Oral surgery is a subfield of dentistry concerned with correcting problems of the mouth, jaw and teeth. Finding the right oral surgeon is essential for getting the best possible results out of any procedure, be it dental implants, tooth extractions or jaw surgery. But how can you decide which dental surgeon to visit when there are so many options available? To help you choose the best specialist for your case, we’ve compiled a list of some key questions to ask during your initial consultation with an oral surgeon.
Determining factors
First of all, let’s identify what you should look for in an oral surgeon. With so many dental clinics, finding a reliable and qualified dental specialist can seem a bit daunting. Consider these factors while you search for a dental surgeon:
- Make sure that your oral surgeon has the right training and credentials. To ensure a safe and satisfactory treatment, it’s important to find a dental specialist who has undergone all the necessary training and qualification programs in order to become a certified oral surgeon. Keep in mind that implantology and oral and maxillofacial surgery are specific fields in dentistry that require a professional with the right amount of training and experience.
- Pick a surgeon who is experienced in realizing the exact procedure you need to get done. Don’t hesitate to ask them about their number of previous patients as well as their success rate.
- Check whether the clinic is equipped with advanced medical and surgical tools. You want to find an oral surgeon that works at a modern clinic, appropriate for catering to foreign patients as well.
- Find an oral surgeon who is a good communicator and will spend time with you to answer your concerns and address your worries. Your dentist should be clear and supportive, while providing you with thorough instructions before and after your treatment.
- Check patients reviews online or look for other testimonials on their website and/or social media channels. You can learn a lot about the quality of care you can expect from a dentist by looking at his reviews.
Questions you should ask your oral surgeon
When searching for the right dental surgeon, it’s important to know what kind of questions you should ask in order to determine whether your choice is the right one. Here are some essential questions you should keep in mind before picking an oral surgeon:
- What is your level of experience and expertise in oral surgery?
It’s important to find a dental specialist who has the appropriate academic background to carry out your treatment. Make sure to ask about your dentist’s training, certifications and experience, as well as any additional training they may have completed that is relevant to this field.
You should also ask about the number of their past patients and their approximate success rate. Whether you’re getting dental implants, bridges or veneers, you should make sure that you go to an oral surgeon who has the right expertise in realizing such procedures.
- Do you specialize in any specific types of procedures?
Asking a dental surgeon what operations they focus on the most is a crucial step in determining whether they are the right specialist for you. Every dentist has a field where they feel they are the most experienced in. Some specialize in general dentistry, some in pediatric dentistry and some in implantology. A dental surgeon may choose to specialize in one or more of the following areas:
- Dental implants,
- Dental veneers,
- Dental crowns,
- Orthodontics,
- Teeth whitening,
- Gum surgery.
You can learn a lot more about the dental surgeon’s expertise and skills by asking them about their specialty in these areas. This can provide you with peace of mind and guarantee that you get the best results for your treatment.
- What is your approach to pain management during and after surgery?
You should make sure to consult your dental surgeon both prior to and following the dental treatment to discuss pain management options. You can learn about the surgeon’s pain treatment technique by asking the following questions:
- Do you use general anesthetics or local ones?
- When this treatment is being done, will I be conscious or asleep?
- Is there going to be any discomfort during the procedure?
- What postoperative pain relief solutions are there?
- How long will I be in discomfort following surgery?
Depending on the nature of your dental treatment, your surgeon may use a mix of local anesthetic, sedation, and/or general anesthesia. After surgery, they should talk about different ways to deal with pain, such as prescription drugs, painkillers, and complementary treatments like cold packs.
If you have more worries or inquiries about pain management after your dental procedure, make sure to ask your oral surgeon before proceeding with your treatment. Both of you can develop a personalized pain control plan that works for you. Make sure to use only prescribed pain relievers and healing supplements after the surgery and follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure the best possible recovery.
- How do you handle complications that may arise during surgery?
In some rare cases, complications during teeth surgery may arise, even in the hands of the most qualified surgeons. Make sure to ask about your oral surgeon’s training and experience in dealing with unexpected situations and potential problems before undergoing surgery. You want to be assured that they have the right experience in handling complicated cases and that your health and well-being are in safe hands. You can learn more about your dentist’s strategy for solving such problems by making the following questions:
- In your experience, what are some of the most common problems that can arise during an oral surgery?
- How do you keep an eye out for complications that may arise during an operation?
- How do you monitor the patients who are under anesthesia? Do you keep in touch with their relatives and inform them on the progress of the procedure?
- Can you describe a typical plan for handling common post-surgery issues?
Any dentist who will tell you that there are absolutely no risks involved in oral surgery is unreliable. A qualified and experienced dental surgeon will acknowledge that there is a slight risk, no matter how small, for complications to arise. As such, he will be properly prepared to handle such situations and guarantee your well-being.
- Can you provide me with any references or patient reviews?
The most efficient way you can choose a reliable oral surgeon is to get your hands on reviews and recommendations from past patients. This can give you a clear idea of the dental surgeon’s clinical skills and expertise. Here are some questions you should keep in mind when checking for patient reviews:
- Can you show me any positive reviews from past patients?
- Do you have a web page dedicated to your patient testimonials?
- Can I take a look at any before and after pictures of your previous patients?
You can learn a lot about a dentist’s reputation and how satisfied their patients are by checking out reviews and testimonials. It’s always a good idea to learn more about your oral surgeon’s past work, so you can better understand what you can expect from them.
- What risks are associated with this surgery?
Some of the most common complications and risks associated with oral surgery include bleeding, swelling, infections or in some rare cases, nerve damage and negative reactions to anesthesia. Your dental surgeon should be able to provide thorough information on the possible risks related to your specific condition and type of surgery, his strategy for managing them and appropriate instructions of post-operative care.
- Will you use anesthesia during the surgery?
Your dental surgeon will advise you on the most appropriate type of anesthesia for your specific surgery. He may choose to use either general or local anesthesia, oral conscious sedation, IV moderate and deep sedation. Make sure to discuss the risks and benefits of each option before proceeding with your treatment.
- How long will my surgery take?
The duration of your surgery will depend on its complexity as well as many other factors, including your condition and overall health. For example, a single tooth extraction can take only 20-40 minutes, while a more complicated procedure such as jaw surgery or zygomatic implant surgery may take several hours.
- Can you provide me with post-operative care instructions?
Your dental surgeon should be able to give you appropriate advice on how to take care of yourself after the surgery. He should be able to provide you with comprehensive instructions on how to minimize the risk of complications and encourage proper healing and recovery. They may recommend that you avoid certain activities such as exercise, smoking or drinking.
- Will I need to take days off work?
Whether you will need to take a couple of days off work depends on the type of surgery you undergo. If you’re having a simple tooth extraction, you may need to take only one or two days off just to give yourself enough time to recover and not put any strain on your mouth. You may need to take a week off if you’ve had dental implants or a more complex dental surgery such as wisdom teeth removal. Make sure to avoid strenuous physical activity and only consume certain foods advised by your dentist. Your dental surgeon will discuss any necessary lifestyle changes before your surgery, including any dietary changes, physical activity or medication requirements.
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