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When you have a health condition that demands examination and treatment by an oral surgeon, you should take care to ensure that you choose someone who is an expert in this field. At NextGen OMS, we believe that the consultation process is vital to effective treatment and can also help alleviate our patients’ concerns. Sometimes an emergency necessitates immediate treatment; however, if you have the time, here are some questions you should obtain answers for when contemplating treatment here in Plano, TX.

How Much Experience Does Your Healthcare Provider Have?

It’s vital to ensure that your oral surgeon is board certified. In order to become board certified, your oral surgeon would need to have completed extensive training to obtain the requisite experience. At NextGen OMS, our maxillofacial and oral surgeon has years of experience in this field and is more than competent to address any issue in line with this type of medical practice. If you or a loved one needs oral surgery, be sure to check the credentials of any practitioner you choose to visit.

Is My Surgeon Skilled in Anesthesia?

In order to perform the types of surgeries associated with oral health, our surgeon is experienced at providing general anesthesia or other forms that are associated with the various procedures we provide. Should complications arise, other medical specialists may be called in to assist and may include the more extensive expertise of an anesthesiologist. However, this is a rare occurrence.

How Long Is the Procedure and Recovery?

During your consultation with our doctor, you’ll be able to go over your planned surgery or procedure in detail. We can discuss how long a typical procedure lasts and the expected recovery time. Sometimes complications arise that tack on additional time. Patients may also require time for the anesthetic to take place, and that can increase the time they spend at our office.

Can I Expect Undivided Attention During Surgery?

At some surgical clinics, a number of patients may be waiting to have a procedure completed by their practitioner. At NextGen OMS, we focus on one patient at a time. It’s not ideal to go back and forth between patients when performing procedures. Our medical team provides each patient with the focus they deserve.

What Does the Clinic Do to Prevent Infection?

Most clinics do and should track the rate of infection associated with their surgical practice. If it doesn’t, how can it know its controls are working? Since the Covid-19 pandemic, all healthcare facilities must prioritize infection control. When you contact NextGen OMS, we can discuss all of our current precautions that are in place to reduce the risk of infection transmission. We follow the most rigorous safety protocols outlined by our profession and, of course, the Centers for Disease Control. If you’re concerned about the spread of Covid or other infections during your upcoming surgery or procedure, be sure to discuss your concerns with our staff.

Will I Be Able to Consult with My Surgeon Before My Procedure?

NextGen OMS believes in personable and personalized medical care. Some clinics treat their patients to a video of an upcoming procedure as their form of consultation. That’s not the case with our practice. Patients should feel comfortable with their surgeon, which is why a consultation is so useful. It’s a great opportunity to educate patients about their specific condition and how treatment can benefit them.

Does the Clinic Rely on the Latest Technology and Equipment?

Oral surgery like other aspects of medical treatment is always being updated with new best practices, equipment, and medications. An oral surgeon must stay abreast of all the changes that affect our field. A medical specialist who relies on old techniques and equipment may not be prioritizing the need for continuing medical education and practice updates. We routinely invest in our equipment at NextGen OMS to ensure that we’re using high-quality resources to support our patients’ care.

What Does the Surgeon Do for Continuing Education?

To maintain their certification, medical providers must spend so many hours each year in formal continuing education. If you want to know specifically what types of topics your oral surgeon has been researching, simply ask. All medical professionals must complete a set number of continuing education hours in order to maintain their credentials.

Do I Need a Referral to See an Oral Surgeon?

Patients can schedule to see our surgeon directly without a referral. However, your insurance provider may have other ideas. In some cases, patients may need a referral from their dentist. If you have questions about your insurance, our staff insurance specialists can provide the information you need or help you procure it from your medical insurance carrier.

Will I Be Prescribed Medication?

In some cases, patients do require medication for an infection or to manage pain. The medication prescribed depends on the patient’s symptoms. Our oral surgeon is able to prescribe medications that are required to successfully manage multiple types of conditions. If you aren’t able to tolerate certain medications, be sure to let our specialist and support staff know.

Can I Check References?

Patients can always check their medical provider’s references. Patients can check with the medical board to find out if their surgeon has received complaints. Again, you should feel comfortable with and confident about your medical practitioner.

If you need to have oral surgery in Plano, TX, consult with our experienced oral surgeon at NextGen OMS. During the consultation, you can find out all the answers to your questions. These are just some questions that you deserve answers for. When you visit, we can outline everything you need to know about your upcoming procedure and what to expect before and afterwards. Call us to schedule your consultation today.