Even though your oral surgeon will likely provide all of the helpful answers and guidance prior to your actual surgery, it’s helpful to have a list of questions ahead of time. This will ensure that you have a complete and thorough understanding of what is about to happen. Make sure you take the time now to cover anything you’re uncertain about, ranging from pre-surgery food intake to your recovery.
Here are some of the best questions to ask your oral surgeon prior to your scheduled surgery.
What is your experience with this surgery?
- The idea here isn’t to interrogate your surgeon ahead of time but to glean some valuable insights by asking him or her about similar surgeries, the outcomes, and anything that can help you more fully understand the entire process. Experience should be an important consideration for your surgery.
What does the procedure look like?
- Your surgeon won’t go into every minute detail of your procedure but it’s important that you have a basic step-by-step of what will occur. You can ask about how quickly the anesthesia will work, where the surgeon will cut or stitch, what the total operation timeframe looks like, and anything else that you feel will help to clarify the situation.
What are my anesthesia options?
- This question is a must-ask prior to surgery, as it will largely dictate your comfort level both during the surgery and after. Surgeons should discuss the various levels of anesthesia that are available and appropriate for your surgery, including local anesthesia.
How long is the recovery?
- This will let you plan for time off from work or school, as well as arrange other schedule changes like childcare. Most oral surgeries are outpatient procedures, and the timeframe in which you can return to most normal activities is quite short. That said, more invasive surgeries may require additional time for recuperation.
What foods or medications should I consume and/or avoid?
- Depending on your specific oral surgery procedure, your surgeon will likely advise you to begin taking certain medications a few days prior to your surgery. You will be prescribed painkillers, antibiotics, or other prescription drugs to take post-surgery.
What are the risks to this surgery?
- While most oral surgery procedures are fairly low risk, there is always going to be some element of danger when going “under the knife.”
What costs are involved?
- Patients should be aware of the initial and ongoing costs related to the surgery prior to committing to the dental procedure. You can work with your dental office to see just how much your insurance covers. Then, you may be able to work out a payment plan with the dental office or simply pay them in full for the service rendered. Keep in mind, seeking the absolute lowest cost option may not be optimal decision for your oral health, but you still have to keep the costs in consideration.
How long do I have to wait before I can resume physical activities?
- Patients who underwent oral surgery should strictly observe a soft diet menu, thus, limiting the means to gain more energy. Your oral surgeon will let you know when is the best time to resume physical activities.
Does your practice use the latest technologies in oral surgery?
- Alfano Oral Surgery offers exceptional dental care using state-of-the-art surgical facilities and equipment. We use minimally invasive surgical techniques that are less traumatic with less bleeding that leads to decreased pain and swelling, and a faster recovery.
Do oral surgeons perform more than one surgery simultaneously?
- Every patient’s need is unique and every procedure should be performed with utmost care and professional service from the beginning of the treatment until the end.
Now that you’ve considered some of the most important questions to ask your surgeon, you can make an informed decision. Your surgeon will be happy to talk to you about your options and all of the variables associated with the surgery. For more information about oral surgery options contact Alfano Oral Surgery today!