tooth from its socket in the bone. Dentists will recommend extraction if they cause pain, infection, or the mouth cannot accommodate them. If they are stuck in the jaw and cannot erupt, it can result in pain, swelling, and infection.
Wisdom teeth may not erupt normally, or become trapped in your jawbone or gums. They will require extraction if they come in at the wrong angle or press against your other teeth and threaten your bite or spacing. Its possible your mouth or jaw wont accommodate the space required for the third set of molars. In all of these cases, your dentist will recommend extraction.
A simple extraction is one which is performed on a tooth that protrudes above the gum line. Your dentist will use tools to loosen and remove the tooth. Most simple extractions are performed using a local anesthetic via injection.
Surgical extraction is a complex procedure. It is performed on an impacted wisdom tooth. Your dentist will uncover the tooth and then use tools to loosen and remove it. Occasionally, the tooth will be removed in pieces. Debris will be cleaned away from the site before your dentist stitches it with dissolving sutures if necessary. Gauze is placed over the wound to control blood and encourage the formation of a blood clot. Due to the complexity of a surgical extraction, you will receive both a local and intravenous anesthetic.
Having a tooth extracted can be traumatic. Even a simple extraction will cause mild discomfort. It is normal to feel pressure, but not pain during the procedure. The level of discomfort depends on the complexity of removing the tooth. Your dentist may prescribe anti-inflammatory steroids and painkillers as needed. If not, studies show that taking an over the counter anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen, can help relieve pain and swelling as you recover.
Reviews
Rating 4.3 out of 5 based on 32 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestAlex Z
a year ago
All went well. I was a little anxious, but T hey answered all of my questions before hand, and even offered a blanket during my procedure. I am now healing well with their after-procedure care instructions. Thank you all. Job well done!
Diane Ross
a year ago
My husband had a dental emergency shortly after moving to Pasadena. He was bleeding copiously from a surgical site and needed to be seen right away. Another oral surgeon referred us to Dr Goei's office and they were so kind, telling us to come in right away. We didn't wait long and the bleeding was stopped via limited surgery and sutures. Our insurance was taken into account and the amount charged was very reasonable. It has been a few days and the patient seems stable and growing more comfortable daily. We were told to call at any time if there were complications. We appreciate the support!
George Yan
a year ago
I had a great experience getting my lower-left wisdom tooth extracted at age 72. Dr. Goei and his staff were very friendly. Walter, the surgical assistant was very detailed in explaining each step and made me feel very comfortable. Dr. Goei extracted the tooth in 10 minutes and no pain afterwards. Great job! I would highly recommend him for your oral surgical needs. Best, George Y.
Mary Hendricks
a year ago
Dr. Goei and his staff were welcoming and professional when preparing me and extracting my tooth. They did what they could to inform me of each step of the procedure and to help me be as comfortable as possible during the extraction. I appreciate the call the following morning to see how I was doing. It was as pleasant as a tooth extraction could be. Mary
Denilyn Hugo
a year ago
I love this place. The structure of this building will make you feel like you're at home and lessens your anxiety for whatever procedure you're about to take. I also love the staffs wich were really kind and generous specially Dr. Goei. I had my wisdom teeth removed here and Im glad I did it in this place
Nicole Smith
2 years ago
Amazing Oral Surgeon! I had all four wisdom teeth removed and recovery was a breeze! They even gave me a Jamba Juice gift card after since I could not chew while recovering :)
Yvette Molina
2 years ago
Absolutely horrible experience. The staff was friendly and so was Dr. Goei but he always has one foot out the door. I felt that he was always rushing me when I had simple questions about getting my wisdom teeth removed. I understand it can be busy but getting sedated to have teeth removed is a scary thing. Once I went through with the procedure, I was in a lot of pain and they didn't provide me with any medication other than Tylenol or ibuprofen. I was in so much pain for about 3 weeks but that is all they were willing to give me. Lastly, they never followed up with me. I had to call about a week or so after the surgery because I was wondering if my stitches were healing properly. One of the nurses even asked me" why did you schedule an appointment with us?". I really felt that I got surgery and they wheeled me out to the street to deal with it on my own. They give you a sheet of paper with instructions and you come in to learn how to irrigate the wounds and that's it. I never heard from them again. Never got checked in on, never got a "jumbo juice gift card", nothing. Sometimes they didn't pick up the phone and you had to wait a few days for a call back from the doctor.Please do your research and ask lots of questions. Don't come here. I was very disappointed with my treatment.
Samantha G. Chavez
2 years ago
I needed my wisdom teeth taken out really badly and I was quickly scheduled to come in the office. They answerd all of my questions and put me at ease. I was lightly sedated for the wisdom teeth removal and everything went smoothly! It was about 40 minutes for 3 teeth (1 impacted). Dr.Goei did a great job and beautifully took care of my infected gum around my wisdom tooth. I thought my gum was going to be mangaled afterwards since my gum was so swollen....but it looked back to normal right after the procedure! No idea how but yay! Afterwards whenever I had questions about medicine or aftercare calling them was very easy. I had such an amazing experiance. Everyone was kind, caring, and did a great job.
kokotiong
3 years ago
I was referred to Dr. Goei many years ago and had to have more implants. So far they all worked and just needed only one dose of ibuprofen afterwards. The staff is always very nice and have a happy vibe!
Yvette Molina
3 years ago
Absolutely horrible experience. The staff was friendly and so was Dr. Goei but he always has one foot out the door. I felt that he was always rushing me when I had simple questions about getting my wisdom teeth removed. I understand it can be busy but getting sedated to have teeth removed is a scary thing. Once I went through with the procedure, I was in a lot of pain and they didn't provide me with any medication other than Tylenol or ibuprofen. I was in so much pain for about 3 weeks but that is all they were willing to give me. Lastly, they never followed up with me. I had to call about a week or so after the surgery because I was wondering if my stitches were healing properly. One of the nurses even asked me" why did you schedule an appointment with us?". I really felt that I got surgery and they wheeled me out to the street to deal with it on my own. They give you a sheet of paper with instructions and you come in to learn how to irrigate the wounds and that's it. I never heard from them again. Never got checked in on, never got a "jumbo juice gift card", nothing. Sometimes they didn't pick up the phone and you had to wait a few days for a call back from the doctor.Please do your research and ask lots of questions. Don't come here. I was very disappointed with my treatment.
Nicole Smith
3 years ago
Amazing Oral Surgeon! I had all four wisdom teeth removed and recovery was a breeze! They even gave me a Jamba Juice gift card after since I could not chew while recovering :)
Samantha G. Chavez
3 years ago
I needed my wisdom teeth taken out really badly and I was quickly scheduled to come in the office. They answerd all of my questions and put me at ease. I was lightly sedated for the wisdom teeth removal and everything went smoothly! It was about 40 minutes for 3 teeth (1 impacted). Dr.Goei did a great job and beautifully took care of my infected gum around my wisdom tooth. I thought my gum was going to be mangaled afterwards since my gum was so swollen....but it looked back to normal right after the procedure! No idea how but yay! Afterwards whenever I had questions about medicine or aftercare calling them was very easy. I had such an amazing experiance. Everyone was kind, caring, and did a great job.
Alan Zhou
3 years ago
Frankly, I was cheated out of $115. There was a slight insurance mishap that required the receptionist out front to clarify with my insurance provider about my coverage for wisdom teeth removal. While waiting for clarification, a nurse came out to bring me in to have an X-Ray for their first time record. I thought to myself "Strange, they aren't positive about my insurance yet, but they're giving me an X-Ray? Is this free?" My biggest mistake here, admittedly, was not asking them about it. Instead, I let them continue with the X-Ray. While waiting for the results, a receptionist comes in to tell me "That X-Ray was $115." Excuse me? Why was I not informed that not only would I have to pay out of pocket, but that it was also $115?! I mean, at least they told me that the consultation they were about to give me was an additional $118 out of pocket. I wish they told me that for the X-Ray BEFORE they gave me said X-Ray. I gritted my teeth and politely declined the consultation. I was brought up front to pay and I was about to explode in anger. I did not want to make a fuss so I quietly paid and left. Honestly, in hindsight, I should have confronted them about it. I think my odds of getting the $115 back were high. Talk about a huge miscommunication... On both ends.
kokotiong
3 years ago
I was referred to Dr. Goei many years ago and had to have more implants. So far they all worked and just needed only one dose of ibuprofen afterwards. The staff is always very nice and have a happy vibe!
Alan Zhou
4 years ago
Frankly, I was cheated out of $115. There was a slight insurance mishap that required the receptionist out front to clarify with my insurance provider about my coverage for wisdom teeth removal. While waiting for clarification, a nurse came out to bring me in to have an X-Ray for their first time record. I thought to myself "Strange, they aren't positive about my insurance yet, but they're giving me an X-Ray? Is this free?" My biggest mistake here, admittedly, was not asking them about it. Instead, I let them continue with the X-Ray. While waiting for the results, a receptionist comes in to tell me "That X-Ray was $115." Excuse me? Why was I not informed that not only would I have to pay out of pocket, but that it was also $115?! I mean, at least they told me that the consultation they were about to give me was an additional $118 out of pocket. I wish they told me that for the X-Ray BEFORE they gave me said X-Ray. I gritted my teeth and politely declined the consultation. I was brought up front to pay and I was about to explode in anger. I did not want to make a fuss so I quietly paid and left. Honestly, in hindsight, I should have confronted them about it. I think my odds of getting the $115 back were high. Talk about a huge miscommunication... On both ends.
Linda R
4 years ago
The office was clean and professional- my son had four wisdom teeth removed and there were no complications. The staff were friendly and the nurse helped me bring him to the car because he was a little groggy.
Chowdary Garimella
4 years ago
Very bad surgeon. He cannot recognize post operative complications. Don't go to him
Ira Glansbeek
4 years ago
I had absolutely the best experience coming here. Everyone (and I mean everyone!) in the office was professional, warm, friendly, and very relaxed. It was, by far, the most pleasant experience at a dental office I've ever had. I needed to have a last minute wisdom tooth extraction and the procedure took only about 25 min. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I can't wait to go back! Would give 10 stars if I could.
Linda R
4 years ago
The office was clean and professional- my son had four wisdom teeth removed and there were no complications. The staff were friendly and the nurse helped me bring him to the car because he was a little groggy.
Vangie Villanueva
4 years ago
THE MEDICAL STAFF AT THIS CLINIC WERE INCREDIBLY FRIENDLY, KIND, COMPASSIONATE AND VERY APPROACHABLE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE BEEN THERE. SINCE 2014. HOWEVER, THERE WAS THIS FEMALE RECEPTIONIST BACK IN 2014 THAT WAS SOMEWHAT OBNOXIOUSLY RUDE AND A LITTLE OVERBEARING. SHE ACTED LIKE SHE IS BETTER THAN EVERYBODY ELSE WORKING THERE.JUST MY OBSERVATION. TODAY, I DID NOT SEE HER. ANYWAY, DR GOIE DID AN EXCELLENT JOB! AS ALWAYS HE IS NEVER RUSHED, CALM DEMEANOR, FRIENDLY, VERY PROFESSIONAL AND READY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. I APPRECIATE THIS PLACE SO MUCH. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE NEEDING THEIR PROFESSIONAL SERVICE.
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