Oral Surgery FAQ

If you have an oral surgery cary you need to plan and schedule in your future, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by all of the questions you have. Depending on what your oral surgery procedure is, you can find easy answers to all of your questions. Below are a few common questions patients have before oral surgery and quick and easy responses to help you feel more informed.

Does my dental insurance cover my oral surgery?

Many oral surgeries are covered by general dental or medical insurance plans, however it really does depend on the procedure involved. The best thing to do is get a pre-estimate of the procedure from your dentist or your oral surgeon and then contact your insurance company and see if the procedure, or some of the procedure, costs are covered by your plan. This way you have an idea ahead of time and if need be can work with your dentist to set up a payment plan that will work for you.

Can my procedure be performed by my dentist or do I need to find an oral surgeon?

Whether or not a dentist can perform your dental procedure depends on the procedure and your dentist. Many oral surgeries today have become routine procedures that are completed in a regular dentist office. You should have a discussion with your dentist about the needed treatment, and if they have the training and experience to perform it. In most cases, if a dentist does not have the training to perform a procedure they will refer you to an oral surgeon who they feel confident can provide you the treatment you need.

What is an oral surgeon?

An oral surgeon is a dental professional who specializes in the treatment of disease associated with the jaws, teeth, mouth and face. The services provided by an oral surgeon vary from simple tooth extractions to potentially more complicated jaw reconstructive procedures. Although it is program dependent, oral surgeons spend an extra 4-8 years in dental school to develop their expertise and be fully trained. Further, many go through residency training programs.

How long does an oral surgery last?

Oral surgeries are usually scheduled for one day and are completed in a few hours. Depending on the procedure and the anesthesia that the surgeon administers, you may need to stay a few hours longer to recover.

How long is recovery from oral surgery?

While the complete healing process will take a few weeks, the post oral surgery recovery period is relatively quick. You should plan to rest for at least 2 days after surgery. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you more in-depth instructions, but you should expect to take 2 days to recover and to abstain from physical activity for a minimum of 2-3 days. After 2-3 days of healing, you should plan to be able to routine to your normal routine.

How long does the pain last after oral surgery?

Many patients biggest fear about oral surgery is the pain that can be expected afterwards. How much pain you can expect after surgery can vary depending on how extensive the procedure was that you had done. Your dentist or surgeon will prescribe the pain medication necessary to help you recover comfortably.

Learn More About Oral Surgery : What is Oral Surgery?