Most people shudder at the idea of going to the dentist for their regular cleanings, let alone having to visit an oral surgeon to have a procedure done.  Yet, taking the time to ensure that you are being treated by the right oral surgeon can help to relieve some of your anxiety.  While no one wants to have oral surgery, working with the right doctor can have a huge impact on your overall experience.

A Referral from Your General Dentist

If you are going to be working with an oral surgeon, it was likely your general dentist who informed you that you would need the expert care of a surgeon.  This is a great time to discuss your options with your dentist. Most dentists take great pride in building a network of dental providers who will take great care of their patients. If you are like most people, even if you don’t love going to the dentist, you trust them.  That is why asking them for the names of oral surgeons they would trust with their dental care is a great first step at finding an oral surgeon you can trust.  If your dentist can provide you with a referral, don’t be afraid to ask them specific questions such as:

  • How long have you referred patients to this surgeon?
  • Would you trust your oral care to this surgeon?
  • Does this surgeon have experience with my specific issue?

Asking these questions can help you feel comfortable with the recommendation so you can take the next steps in seeking the treatment you need.

Do Your Homework

In the technological age we are living in, you can really research any service provider before you do business with them, and that includes oral surgeons.  A dentist’s recommendation is great, but you may want to do a bit more research on your own.  Peer reviews are always a great opportunity to learn more about the experience of others.  With more than 9,000 oral surgeons in the United States alone, there is a lot of competition.  Because there is a lot of competition, you’ll also find that people are talking about their experiences on websites such as Yelp and Google.

Of course, your homework doesn’t just have to include reading reviews from strangers on review sites or social media.  This is a great time to talk to your friends and family about their experiences.  You may just find that the people you know and trust have some great recommendations for you.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

Dental care can be costly, so while you are researching maxillofacial surgeons, it is a good idea to contact your insurance company.  While there are thousands of surgeons in the US to choose from, your insurance probably does not work with all of them.  Your insurance can easily provide you with a shortlist of doctors that they contract with.  Getting a list of doctors who are in-network for you can reduce the amount of research you need to do and help you focus your search for the best oral surgeon.

Request a Consultation

If you have received a reference from your doctor or you have found some options on your own, it is a great idea to meet with the doctor yourself.  This will allow you to meet the doctor, see where they practice, get to know their bedside manner and ask any questions.  When you meet with a surgeon before your procedure it is a chance to ask specific questions such as:

  • What is your experience with this procedure?
  • What is your success rate with this type of procedure?
  • Is this procedure something you specialize in?
  • Do you feel this is the right procedure for my specific needs?
  • Can you explain what will happen during the procedure and what I will feel?

Many patients feel awkward asking these questions because they don’t want to offend a doctor.  Yet, you should know doctors will not be offended by their prospective patients asking these questions, as they want you to feel as comfortable with them and their experience as possible. A consultation is a great time to ask these questions and any others that you may have.

Education and Experience Matters

Not only is it a great idea to read reviews and meet with an oral surgeon before you settle on one, but it is also a great idea to look into the education and experience that they can offer.  The best oral surgeons will be very forthcoming with their education and experience and should most certainly be a member of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.  Members of this board are required to have graduated from an accredited dental school and have state licensing in the area in which they practice. Doing a bit of research is completely understandable and recommended, as most of us don’t have oral surgery routinely, and knowing you have chosen the best surgeon for your unique needs can make the experience much more comfortable.

Find Out Where Your Surgery Will Take Place

Another important aspect of choosing the right surgeon is finding out where your surgery will take place. Many oral surgeons can do surgery right in their offices.  Other surgeons will perform surgery at a local hospital.  It is vital to know these things so you can research facilities or ask if there will be enough support staff if it will be done in an office.   Feeling comfortable with the facility where your surgery will take place is as important as feeling comfortable with the surgeon, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

The OMSH Team Wants to Make You Smile

If you have been looking for an oral surgery team that will happily answer all of your questions and brings all of the education and experience you need to the table, you don’t have to look any further than OMSH.  Our doctors have a wealth of experience, great bedside manner, a state of the art facility, and support staff that is second to none.  We take pride in providing our patients with an understanding of the procedure they will be undergoing whether it is wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, jaw surgery, and beyond.  We discuss what will happen before, during, and after treatment so the patient knows what to expect, reducing any fear or anxiety.  Our goal is to keep our patients comfortable, so when their procedure is over they are confident in their treatment and their smile.  Please contact us today if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors.  We look forward to exceeding your expectations.