When is a procedure considered oral surgery?
A procedure is considered oral surgery when it involves cutting or manipulating the tissue in the mouth or jaw.
What are the common types of oral surgery?
Some of the common types of oral surgery include pathology, jaw surgery, sleep apnea, tooth extraction, cosmetic surgery, trauma, and dental implants.
What is maxillofacial surgery?
Maxillofacial or oral and maxillofacial surgery is a branch of surgery that involves surgical procedures in the head and neck. These include cosmetic surgery, oncology, corrective jaw surgery, and sleep apnea surgeries.
What happens during oral surgery?
What happens during oral surgery is first you would call us to make an appointment. You would come in and I would evaluate your medical history, go over that, see if there are any contraindications. We go over the x-rays and come up with a treatment plan. I discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment plan and then we discuss the options for sedation, whether it's local anesthesia (you'll be awake), IV sedation, or general anesthesia. After that, you make the appointment and we proceed with the procedure, whether it is in the office or hospital.
Can my regular dentist perform oral surgery?
Your regular dentist can perform oral surgery, usually minor oral surgery. This depends on their qualification, and many dentists do a good job at removing wisdom teeth or regular teeth and performing dental implants. However, oral maxillofacial surgeons are specialized in this and can reduce the risks.
How should I prepare for oral surgery?
You should prepare for oral surgery by going over the treatment plan with your surgeon and listening to the pre-op instructions. This is very important. If you're going to have IV sedation, you should not eat or drink eight hours before and typically you should take your regular medications unless you are notified otherwise by your surgeon.
What anesthesia options will be available to me during oral surgery?
Anesthesia options available during your oral surgery include:
- Local anesthesia: You'll be awake.
- Laughing gas or nitrous oxide: A mask is placed on your face, but you'll still be awake; it just calms you down.
- IV sedation: An IV is inserted in your hand and medications are given. You'll be in a twilight zone, sometimes deeper, but you will be breathing on your own.
- General anesthesia: Usually for corrective jaw surgeries and chin surgeries, and it will take place in the hospital.
Can I drive myself home after oral surgery?
You can drive yourself home after oral surgery only if you have been given local anesthesia. In my office, I have a policy that I do not let people go home alone after IV sedation or general anesthesia. You have to have an escort to take you home.
How can I minimize pain and discomfort after oral surgery?
You can minimize pain or discomfort after oral surgery by:
- Not consuming alcoholic beverages for at least ten days.
- Not smoking for ten days.
- Not using straws for ten days (using a straw can remove the blood clot and create suction, leading to a dry socket).
- Staying on a liquid and soft diet to help with healing and reduce pain.
- Taking your antibiotics if given by your surgeon and taking the pain medications as directed.
How long does it take to recover from oral surgery?
Recovery from oral surgery varies. It depends on your surgeon's skills and gentleness, and on the patient. In general, recovery from any surgery is a process where you feel better every day. Oral surgical procedures are different from other surgeries because you use your mouth every day when you eat, making healing difficult. The first two or three days usually involve some soreness, but it gets better after that. If you stay on a liquid and soft diet, you will feel better and heal faster. I suggest taking two or three days off work after wisdom teeth removal, usually doing it on Friday so you can go back to work by Monday with light duties.
Does insurance typically cover the cost of oral surgery?
Insurance covers part of the oral surgery. Usually, there is a copay that you have to pay. This depends on your insurance type, whether it's PPO or HMO. Our office accepts PPOs and some HMOs, and my office staff will be happy to go over the copays with you.
If insurance will not fully cover the cost of my oral surgery, is financial assistance available?
If insurance doesn't cover part or all of your surgical procedures, financial institutions that work with us offer some benefits. There are interest-free payment plans for six months, 12 months, or 24 months. As long as you make your monthly payments, the interest rate is zero, which has been very helpful for our patients.
How can I schedule an appointment to discuss oral surgery?
You can schedule an appointment by calling our number (332) 244-0554 or visiting our website at omsfmy.com to discuss any procedures you may have. This is Dr. Jamali again. I hope I have answered some of the questions you may have. If you have any other questions, please call us at (332) 244-0554 and I will be happy to answer them. Thanks.