03 Jul Oral surgery: What can I expect at my consultation?
A variety of dental treatments involve oral surgery, including dental implants, wisdom tooth extraction, bone grafting and surgery to correct congenital jaw defects or injuries caused by facial trauma. When a patient is facing oral surgery, it’s helpful to know what to expect to make the process a little less overwhelming.
The oral surgery process begins with an initial consultation. This appointment gives the patient an opportunity to meet with the oral surgeon to learn more about the specific procedure that is planned as well as to ask any questions about any concerns the patient may have.
When a patient is facing oral surgery, it’s helpful to know what to expect to make the process a little less overwhelming.
When preparing for your consultation with the oral surgeon, we ask that you bring the following documentation with you to your first appointment.
- Your referral for surgery, along with any recent (within the past 12 months) x-rays that you have.
- Photo identification
- A list of all of your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements
- Your medical and dental insurance cards, if you have them.
The consultation just involves an examination by the oral surgeon. The patient will not undergo any invasive procedures at the consultation. In addition to visually inspecting the structures of the mouth, the oral surgeon may also take x-rays to get a better view of the surgical site. The oral surgeon will use all of this information to prepare for the procedure.
As part of the consultation, your oral surgeon also will take a thorough medical history from you. Please provide as complete information as possible. An important step in the treatment planning process is to address any pre-existing medical conditions that could present challenges during the surgery or post-operative healing process. Patients who will receive IV sedation are required to undergo a physical examination before the scheduled surgery.
Your oral surgery consultation will establish the foundation of your relationship with your oral surgeon, and it is the first step toward a successful surgical treatment plan. You should feel comfortable asking any questions you may have and focus on collecting the information you need for a smooth oral surgery experience.
Consult with our doctors at Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates for more information about what to expect about your first appointment.