FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: If my dentist took x-rays recently, do I need a panoramic x-ray at your office?
A: A panoramic x-ray is a more complete and comprehensive x-ray examination of the entire upper and lower jaw structures as well as the jaw joint structures, upper sinus cavities, and all related areas of the head and neck region. Dental x-rays are for the teeth and often these do not show all of the related root or bone structures. This is particularly important when planning a surgery.

Q: Why do I need to schedule a consultation when my dentist referred me to you?
A: A consultation appointment provides the following: the doctors will be able to complete a more thorough examination and overall evaluation of your specific dental/surgical needs; a treatment plan and approach e.g. local anesthesia or general anesthesia, will be discussed and outlined in detail for you; our surgical assistants will spend additional time familiarizing you with preparation for surgery and your aftercare; finally the business office will review the fees, insurance and payment plans with you. Overall, it guarantees a better experience because of the preparation and education provided at this appointment.

Q: Can I have both the consultation and surgery in one visit?
A: In some situations, such as acute pain or infection the consultation and surgery may be performed on the same day. This will be determined by the doctor and his assessment of your specific needs. However, much of the surgery that is needed is elective, that is, non-emergency. The consultation provides you the opportunity to be more thoroughly examined and more fully prepared for your surgical experience.

Q: Why is there a charge for the consultation?
A: The consultation appointment has several components including a thorough examination by the doctor, discussion of the specific diagnosis, outlining the procedure and the anesthesia, review by a surgical assistant of the preparation for surgery and the aftercare, including receipt of our comprehensive Care Information Pamphlet and finally, reviewing the proposed fees for the surgery; in an effort to avoid any financial surprises for you and us. We feel the consultation is a valuable tool for making your surgical experience a pleasant one.

INSURANCE AND BILLING

Q: Will my insurance company cover my anesthesia?
A: Some insurance companies have specific guidelines within their policies regarding use of general anesthesia. At the time of the consultation appointment we attempt to review these with you. If your preference is to have the general anesthetic then you will assume that cost. There is no guarantee that the company will cover the general anesthetic despite our efforts.

Q: If I don’t have insurance, can I make payments?
A: Some procedures can be costly, so our office has some specific financial policies. Our business office staff will be happy to discuss arrangements with you.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE

Q: How soon can I eat after an extraction?
A: When you arrive home after surgery we encourage you to start drinking some clear liquids (e.g. 7-Up, Ginger Ale, apple juice, etc.) You will likely be tired especially if you had a general anesthetic however, try to drink or eat something before reclining. It is best to stay away from milk products until you are taking clear fluids well. Also, you will soon need some pain medication and it is preferable to have something in your stomach before taking medication to avoid nausea. If you have other questions, be sure to refer to your Care Information Pamphlet for instruction and advice.

Q: What should I do if food gets in the extraction site the day of surgery, since I shouldn't rinse the first day?
A: Don’t be alarmed. Your active rinsing will begin tomorrow and this will remove any food debris that might be present. Before bedtime you can brush your teeth and when you gently rinse out the toothpaste this will likely dislodge any food from the extraction areas.

Q: Will I have stitches?
A: Some procedures require placement of one or more stitches. Usually the doctors will use a dissolving stitch, which will be gone anytime within the next three (3) to seven (7) days. This will not need to be removed unless it becomes bothersome to you.

Q: What if I think I spit a stitch out a day or two after surgery?
A: Don’t be alarmed by this. Occasionally the stitches will loosen and be lost prematurely; however, if there is no active bleeding there is no need to replace it.

Q: If I feel nauseated after surgery, what should I do?
A: Post-operative nausea and vomiting can occur due to the after effects of the general anesthesia as well as the prescribed medications. Treat the situation as though you have the flu, (e.g. start with sips of clear liquids like 7-Up, Ginger-Ale, apple juice). If those stay down then continue these fluids until the nausea has fully subsided. Also, it is best not to take any of the prescribed medications including the antibiotic until the nausea has passed. If after the first few sips the vomiting returns then wait two (2) hours and start the fluids again. Remember, no medications during this time. If the pain is quite intense it is OK to try Tylenol or Ibuprofen; these are much less likely to precipitate nausea. If this is not resolved within the next 12 to 24 hours please call us again.

Q: How long does somebody have to stay with me after surgery?
A: We strongly recommend that the patient have someone with him/her throughout the day and night of the surgery. This is particularly true if the patient has had a general anesthetic. Until these medications are fully metabolized (12-24 hours) a patient may become nauseous, dizzy and even faint.

Q: Should I still be swollen after the 3rd or 4th day?
A: Swelling is a common part of any surgery. The swelling of the mouth and face will generally be at its peak in the first two days. After that the swelling will slowly go down. Generally, the swelling will be 80% gone in five to seven days. Remember: keep using the ice packs for the first two (2) days and then you can apply heat. This is also covered in your Care Information Pamphlet.