Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

A. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are the surgical specialist in the field of dentistry. Thru their advanced surgical expertise and knowledge of facial aesthetics and function, the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is the most qualified dental specialist to manage, diagnose, and treat a wide array of conditions and injuries which involve the mouth, teeth, jaws, and the facial region. This includes wisdom tooth removal, dental extractions, dental implants, grafting of tissues and bone in the mouth, jaws, and face. Also, the oral surgeon is uniquely qualified to manage facial and jaw deformities as well as pathological conditions that are congenital or acquired. Oral surgeons perform reconstructive surgery on the jaws and facial regions, as well as manage facial and jaw trauma at local hospitals and emergency rooms.

When considering surgery for the mouth, teeth, jaws, and surrounding facial region, a consultation with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon is always recommended. Keep in mind, as a patient, you always have the choice to be referred and treated by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.

Q. What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon's training?

A. After receiving a 4-year dental degree from an accredited dental school, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon completes four or more years of hospital-based surgical residency training. The residency includes rotations thru internal medicine, general surgery, anesthesiology, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, emergency medicine, and other medical specialty areas. In addition, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon receives extensive training in surgery involving the mouth, teeth, jaws, and facial regions. This comprehensive and demanding training makes the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon well-prepared and highly qualified to practice the full scope of the specialty which encompasses the diagnosis, surgical, and related management of diseases, injuries and defects that involve both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the oral and maxillofacial regions.

Q. Why intravenous sedation/general anesthesia vs. local anesthesia for my procedure?

A. The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency incorporates extensive anesthesia training that enables the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon to perform a wide variety of procedures in both an office setting and a hospital environment. Local anesthesia, intravenous sedation and general anesthesia are competently and safely administered in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon's surgery office and appropriately selected to meet the requirements of the patient and procedure.

IV sedation/general anesthesia are the most comfortable and stress-free anesthesia options for patients undergoing minor to complex procedures. It is always the patients option to chose the type of anesthesia for a procedure; however, the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon will always make recommendations based on the patient's anxiety level and complexity of the procedure.

Q. You are not on my plan?

A. The Center for Oral & Reconstructive Surgery accepts most major dental plans; however, we are considered out-of-network on all medical plans. In the event the patient does not have insurance or if we are considered out-of network, our office offers a variety of financial options to our patients. If a patient has insurance and we are not on their plan, we will maximize the out-of-network benefits to aid in completing the recommended treatment.

In addition, we are committed to our patients by providing numerous options to make payment as comfortable as possible. We also accept all major credit cards. This, too, is a popular option for patients, especially if your credit card allows you to build airline mileage or bonus points. Moreover, our most attractive option to our patients is our Third-party financing program thru Citi Health. This plan offers 12-months at no interest to qualified patients, which would require the completion of some simple paperwork. Patients can complete the paperwork in the privacy of our consultation room, and will take less than 10 minutes to receive an answer from Citi Health.

Q. How can dental implants benefit me?

A. Today, dental implants are frequently the best treatment of choice to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental implants provide a long-lasting successful option for missing teeth. Instead of having teeth rest on the gum lines like removable dentures, and instead of using adjacent teeth as anchors for fixed bridges, dental implants add strength and stability to the teeth and jaws. With bridges, there is generally a decrease in strength of the surrounding teeth, because two teeth are expected to do the work of three or more teeth. When implants are placed, these will add strength to the surrounding teeth and jaws. Also, when considering replacing a tooth or teeth in the front of the jaws, which is in a highly visible and aesthetic area, a dental implant usually has superior results in aesthetics over a partial or bridge. Statistics show that 69% of adults ages 35-44 years in age have lost at least one tooth and 26% of adults 65-74have lost all their permanent teeth. Why implants? These patients no longer need to suffer with ill-fitting dentures or bridges. As we have already mentioned, dental implants provide a long lasting solution to those missing teeth.

Dental implants are placed directly into the jaw bone where, after several months they fuse with the bone. When this fusion is complete, permanent crowns can be placed. These will act and feel like natural, healthy teeth.

Q. Why do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?

A. Typical symptoms associated with wisdom teeth may include pain, swelling and signs of infection in the surrounding tissues. Impacted wisdom teeth have the potential to cause permanent damage to adjacent teeth, gum tissue, and supporting bone structure. Impacted teeth are also associated with the development of cysts and tumors that can destroy large portions of the jaw. Many times impacted wisdom teeth are not treated until symptoms are present; but a recent study conducted by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the OMS Foundation indicated that wisdom teeth should be removed by the time the patient is a young adult, in order to prevent the problems mentioned.

The OMS is the most qualified specialist to diagnose, manage, and treat impacted wisdom, tooth extraction and dentoalveolar surgery. The oral surgeon has the most extensive training in the diagnoses and management of these conditions.

Q. Is anyone who indicates that they can remove wisdom teeth usually an oral surgeon or the most qualified to perform the procedure?

A. Unfortunately, the answer is "no". As a patient, you always have the right to ask to be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for consultation and treatment of wisdom teeth. Also, we recommend that patients asks whether the treating dentist for a surgical procedure is an oral surgeon and what type of training has the dentist received in wisdom tooth removal.