Choosing to undergo oral surgery is a big decision, and it is one that should not be taken lightly. If you are considering an OMS procedure, the first thing to do is to schedule a consultation appointment with an experienced oral surgeon. Many patients are nervous about the consultation process, but by understanding what to expect, you can be better prepared for your first visit.
BE READY TO EXPLAIN YOUR PROBLEM
The oral surgery consultation is a great time for your oral surgeon to get to know you and what has been bothering you. Did you suffer from a facial injury, or are you struggling with severe TMJ pain? Are your wisdom teeth causing you considerable discomfort, or are you looking for a permanent way to combat your tooth loss? Be prepared to discuss your situation at length with your oral surgeon, and if you have any records from your dentist that have outlined your previous treatment and evaluations, now is a good time to share this information with your oral surgeon. It is also important to share your goals regarding your oral treatment with your surgeon, as this information will help the OMS to better understand what is most important for you in your treatment.
EXPECT A DENTAL EXAM AND DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
During your visit, your oral surgeon will want to conduct a thorough exam of your teeth, mouth, and jaw. Your surgeon will likely examine your previous health and dental records to get a better understanding of your condition and whether your overall health will support a successful dental surgery. Diagnostic imaging may be needed to provide a surgeon with a clearer picture of your problem, especially if the surgeon needs to get a better view of the bone or the structures of the tooth root.
BRING IN A LIST OF YOUR MEDICATIONS
During oral surgery, you will be given anesthesia to help you stay relaxed throughout the procedure. Depending on the type of surgery that you have, you may be completely asleep throughout the duration of the process. Unfortunately, anesthesia can have some dangerous interactions with other types of medications, even drugs that are relatively harmless on their own. Be sure to bring in a list of all the prescription and over-the-counter medications that you are taking, and be prepared to discuss these and other potential health risks with your oral surgeon.
EXPECT TO FILL OUT HEALTH FORMS
Just as it is important to know about medications that you might be taking in order to prevent adverse reactions, your oral surgeon will need to have in-depth information about your medical history. This will likely require you to fill out a series of health forms that will ask about any illnesses or injuries that might affect your ability to safely tolerate oral surgery. You will also be asked about past surgeries and any negative effects that you experienced with prior anesthesia use.
BRING ALONG A LIST OF QUESTIONS
You likely have a lot of questions about your upcoming oral surgery, and the consultation period is a great time to get them answered. Your oral surgeon will discuss treatment options with you, and by asking about the benefits and shortcomings of each procedure, you can choose the best route for you. You can also ask questions about procedure times, follow-up appointments, post-surgery care, financing, insurance coverage, and any other issue that might be on your mind.
If you are considering an oral surgery procedure like dental implants or a tooth extraction, a consultation with an oral surgeon at Advanced Family Dentistry & Braces is a great first step. This appointment can help you to find a treatment option that will restore your beautiful smile. Call us today at (512) 643-6060!