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WHAT IS ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY?
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is the specialty of dentistry which includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of disease, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.
WHAT DIFFERENT TYPES OF SURGERY DO YOU OFFER?
The Maxillofacial Surgery Center specializes in dentofacial surgery, including dental implants, jaw surgery, laser surgery, oral surgery, extractions and TMJ treatment.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GENERAL DENTIST AND AN ORAL SURGEON?
A general dentist does general dentistry, which can include dental cleanings, cavity restoration, crowns, denture and partial fabrication, cosmetic veneering, and simple extractions. An oral surgeon performs surgical procedures of the mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, or face. In addition to graduating from an accredited dental school and becoming licensed, oral and maxillofacial surgeons have completed an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program. They have received training in other disciplines such as general surgery, plastic surgery, medicine, anesthesia and pathology. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to treat patients in the hospital, outpatient facilities, surgery centers and in private offices.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING MY CONSULTATION? WHY IS IT NECESSARY?
The doctor will review your medical history and explain the treatment needed as well as any risks involved. You will also have an opportunity to discuss finances and insurance during this appointment. The consultation provides an opportunity to ask questions and obtain information. Any coordinating visits with other dentists or specialists can be arranged ahead of time. Not only does the consultation visit help relax anxieties by answering your questions and concerns, but it also assists the office in knowing the amount of time your particular case will need to be scheduled.
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IS THERE A CHARGE FOR THE CONSULTATION AND POST-OPERATIVE VISITS?
We do not charge for a consultation regarding implants or orthognathic surgery. We do have a charge for other consultations. We do ask that you pay for this consult at the time of your visit. There is no charge for post-operative visits.
I'VE ALREADY SEEN MY DENTIST, SO WHY DO I NEED TO HAVE A CONSULTATION AGAIN?
We see patients for a consultation to find out many things that will help us make your experience here at the Maxillofacial Surgery Center a good one. The consultation will allow a nurse to go over your health history, confirm what medications are being taken, or need to be taken prior to surgery. The doctor likes to meet the patient and discuss the best course of treatment. If a recent X-ray is not available, we are also able to take one while you are here. The doctor can then answer any questions you may have concerning your condition or surgery. Finally, the insurance and financial questions can be answered at the consultation, and payment plans, insurance pre-determinations, etc., can be addressed at this time.
DO I HAVE TO BE REFERRED TO YOUR OFFICE?
No. If you do not have an established dentist, we will be happy to see and treat without a specific referral.
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HOW MUCH DO SURGERIES COST?
Although there are set fees for all procedures, there are also many variables which could affect the fee. For example, although there's a set fee for implants, facility fee and anesthesiology, there could also be a fee for bone grafting if you need it. At the time of the initial consult, you not only will see the doctor with whom you have scheduled, but you will also be able to talk with your patient representative who will give you a written treatment plan and help you coordinate insurance benefits.. By the end of the consult, you will know exactly what the fees will be, which will help in planning and decision making.
WILL YOU FILE MY INSURANCE?
We will gladly file your insurance for you unless your company is one of the few whose policies make this difficult or impossible. Please contact our office by telephone or in person regarding your insurance concerns.
CAN I MAKE PAYMENTS ON MY SURGERY?
Yes, the Maxillofacial Surgery Center offers alternative and affordable financing through MaxSurg Credit. We also offer a pre-surgery payment plan for non-emergency surgeries. Please feel free to ask your patient representative about any of these plans during your consultation visit.
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WHAT KIND OF TESTS WILL I NEED?
Panoramic X-rays are often required for dental extractions or dental implants, although high quality dental films may be adequate. Clinical evaluations, measurements, cepholametric X-rays. MRI's, and Tomograms (X-rays) may be needed for TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) and for some implant cases. Existing X-rays can be used if they are less than a year old, and of good diagnostic quality. (View X-Ray Samples)
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MAY I BRING MY OWN X-RAYS TO THE CONSULTATION?
Yes. You may bring your x-rays to the office. However, we may need to take another X-ray if yours is not adequate quality or is older than one year.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Implants are tooth root substitutes that look, feel, and function much like the roots of natural teeth. Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth, or all of your missing teeth. Click here for more information.
WHAT MAKES ME A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants can be used in people of all ages. However, you must be evaluated by your surgeon and/or general dentist to determine if you are a good candidate. Click here for more information.
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SHOULD I HAVE MY PARTIALS REPLACED?
Because every person is different and every partial is different, some may need to be replaced and some may not; the diagnosis and plan of treatment is patient specific. Partials and dentures used to be the only choice we had for missing teeth. Now we realize that a partial is an antagonist on the bone, as well as a trap for plaque and food. Often, decay and gum recession may occur around the area where the clasps surround the teeth. Many people come into our office with their partials in their pockets, because they have become useless. Your consultation visit and appropriate X-rays will help determine if your partials need replacement.
WHY EXTRACT ALL 4 WISDOM TEETH WHEN ONLY 2 HURT?
The advantage to the patient for having all wisdom teeth extracted at the same time is that you will have to undergo anesthesia only one time. Studies have proven that if the other wisdom teeth are left in, they are likely to cause problems later in life (cavities, infection, bone-loss, crowding of other teeth). The older you are, the more difficult wisdom teeth can be to extract and therefore, recovery time can be longer.
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HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT TO BE AT YOUR OFFICE THE DAY OF MY SURGERY?
The length of time spent at the office for surgery appointments greatly depends on the type of surgery you are having. Your doctor will discuss this in more detail during your initial consultation.
WHAT IF THERE IS PAIN FOLLOWING SURGERY?
You are provided with a written post-op care packet and instructions for dealing with pain. However, if the pain persists the Maxillofacial Surgery Center offers 24 hour a day, 7 day a week after hour contact and will be glad to address your concerns.
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CAN I DRIVE HOME FOLLOWING SURGERY?
If your surgery involves the use of general anesthesia (if you go to sleep) you will not be allowed to drive yourself home. During surgery your driver will be asked to remain in the facility at all times.
If your surgery is done under local anesthesia (the area is "numbed") you may drive yourself.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR SURGERY?
Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and preferably a short sleeve shirt if you are having general anesthesia.
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MAY MY CHILD COME TO HIS/HER CONSULTATION ALONE?
If your child is less than 18 years old, he or she will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian as there will be consent forms and other documentation which will require your signature during the initial consultation.
HOW LONG WILL I BE OFF WORK/SCHOOL?
The amount of time that you will be off work or school greatly depends on the type of surgery you are having. Your doctor will discuss this with you during your initial consultation.
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