How to Choose an Oral Surgeon

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Talk to your dentist.

   Your dentist is the best person to recommend an oral surgeon for you since they know exactly what sort of oral trouble you’re having.
   
   Once your dentist recommends one or more oral surgeons based on your specific needs, you can go forward with the process of evaluating each surgeon.If your dentist doesn’t have anyone in mind, perform an online search for an oral surgeon in the area with good reviews.
   
   Alternately, talk to your friends and family members who have had oral surgery and find out if they were satisfied with their surgeons.
2. 2

   Step 2: Find a specialist.

   Within oral surgery, there are a number of subfields.
   
   For instance, some oral surgeons specialize in providing implants, while other specialize in removing teeth.
   
   Use your knowledge of what you’re looking for in an oral surgeon to choose one who will meet your specific needs. , If you live in a nation that does not provide universal health coverage, you might have to pay a fee to a hospital or private insurance company for treatment.
   
   Even if you have health insurance, your provider might not allow you to receive treatment from the oral surgeon of your choice.
   
   Before choosing an oral surgeon, find out from your care provider what your options are., If the price is an issue for you, find out how different oral surgeons charge for the operation you need.
   
   Choose the price that best fits your budget.Ask your dentist how much the surgery you need typically costs.
   
   This will give you an idea of what the ballpark price for your surgery should be. , When you see the oral surgeon for the first time, find out what the problem is and what they recommend you do about it.
   
   The diagnosis should be similar or identical to the initial one you received from your dentist.
   
   If it is not, consider getting a second opinion.Listen carefully to your doctor and take careful note of all the possible courses of treatment available to you.
   
   Once the diagnosis is complete, the oral surgeon should provide you with a printout describing the problem and their recommended surgical option.
   
   Each step of the procedure should be described along with a price for the services offered. , After the oral surgeon you’re thinking about choosing offers their diagnosis and treatment options, you will probably have questions.
   
   A good oral surgeon will ask you directly if you have any questions and answer your questions in a clear and confident manner.
   
   Even if the oral surgeon doesn’t ask you if you have questions, you should come prepared to ask a few anyway.
   
   For instance, you might want to ask:
   Is this procedure dangerous? Is there an alternative to the procedure? What happens if I don’t get oral surgery? Have you performed many surgeries of this type before? , When choosing an oral surgeon, you are also choosing the network of people they surround themselves with or calls upon.
   
   This network might include nurses, laboratory technicians, or other dental and medical professionals.
   
   Whenever possible, you should also ensure that these individuals are qualified and reliable.For instance, if you’re getting an implant, ask the oral surgeon what laboratory they will use, and if the lab tech is certified or accredited. , Oral surgery is generally a minor procedure, but like all surgery, it entails certain risks.
   
   Ask the oral surgeon what these risks are and what emergency provisions they provide.For instance, your oral surgeon should have a direct line available for you in case something happens over the weekend while you’re recovering from the surgery. , An oral surgeon should have board certification, meaning they have met the requirements outlined by their profession and can be trusted to perform oral surgery.
   
   They should also meet local licensing or certification requirements, which vary from place to place.
   
   For instance, your local state or province might have certain rules that the surgeon must conform to in order to practice., When oral surgeons are members of professional societies, they demonstrate that they are committed to staying apprised of all the latest developments in their field, and deserve special consideration when you make your selection.
   
   Whenever possible, choose an oral surgeon who is a member of a society such as the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons or a similar group at the local or national level.Better still, find one who is not only a member of a professional society, but one who has received accolades or awards for their work. , Generally, the longer an oral surgeon has been practicing, the more secure you should feel in their abilities.
   
   Select an oral surgeon who has been in practice for a number of years and is well-established in the community.
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   Step 3: Ensure you can receive treatment.

4. 4

   Step 4: Check the cost.

5. 5

   Step 5: Get a diagnosis.

6. 6

   Step 6: Ask questions.

7. 7

   Step 7: Ensure the oral surgeon works with reputable staff.

8. 8

   Step 8: Find out what the emergency protocols are.

9. 9

   Step 9: Ensure your surgeon is qualified.

10. 10

    Step 10: Look for an oral surgeon who has membership in professional societies.

11. 11

    Step 11: Select an oral surgeon with experience.

Detailed Guide

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