Sycamore Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars based on 157 reviews on Google.
Travel Tristina · 5 out of 5 stars · 4 months ago
After a previous traumatic experience attempting to get my wisdom teeth removed by a different oral surgeon (not at Sycamore, chose to switch to Sycamore after experience) — where they were unable to get an IV in after numerous painful attempts and ultimately had to send me home — I was extremely nervous to try again. Dr. Schimmel and his staff completely remedied that experience for me.
From the moment I arrived, I felt heard and taken seriously regarding my hard-to-find veins. Unlike the previous office, there was a clear plan and so much care put into making sure I was comfortable. Dr. Schimmel got my IV in on the very first try and completed the surgery without issue, even taking the time to update my anxiously awaiting mother that they had gotten the IV in (to her delight). The entire process was incredibly stress-free and very trauma-informed after what I had gone through before. I wasn’t nervous at all once I was in their care.
The staff truly are absolute gems — attentive, thoughtful, funny, and genuinely kind. My mother could not stop talking afterward about how wonderful everyone was. Dr. Schimmel is clearly extremely knowledgeable, and his past experience made such a difference for someone like me with difficult veins.
On top of all that, the procedure ended up costing less than other places I looked into, and my healing process went great. (Able to exercise normally and eat within a week!) I genuinely cannot speak highly enough of this experience and will be recommending Dr. Schimmel to everyone I know. Any reviews complaining about rude staff honestly make no sense to me because this team went above and beyond in every possible way.
Shamail Fatima · 5 out of 5 stars · 6 months ago
I recently had my wisdom teeth removed, including a coronectomy, at Sycamore Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and the entire experience was excellent. What stood out most to me was how organized, professional, and patient-focused the entire practice is.
Consultation Experience
The initial consultation was extremely thorough. Dr. Shimel reviewed my scans carefully and explained everything step-by-step. He didn’t just say what procedure I needed — he actually showed me the imaging and walked me through what he was seeing. Learning about why a coronectomy was recommended instead of a full extraction was incredibly helpful. He explained the risks, benefits, and long-term expectations in a way that made everything very clear.
Attention to Patient Comfort
One thing that really impressed me was how attentive the staff was. Everyone made sure I felt comfortable and relaxed before the procedure. Oral surgery can feel intimidating, but the team created a very calm environment and checked in frequently to make sure I was doing okay.
Efficiency and Professionalism
The office runs very smoothly. Appointments were on time, everything was well organized, and the staff communicated clearly about each step of the process. It’s clear that the practice values both efficiency and patient care.
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Shimel’s experience and precision were very evident. The procedure itself went very smoothly, and I felt confident knowing I was in such capable hands. He balances technical skill with a very reassuring and empathetic approach, which made a big difference for me.
Recovery Support
After the surgery, the instructions for recovery were very detailed and easy to follow. The team made sure I understood how to care for the surgical sites and what signs to watch for during healing. That level of guidance made recovery much less stressful.
Overall
The combination of excellent communication, skilled surgical care, and genuine kindness made this a truly great experience. If you need wisdom teeth removal or a coronectomy, I would absolutely recommend Sycamore Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. The entire team goes above and beyond to make sure patients feel informed, comfortable, and well cared for.
周春妙 · 5 out of 5 stars · 6 months ago
Highly professional and efficient team!
After I contacted the office, they scheduled my consultation and surgery the very next day. The doctor was warm, patient, and extremely skilled — he removed 3 wisdom teeth in just 45 minutes. I experienced almost no pain after the surgery, and I was even able to enjoy ice cream the same day.
The swelling went down quickly, and I was able to return to normal life very soon. The pre-surgery consultation was also very thorough and friendly. Since my English is not very strong, the doctor kindly spoke slowly and explained my treatment plan very carefully, making sure I fully understood everything.
After the procedure, Dr Shimel also followed up promptly via text message to check on my recovery, which made me feel very well cared for.
Overall, an excellent experience — professional, efficient, and truly patient-centered. Highly recommend!
Abdullah Shaikh · 5 out of 5 stars · 6 months ago
I had an exceptional experience during my wisdom teeth extraction and coronectomy at Sycamore Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and I cannot recommend the team highly enough. From the moment I walked in, the entire staff created an environment that felt welcoming, professional, and incredibly supportive.
One of the things that stood out most was how communicative and transparent the team was throughout the entire process. Before the procedure, they took significant time to thoroughly explain my situation and why a coronectomy was the safest option for one of my wisdom teeth. Instead of rushing through the consultation, they carefully walked me through the anatomy of the tooth and its proximity to the nerve, explaining how a full extraction could increase the risk of nerve damage. They clearly laid out the pros and cons of a coronectomy versus full removal, making sure I understood the reasoning behind their recommendation. I really appreciated that they didn’t just tell me what to do—they made sure I fully understood why the procedure was necessary and what the long-term outcomes would likely be.
Dr. Shimel was especially impressive. He has a rare combination of technical expertise and genuine empathy that immediately puts patients at ease. It was clear that he truly cares about his patients, not just the procedure itself. He took the time to answer every question I had—no matter how small—and explained things in a way that was easy to understand without feeling rushed or dismissed. His calm and reassuring demeanor made a situation that could have been stressful feel very manageable.
On the day of the surgery, the entire staff was incredibly attentive. They checked in frequently, made sure I was comfortable, and clearly explained what would happen before and after the procedure. The surgery itself went smoothly, and the post-operative instructions were extremely clear and detailed, which made recovery much easier. They also made sure I knew exactly what symptoms to expect and when to reach out if I had any concerns.
What impressed me most overall was the level of professionalism combined with compassion. Dental surgery can be intimidating, but the team here consistently made me feel informed, respected, and cared for. It’s clear that patient safety and comfort are top priorities.
If anyone needs wisdom teeth removal or a coronectomy, I would absolutely recommend this practice. The expertise, communication, and empathy from Dr. Shimel and the entire team make them truly stand out. This was easily a five-star experience from consultation through recovery.
Jonny Chan · 5 out of 5 stars · a year ago
I recently had my wisdom teeth extracted by Dr. Shimel, and the entire experience was good. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful with large windows overlooking trees. That made a huge difference for someone like me who tends to get anxious about dental procedures. They also have advanced technology like the 3D CAT scan and it seems like everything in the office is top-notch.
Before the extraction, he took the time to explain the pros, cons, and potential risks in a way that felt personal and thorough. He listened to my concerns and made sure I felt informed and comfortable before moving forward.
The staff were warm, professional, and very patient. They handled all my insurance questions, even calling my provider to clarify coverage, which took a huge burden off me. I also appreciated how responsive they were over email and phone leading up to the appointment.
What stood out most was the post-op care. Dr. Shimel personally texted me later that evening to check on how I was doing. That kind of follow-up is rare and deeply appreciated which shows a genuine level of care.
I’d highly recommend Dr. Shimel and his team to anyone looking for dental care that’s both expert and compassionate.
Reviews provided by Google.
About Sycamore Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Sycamore Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is an oral surgery and dental implant practice located at 111 Deerwood Road, Suite 130 in San Ramon, California. The practice offers dental implants, bone grafting, wisdom teeth removal, tooth extractions, facial trauma surgery, dental reconstruction, corrective jaw surgery, oral pathology treatment, and treatment for jaw joint (TMJ) disorders. For patients missing all of their upper or lower teeth, the practice describes several implant-supported replacement options, including implant-retained dentures, bar-supported overdentures, and fixed implant-supported teeth, along with related procedures such as sinus lifts, ridge augmentation, and socket preservation to rebuild jaw bone before implants are placed.
The practice was designed with anxious patients in mind and offers sedation and anesthesia options tailored to each patient's surgical needs and comfort level, along with cone beam 3D imaging for treatment planning. Emergency patients are welcome, and new patients are accepted with or without a referral from another dentist. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8am to 5pm and Friday from 8am to 1pm. In addition to San Ramon, the practice serves patients from nearby communities including Danville, Alamo, Dublin, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Castro Valley, and Livermore.
Meet the Doctors
The practice is led by Dr. Benjamin R. Shimel, DDS, FACS, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Shimel grew up in the Bay Area, earned his dental degree at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at Highland Hospital in Oakland, where he later served as Assistant Program Director. He is a full-scope oral surgeon whose clinical interests include dental implant surgery, bone grafting, wisdom teeth removal, corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma and reconstructive surgery, and pediatric and craniofacial surgery. He holds surgical privileges at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Highland Hospital, John Muir Walnut Creek, and Aspen Surgery Center.