What Happens During Your Oral Surgery Consultation
The initial consultation is an essential aspect of any oral surgery procedure. This first meeting gives patients an opportunity to learn about the procedure to come and provides them with valuable information concerning how to best prepare for the surgery. It also gives the oral surgeon the chance to assess the patient’s situation and to determine the most effective solution to any problems he or she may have.
Important Information for Your Surgeon
In order to prevent any foreseeable risks or complications, your oral surgeon will ask for some important details, including the following:
- Present state of health, including any current or recent illnesses or major medical conditions. These may include diabetes, heart valve or joint replacements, high blood pressure and any other condition that affects your health.
- A list of all over-the-counter and prescription medications you are currently taking. This helps the oral surgeon determine if there may bean adverse reaction to pain killers or antibiotics provided after the surgery.
- A detailed description of any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing in relation to your oral health, as well as how long you have been feeling this way.
- Any drug allergies you may have.
- Any previous adverse reaction to local or general anesthesia.
Important Information for the Patient
During your consultation, your oral surgeon may need to conduct an evaluation of your current oral health situation in order to formulate a fitting treatment plan. Diagnostic tests, such as x-rays of the mouth or head, may be taken if they have not been delivered to the office by your regular dentist.
Depending on the nature of the surgical procedure in question, your surgeon may provide you with a choice regarding anesthesia. The majority of oral surgery patients tend to select general anesthesia rather than local, as this allows them to essentially sleep through the procedure. T
he patient feels nothing during the surgery and must be provided with oxygen until he or she wakes up. Your surgeon will discuss with you the pros and cons of both types of anesthesia as well as the recommended course of action in reference to your particular procedure.
Risks and complications will be discussed as well, as oral surgeons wish to fully inform their patients of all pertinent information before scheduling a surgical procedur
e. Preparation measures will be delineated in full so that you know precisely what is expected of you on the day of your surgery. For example, if your surgeon requests that you arrive with an empty stomach, you may benefit from scheduling your appointment in the morning if at all possible. This is a common request, as some patients become nauseous during surgery. Your surgeon may also require that a competent, adult driver be present to accompany you home after your surgery.
What to Bring to Your Initial Consultation
If you have undergone x-rays with a different dentist, arrange to have them sent to your oral surgeon’s office. This will expedite the consultation as well as decrease expense. It is also helpful to bring a complete list of any medications you are taking along with their dosage and how often you take them. Insurance information, of course, is very important and should be readily available as well.
The consultation with your oral surgeon ensures that the entire surgical process and recovery period go as smoothly as possible. Be sure to take this opportunity to ask your surgeon any questions you may have concerning the surgery, aftercare, cost and results. Call to schedule your consultation today.
Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN
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