FAQ

▼Why do I need an examination or consultation?

The oral surgeon reviews several things: the treatment that is recommended, your medical history, Xrays and the treatment that the oral surgeon believes is best for your continued oral health. He will discuss the findings with you (or parent for minors), provide an estimate of the surgical fees and will review the surgical consent form… all in the best interest of the patient.

▼Why do I need XRays?

Xrays help the oral surgeon determine the overall health and condition of a tooth as well as its position to adjacent teeth or nerves. Xrays also show the health of the existing bone in the jaw or around a tooth.

▼If my dentist took xrays recently, why do I need another xray at your office?

You are welcome to have your dentist forward their xrays to our office; however our office takes either CT scan or a panoramic xray, different types of xray than a general dentist usually takes, so a new xray with our office may still be necessary. Both a CT and panoramic xray are more complete and comprehensive xrays for examination of the entire upper and lower jaw structures as well as the jaw joint structures, upper sinus cavities, and all related areas of the head and neck region. Dental xrays such as bitewings and periapicals are for the teeth only and often do not show all of the related root or bone structures. This is particularly important when planning oral surgery. If your dentist provides xrays taken within the last year, there will be no charge for another xray with our office as long as your account is in good standing.

▼Do I need a referral to come to your office?

Yes, you do need a referral to see our oral surgeon.

▼What is the fee for removing a tooth?

The surgical fee for the extraction of a tooth depends on the code level used by the ADA (American Dental Association). According to the ADA there are 6 different dental codes for the extraction of tooth. A simple extraction has the lowest dental code and the lowest fee; the most difficult extraction is the highest code level and the highest fee. Before the oral surgeon performs any treatment, she will examine the tooth and the XRay. The oral surgeon will then be able to give you an estimate of the fee.

▼If I have insurance, do I have to make a payment the day of surgery?

If your medical or dental insurance covers surgery, you will receive the benefit of reduced personal costs. Insurance policies vary and they usually do not cover 100% of the fees for surgeries. nce treatment has started, we will file your claims for you. You will be expected to pay your deductible or copayment on the day of surgery. Please remember that insurance is a benefit for you or our child. If, during the course of treatment, your benefits change, the financially responsible party is accountable for all charges.

▼What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express. We also accept CareCredit Health Care Financing.

▼Do you accept payment plans?

Depending on the treatment, we can negotiate payment plans with our office.

▼If I have a question on the weekend following oral surgery, will I be able to reach the doctor?

Our main office telephone line (212.644.7009) is answered during the evening and weekends by our answering service. The answering service operator will be happy to take your message and refer it to our oral surgeon who will return the call.

▼Why does the parent of a minor need to be at the consultation?

Though we do surgery in the mouth, it is surgery. During the consultation, questions are answered, treatment is explained, surgical consents are signed, and the estimate for the surgery fee is enerated. For children of legal age with a parent who is financially responsible, we recommend the parent attend the consultation. In many cases, the parent has financial questions regarding oral surgery or postoperative care following surgery. For minors, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the consultation and on the day of surgery.

▼If my child is having surgery, am I allowed to stay with him or her during the procedure?

If you child is very young, we do allow parents to be with their child before the surgery in order to ask the doctor any questions. However, we do not allow nonpatients or nonstaff members in the surgical area.

▼Can I eat something before my surgery?

If you are going to be sedated for the oral surgery procedure, you should not eat or drink anything at least eight hours before your surgery. If you are going to have local anesthesia for your procedure, you may eat normally prior to your appointment.

▼Is there any contraindications of using IV sedation?

There are some preparations before your oral surgery under IV sedation:

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery

  • Have someone come with you to drive you home. This person will also need to stay in the office during surgery

  • Wear loose fitting/comfortable clothing

  • Do not wear contact lenses

  • Do not wear fingernail polish the day of surgery

  • Do not wear makeup the day of surgery

  • Stock up on foods such as soup, JellO, pudding, ice cream, yogurt, etc.

  • Get plenty of rest the night before surgery

  • If you smoke, please do not smoke 36 hours prior to surgery or just quit

  • Take your normal morning medications with a sip of water unless otherwise directed by the doctor. If you take blood pressure medication, please do not forget it on the day of surgery

▼How long is the recovery after teeth removal?

The recovery time after wisdom teeth extraction will vary from patient to patient. Generally speaking, it takes anywhere from a few days to one week for initial pain and swelling to subside. From there, the gums should be fully healed in about one month. Your oral surgeon will provide instructions to assure as quick of a recovery as possible. This will include tips for dealing with swelling and medications to alleviate any pain and discomfort.

▼How soon can I go back to the gym after oral surgery?

It is recommended to keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.

▼Will I have stitches in my mouth, and will I have to return to your office to have them removed?

Not all patients will have sutures, or stitches, in their mouth after surgery. Once again, it depends on the surgery performed. If you do have sutures placed, you will likely have to return to have them removed in seven to ten days. Sometimes the doctor can use sutures that will dissolve after a period of time.

▼What if I think I spit a stitch out a day or two after surgery?

Don’t be alarmed by this. Occasionally the stitches will loosen and be lost prematurely; however, if there is no active bleeding there is no need to replace it.

▼If I’m not in pain, why do I need to return for a follow-up appointment?

A follow-up visit will ensure that healing is proceeding in the right direction. Not all patients require follow-up visits, and our doctors will determine if one is necessary for you at the time of your initial consultation. If you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact one of our three offices. We will happily answer any questions you may have.