Consultations

Your consultation is an opportunity for you and your surgeon to discuss your condition and any other health issues before your surgery takes place. It ensures your safety by giving the surgeon an opportunity to learn about the medications you take and other health conditions that could affect your procedure. Your surgeon will provide customized advice to help you prepare for your operation.

Your consultation is also a chance for you to ask questions about your condition and the procedure. For example, you may have questions about anesthesia or what to expect while you recover. The doctors at Bay Area OSM want you to have the information you need to feel empowered about your health care.

Before your consultation, make a list of all of the medications and supplements you take, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. You should also make sure you have your ID and insurance card.

You may also want to prepare a list of questions. In the middle of a conversation, it’s easy to forget about some questions and keeping a list ensures that you get the information you want.

During your oral surgery consultation, you discuss your condition with your surgeon. They may examine your teeth, gums, jaw, face, and neck. They may also take X-rays or run other tests to gather up-to-date information about your health. They also ask about any medications or supplements you take regularly and any other health conditions.

After your exam, your surgeon presents your treatment plan. They give you advice on what to expect and how to take care of yourself while you recover. You should take this opportunity to ask questions and get information and advice from your surgeon.

WHAT SHOULD I ASK THE SURGEON DURING MY CONSULTATION?

• What will happen during the procedure?

You don’t need to know every single detail but it’s good to have an overall idea of what will happen. For example, you could ask about how quickly the anesthesia will work, where the incisions and stitches will be and the total time of the surgical procedure.

• What are my anesthesia options?

This is an important one because you will want to know how comfortable you will feel during the surgery. There are many options available and different levels of anesthetic and sedation. If you have any anxiety towards your surgery it is good to explain this so that the surgeons can tailor their approach with you in mind.

• How long is the recovery period?

Most oral surgeries are outpatient procedures. That means that the surgery will only be minor and recovery will be short. However it’s still good to get an idea of your recovery time so you can arrange an appropriate amount of days off of work and any other necessary scheduling. Allow enough time to make a good recovery and get back to your routine without any setbacks.

• What medications do I need to stop or start taking prior to surgery?

Sometimes it may be necessary to start taking medications before your surgical procedure. After surgery you will likely take painkillers and antibiotics. It’s good to get any prescriptions before the surgery so that they are available for you as soon as it’s finished.