The prospect of having oral surgery often causes patients to become nervous and anxious about what to expect, which is why the consultation appointment with the surgeon is important. These feelings are common, and your surgeon and the medical staff are well aware of how daunting oral surgery can seem and will provide you with all the necessary information to address your concerns.
What to Expect
During the consultation, the surgeon will review your dentist’s findings, your medical history, examine your teeth and jaw, and take appropriate measurements. You may also be required to have additional X-rays or a CT scan of your mouth to provide the surgeon with a better view of the affected area to determine the best course of action.
If the consultation is for a patient that is under 18 years old, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the appointment and all subsequent appointments.
What to Bring to your Appointment
To make your appointment efficient and less time-consuming, bring the following:
- Medical and dental insurance documents, including insurance referral form.
- Government-issued identification.
- Referral form from your dentist.
- Recent X-rays, no more than 12 months.
- List of prescribed and over-the-counter medications taken regularly.
- Drug allergies.
- Medical record, if applicable or requested.
The consultation is the best opportunity you have to learn the most about your upcoming procedure and have any questions answered. Therefore, it is a good idea to arrive with a written list of questions you have beforehand to prevent forgetting an important one during the appointment.
Prior to your appointment, check with the surgeon’s office staff to see if there is any other information you will need to bring with you. To speed things along, you can request to pick up any forms you will need to fill out on the day of your visit and complete them at home ahead of time.
The surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions for before surgery and your recovery afterward, especially if your procedure will include anesthesia or sedation. In most cases, patients will require transportation to and from the oral surgeon’s office on the day of the procedure, as anesthesia makes the patient too impaired to drive. There may also be pre-operative calming medications prescribed to take before arrival as well, so the doctor will want to confirm you will be covered for transportation and recovery assistance at home.
The conversation about your procedure will be detailed, so you may want to take notes or record it to return to later if you have questions. Be sure to get the surgeon’s permission before recording, as it is standard practice to prohibit recording devices in medical offices.
Arrive on time for your appointment, and make sure your mouth is clean for the examination by brushing and flossing right before your consultation. Once you have obtained all instructions from the surgeon, begin gathering items you will need during your recovery period, such as ice packs, approved soft foods, and over-the-counter-medications so you will be prepared beforehand.
Now armed with all the information and instructions for your oral surgery, you should leave this appointment feeling far less anxious and nervous about your procedure. Oral surgery is a necessary part of having overall good health and quality of life.
South Jersey Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Fully Prepare Patients for Upcoming Surgical Procedures
Facing oral surgery can be frightening, especially if you do not know what to expect. That is why a consultation with your oral surgeon is a vital part of the procedure. Our South Jersey oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons will take the time to fully explain all facets of your surgery and answer any questions you may have well in advance of your procedure. Call us at 856-582-4222 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, we are dedicated to helping patients throughout South Jersey.