Dentist visits are taken seriously by the majority of Americans, with 63% of the population aged 18 and up visiting a dentist in 2020. Most of these visits were for routine dental care, such as pain relief treatment. But there are certain visits that are for more serious care, such as oral surgery.
Given how sensitive oral surgery is, it’s essential to pick an oral surgeon that you can trust to do a great job. But with roughly 7,500 oral surgeons practicing across the country at the moment, how do you know you’ve found the right one for you?
Keep reading to find out.
Find Out if They’re Licensed
Finding out whether your prospective dental surgeon is licensed is a good starting point. It shows that they’ve at least met the minimum requirements for practicing in their state.
So, how do you find out if you’re talking with a licensed oral surgeon? One way is to ask the surgeon directly. Top surgeons will have no problem providing this proof.
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons also keeps a list of all its members who are licensed in each state. You can find this list on the Association’s website.
Consider Education and Training
Oral surgery is a complex field, and it’s important to pick a surgeon who has the education and training necessary to perform the surgery you need. Make sure that your surgeon is board certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
It’s difficult to find an oral surgeon who doesn’t have the required education and training. But it’s not entirely unheard of, so be sure to ask about your surgeon’s qualifications.
Getting an oral surgeon who invests in continuing education is a huge plus. That’s because such practitioners are always up-to-date on the latest techniques and procedures.
Prioritize Experience
Now that you know your surgeon is qualified, it’s time to focus on their experience. It’s one thing to be board-certified and another to have years of experience performing surgeries.
When going through options for surgeons, ask about the number of cases they’ve handled that are similar to yours. Also, find out how long they’ve been practicing.
The more experience your surgeon has, the better. They’ll know what to expect and will be able to handle any complications that may arise.
Research Their Reputation
The best way to know what to expect from your interactions with your potential surgeon is to research their reputation. There are many ways to do so.
You can look at online patient reviews of oral surgeons in your area. Be sure to read both positive and negative reviews, as this will give you a well-rounded view of the surgeon’s work.
If you find the oral surgeon through recommendations from friends or family, there’s a good chance that you’ll have a positive experience.
Enquire About Their Range of Services
Oral surgery is a wide field with many different specialties. Some common oral surgery procedures include tooth extractions, dental implants, jaw correction, and wisdom tooth removal.
Find out what services your prospective surgeon offers. Some oral surgeons only perform specific types of procedures. Others are more generalists and can handle a variety of cases. It all depends on your needs.
Generally, the more services an oral surgery facility offers, the better. That’s because you won’t need to go through the trouble of finding a separate surgeon in the future if you need a different type of surgery.
Choose an Easily Accessible Facility
Oral surgery is a time-sensitive procedure. Sometimes, it can be an emergency. You don’t want to have to travel far to get to your appointment.
Pick a facility that is easily accessible from your home or office. This will make it easier for you to get the care you need in a timely manner.
It’s also important to consider the surgeon’s office hours. Make sure they are compatible with your schedule.
Don’t Overlook Personality
Whether you have dental anxiety or not, it’s important to pick a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable. You’ll be spending a lot of time with this person, and you don’t want to have any awkward oral surgery experience.
When interviewing surgeons, consider how at ease you feel with them. Does the oral surgeon seem genuinely interested in helping you? Do they take the time to answer all of your questions?
If you don’t feel comfortable with the surgeon, it’s best to move on. You need to trust your gut when making this decision.
Consider Their Costs
Dental surgery is seldom cheap. But that doesn’t mean you should go bankrupt trying to pay for it. The fact is that some surgeons charge exorbitant rates, while others offer reasonable prices.
Don’t be afraid to ask about your potential surgeon’s costs upfront. Get a breakdown of the fees so that you know what to expect.
You may consider comparing surgery costs before making your final decision. Find a surgeon who offers quality services at a price you can afford.
Ask About Insurance and Payment Plans
Finding a surgeon who accepts your insurance is a massive benefit. It can help make the cost of surgery more manageable.
Many top facilities will have no problem accepting your insurance.
If your prospective surgeon’s office doesn’t accept your insurance, ask about their payment plans. Some surgeons are willing to work with patients to create a plan that works for both parties.
Pick an Oral Surgeon That’s Perfect for You
Deciding which oral surgeon to work with is a huge step that can have long-term implications. With the tips we’ve shared in this blog, you should be able to pick an oral surgeon you’ll be happy with for many years.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Keep visiting our blog for more exciting content.
