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When you have a health concern, the best course of action when it comes to treatment is to work with a provider that understands the nuances of your issue. Patients with a foot issue would see a podiatrist, for example, while those with eye problems make an appointment with an ophthalmologist.
Usually, the path to specialists like these begins with the patient’s general practitioner doctor – a “GP” – who refers their patient out to see these experts. In the dental field, your dentist acts as a “GP,” referring patients out to specialists like an oral surgeon. For those that may struggle with hesitation or fear with dental care, this change can be a surprise. If you’re told by your general dentist’s office that you need to see an “Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon”, you may find yourself wondering things like:
- Why can’t my regular dentist perform surgery?
- Will my oral surgeon understand my dental records?
- What does maxillofacial mean?
- Does this mean that I have really bad dental problems?
These are all perfectly normal questions to ask: it’s important to be as informed as possible in every aspect of your health, including dental. Thankfully, there’s no cause for concern if you’ve been referred to an oral surgeon, even if the switch is unexpected. Oral surgeons are simply well-trained specialists that work with your general dentist to help alleviate pain, fix underlying dental or jaw problems, and help you maintain a healthy life and smile.
With that in mind, doing a little research into these common questions can help alleviate anxiety ahead of your oral surgery appointment. Here’s some information that will ensure you have a great relationship with your new dental specialist.
Why Can’t My Regular Dentist Perform Surgery?
Both oral surgeons and dentists receive the same basic level of professional training initially – years in a dental school, passing certain board certification tests, practical experience, and so on. When a dental professional pursues a surgical route, however, he or she receives additional education and training on surgical techniques, best practices, and safety for procedures. This ensures they’re well-equipped to swiftly and correctly address any problems that may arise before, during, or after oral surgery, even though complications are usually very unlikely.
While they may be exceptional at regular dental care, your general dentist does not have the specialized equipment, in-office surgical team support, or extra training required to approach oral surgery the way a trained surgeon can. A specialized office offers the diagnostic and procedural care you need to ensure the best chance at a fast recovery and ongoing post-procedure health.
Will My Oral Surgeon Understand My Dental Records?
When a general practitioner – body health, dental, mental, and so on – refers out to a specialist in any capacity, it’s standard practice to send over all records for a seamless transition. Your Frisco, TX dentist will also likely call your oral surgeon ahead of time to discuss your case; the success of your dental care directly affects them, after all! Your entire dental team – including both your dentist’s office and your oral surgeon’s office – is committed to providing exceptional care, and that requires collaboration.
Your oral surgery team will definitely understand your dental records, as well as individual aspects of your care after speaking with your dentist. Always feel free to ask questions and get clarifications on your treatment plan – they’re there to help!
What Does Maxillofacial Mean?
This dental term is a mouthful! While seeing it on a sign or paperwork can cause anxiety in some patients, it’s just a simple way to refer to disorders or treatment of the jaw (“Max”) and face (“Facial”), in addition to any work that needs to be done intra-oral (inside the mouth). Therefore, if you’re seeing a Frisco, TX Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, you’re heading to a treatment center that can help with everything from surgically extracting an impacted tooth to removing tumors in the face, head, and neck.
If you see “maxillofacial” on your oral surgery center’s sign or paperwork, it’s a sign that you’re in skilled, capable hands.
Does This Mean That I Have Really Bad Dental Problems?
When some patients are scheduled to see an oral surgeon, they may feel that there’s a stigma to their level of care – that it’s gotten “serious enough” they need a professional. In reality, patients of all levels of severity seek out surgery for a variety of reasons – for some, it’s correcting a potentially serious lifelong issue before it becomes worse. For others, it’s addressing a dental or maxillofacial problem that they’ve only recently become aware of.
Going to see an oral surgery provider is an important consideration for your overall well being – it doesn’t mean that your dental problems are any worse than the next patient’s. Remember, the goal with any dental care is your happiness and health, and that doesn’t – and shouldn’t! – come with any sense of shame. Fixing an issue that could cause you more discomfort, cost, and happiness in the future is a smart move, period.
If your dentist has recommended that an oral surgeon help you with a health concern, NexGen Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are here to help. No matter what your surgical needs may be, our caring, patient-focused staff is ready to help you on your journey to wellness, one appointment at a time. We’ll work with your dentist to understand your case and address any and all concerns you have – our ultimate goal is your comfort, and we mean that in every sense of the word. Contact us today at our Frisco, Texas office to make your oral surgery consultation appointment – we’re looking forward to meeting you!