If you think you may need a wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants, reconstructive surgery of the jaw, or any other type of oral surgery, the first step towards getting oral surgery is an initial oral surgery consultation with an oral surgeon or cosmetic dental surgeon.
This consultation is extremely important and can mean the difference between a successful surgery and a not-so-successful surgical outcome. In this article, we’ll discuss what to expect during your oral surgery consultation.
Initial Review of your Medical History and Overall Health
Before any oral surgery can be planned, your dental surgeon needs to know your medical history and general health. This helps them plan your treatment and avoid potential risks and oral surgery complications.
A comprehensive medical history includes information about health problems, past surgeries, drug allergies, and any adverse reactions to anesthesia in the past. Your dental surgeon will also want to know the names of any Over-the-Counter (OTC) and prescription medications that you may be taking.
During the initial oral surgery consult, your oral surgery team will also need to know not only about your general health but also about any oral health problems that you may have. They may consult with your dentist about your specific dental history.
Visual Examination and Tests
Your oral surgeon will visually examine your mouth, gums, teeth, and jaw to get a better idea about your dental health and any problems or potential problems. Certain imaging tests may also be recommended at this time. These could include X-rays and CT Scans to get a clearer idea of your bones, teeth, and the soft tissues in your mouth and jaw.
These scans provide a three-dimensional picture of the bones, teeth, and soft tissues of your mouth and these will help your oral surgeon plan for the oral surgery. Your surgeon may also need a detailed cast of your mouth and jaw and you may be asked to bite down on a soft material to create a dental impression of your mouth.
Providing Information to the Patient
Your oral surgeon will not only take your detailed medical and dental history but will also sit down with you and explain the many nuances of various oral surgery treatments. Your surgeon may also provide you with a choice regarding anesthesia. The majority of patients prefer anesthesia that allows them to sleep through the procedure.
However, your oral surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of each type of anesthesia and also the recommended type of anesthesia depending on your procedure. Any risks and complications that can result as an aftermath to oral surgery will also be discussed with you.
Your oral surgeon will also talk about specific preparation on the day of the oral surgery. So, you may be asked to come for the surgery on an empty stomach, as many patients become nauseous during surgery. Your surgeon may also ask you to bring a designated driver with you on the day of the surgery. You will also be given a list of post-operative instructions to follow post-surgery.
Your oral surgeon will also encourage you to ask as many questions that you want to and to clarify any doubts or concerns that you may have. These may include questions regarding what foods to eat after surgery, how long recovery will take when to resume normal physical activities, and what medications to take and what to avoid.
This is a quick overview of what to expect during your oral surgery consultation. At the Harbour Pointe Oral Surgery & Advanced Dental Implant Center, oral surgeons work closely with referring dentists, as well as their patients, to ensure that the oral surgery procedure is successful and as painless as possible.
At Harbour Pointe we specialize in various oral surgical procedures, from tooth extraction to bone grafting, and from wisdom teeth extraction to dental implants. We take care to put our patients at ease, as well as patiently answer any and all questions they may have regarding their oral surgery procedure.
So, if you ever need to have an oral surgical procedure, you know where to go for the best oral surgery results and the finest patient care…Harbour Pointe Oral Surgery & Advanced Dental Implant Center.
For more information about oral surgery procedures, consult Dr. Brian Hart and Dr. Kathleen Isdith at 425-353-1009 or at hporalsurgery@gmail.com or go to our website www.harbourpointeoralsurgery.net for more information.