subject: Choose Your Oral Surgeon Carefully [print this page] When you need invasive emergency dental treatment, the best thing for you to do is go to your dentist. They can take a look at your teeth and gums and determine what is causing you so much discomfort. Sometimes you may have problems that cannot be treated by a regular dentist. You may need to see an oral surgeon to get relief from your particular condition. Since it is very likely that you will need surgery, you need to make sure that you take some time to choose your specialist carefully.
Oral surgery can be very expensive, even if you do have dental insurance. Dental insurance helps to reduce the cost somewhat. However, most insurance plans only pay a percentage. If you don't have any dental insurance, you may want to check with the local dental schools in your area for low cost services. If you have dental insurance, you will need to make sure that you are treated by an oral surgeon that is covered under your particular plan. You should contact your dental insurer and get a list of professionals you can see to get proper treatment. Also, find out how much of their services are covered. Some dental plans will only cover a certain amount of dental surgery procedures, and you don't want any unexpected surprises after your procedure. Depending on your particular plan, you may need a referral from your regular dentist. Try to find out these things in advance so if you are every faced with an emergency, you don't run into any delays when you need treatment the most.
Don't expect your oral surgeon to perform your procedure during your first office visit with them, no matter how much pain and discomfort you are in. The first meeting is so you can get to know each other and for you to learn what to expect during your operation. They will go over the reason why you need their services and what they will be doing. They will also provide you with some pre-operative instructions that you must follow so that you don't have any complications during your surgery. You have the option of having general anesthesia or sedation for your procedure and the oral surgeon will go over those options for you. You will also be informed if you have any copays to bring with you for your next appointment.
Make sure you feel completely comfortable with the oral surgeon that will be performing your operation. The less anxiety and stress you have before, during, and after your operation, the better. You need to stay calm and trust your specialist completely in order for them to do their job to the best of their capabilities. This will also make recovery much easier and more comfortable for you. Although you won't be seeing this professional as much as you would see your regular dentist, anytime you have a dental situation that requires some surgery, you already have a professional you can rely on.
