Frequent Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see an oral surgeon?
No, a referral is not required to schedule a consultation with our office. Patients are welcome to contact us directly to schedule an appointment. Depending on your treatment needs, we may request a referral or additional information from your dentist to confirm your treatment plan and ensure continuity of care. Regardless of whether you have a referral, your initial visit will include a consultation and evaluation with our oral surgeon, who will discuss your diagnosis and recommended treatment options with you. If you have been given a referral by your dentist or another healthcare provider, please bring it with you to your initial consultation. This will help our team review the reason for your referral and ensure we have all the necessary information for your visit.
How Do I Know If I Need an Oral Surgeon?
Whether you are experiencing pain, have been referred by your dentist, or have questions about your oral health, Dr. Ortiz can evaluate your needs during a consultation. Following a comprehensive examination, he will discuss your diagnosis and recommend the treatment options that are right for you.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Your first visit is an opportunity for our oral surgeon and team to get to know you, understand your concerns, and determine the best treatment options for your individual needs. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to allow time for check-in and completing any necessary paperwork. During your first visit, you can expect: • A review of your medical and dental history, including current medications and allergies. • A thorough examination of the area or areas of concern. • Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or a 3D scan, when needed to properly evaluate your condition and plan your treatment. • A consultation with the oral surgeon to discuss your diagnosis, treatment options, and any questions or concerns you may have. • A review of your procedure and expected recovery, including post-operative care instructions if surgery is recommended. • A discussion of treatment costs and insurance benefits with our team. • Scheduling your procedure, if treatment is recommended and you are ready to move forward. Our goal is to make your first visit informative and comfortable while ensuring you have a clear understanding of your recommended treatment and what to expect moving forward.
Is Oral Surgery Painful?
Your comfort is our priority. All procedures are performed using IV sedation to help you remain relaxed and comfortable throughout your treatment. While some swelling, soreness, or discomfort is normal following oral surgery, these symptoms can typically be managed with the medications and post-operative care instructions provided by our team. Our goal is to make your surgical experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible, from your initial consultation through your recovery.
How Safe Are Oral Surgery Procedures?
Oral surgery is a safe and well-established specialty when performed by a trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Before your procedure, we carefully review your medical history, obtain any necessary imaging, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Our team takes every precaution to prioritize your safety, comfort, and well-being throughout your care.
What Are the Risks of Delaying Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Impacted or poorly positioned wisdom teeth can increase the risk of infection, pain, damage to adjacent teeth, gum disease, and cyst formation. An evaluation, including a clinical examination and appropriate imaging, can help determine whether removal is recommended and the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
What Can I Eat After Oral Surgery?
Following oral surgery, choosing the right foods can help protect the surgical site, support healing, and keep you comfortable during recovery. Your specific dietary instructions may vary depending on your procedure, so always follow the recommendations provided by your oral and maxillofacial surgeon. During the First 24 Hours Choose foods that are soft, cool or lukewarm, and easy to eat: • Yogurt • Applesauce • Pudding • Mashed potatoes • Scrambled eggs • Cottage cheese • Smooth, lukewarm soups • Oatmeal or other soft cereals • Protein shakes or smoothies without using a straw As You Heal As your comfort improves, gradually introduce more soft foods such as: • Soft pasta or macaroni and cheese • Rice • Soft-cooked vegetables • Avocado • Tender fish • Shredded, tender chicken • Pancakes and other soft foods Foods to Avoid To protect the surgical area and promote proper healing, avoid: • Hard or crunchy foods, such as chips, nuts, and popcorn • Tough or chewy meats • Spicy or acidic foods • Very hot foods and beverages • Foods containing seeds or small particles • Alcohol • Using straws, particularly after tooth extraction Stay Hydrated and Nourished Drink plenty of water and choose nutritious foods that provide adequate protein, calories, and fluids during your recovery. Gradually return to your regular diet as your comfort allows and as directed by your surgeon. If you have questions about what to eat after your procedure, our team is here to help. Please contact our office if you experience persistent bleeding, worsening pain or swelling, fever, or other concerns during your recovery.
How should I prepare for surgery?
Proper preparation is an important part of ensuring a safe and successful procedure. Please review the following instructions carefully before your appointment: • No food or drink after midnight the night before your surgery, unless otherwise instructed by our office. • Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to your surgery. • Review your pre-operative and post-operative instructions thoroughly before your appointment. Please contact our office with any questions or concerns. • Arrive 30 minutes early for your scheduled surgery time to allow for check-in and preparation. • Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after your procedure. You will not be permitted to drive yourself following sedation or anesthesia. • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of your surgery. • Inform our office of any changes to your health or medications prior to your procedure. Following these instructions will help ensure you are properly prepared for your procedure and recovery. Our team is here to answer your questions and help make your surgical experience as safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a referral is not required to schedule a consultation with our office. Patients are welcome to contact us directly to schedule an appointment. Depending on your treatment needs, we may request a referral or additional information from your dentist to confirm your treatment plan and ensure continuity of care. Regardless of whether you have a referral, your initial visit will include a consultation and evaluation with our oral surgeon, who will discuss your diagnosis and recommended treatment options with you. If you have been given a referral by your dentist or another healthcare provider, please bring it with you to your initial consultation. This will help our team review the reason for your referral and ensure we have all the necessary information for your visit.
Whether you are experiencing pain, have been referred by your dentist, or have questions about your oral health, Dr. Ortiz can evaluate your needs during a consultation. Following a comprehensive examination, he will discuss your diagnosis and recommend the treatment options that are right for you.
Your first visit is an opportunity for our oral surgeon and team to get to know you, understand your concerns, and determine the best treatment options for your individual needs. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to allow time for check-in and completing any necessary paperwork. During your first visit, you can expect: • A review of your medical and dental history, including current medications and allergies. • A thorough examination of the area or areas of concern. • Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or a 3D scan, when needed to properly evaluate your condition and plan your treatment. • A consultation with the oral surgeon to discuss your diagnosis, treatment options, and any questions or concerns you may have. • A review of your procedure and expected recovery, including post-operative care instructions if surgery is recommended. • A discussion of treatment costs and insurance benefits with our team. • Scheduling your procedure, if treatment is recommended and you are ready to move forward. Our goal is to make your first visit informative and comfortable while ensuring you have a clear understanding of your recommended treatment and what to expect moving forward.
Your comfort is our priority. All procedures are performed using IV sedation to help you remain relaxed and comfortable throughout your treatment. While some swelling, soreness, or discomfort is normal following oral surgery, these symptoms can typically be managed with the medications and post-operative care instructions provided by our team. Our goal is to make your surgical experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible, from your initial consultation through your recovery.
Oral surgery is a safe and well-established specialty when performed by a trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Before your procedure, we carefully review your medical history, obtain any necessary imaging, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Our team takes every precaution to prioritize your safety, comfort, and well-being throughout your care.
Impacted or poorly positioned wisdom teeth can increase the risk of infection, pain, damage to adjacent teeth, gum disease, and cyst formation. An evaluation, including a clinical examination and appropriate imaging, can help determine whether removal is recommended and the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
Following oral surgery, choosing the right foods can help protect the surgical site, support healing, and keep you comfortable during recovery. Your specific dietary instructions may vary depending on your procedure, so always follow the recommendations provided by your oral and maxillofacial surgeon. During the First 24 Hours Choose foods that are soft, cool or lukewarm, and easy to eat: • Yogurt • Applesauce • Pudding • Mashed potatoes • Scrambled eggs • Cottage cheese • Smooth, lukewarm soups • Oatmeal or other soft cereals • Protein shakes or smoothies without using a straw As You Heal As your comfort improves, gradually introduce more soft foods such as: • Soft pasta or macaroni and cheese • Rice • Soft-cooked vegetables • Avocado • Tender fish • Shredded, tender chicken • Pancakes and other soft foods Foods to Avoid To protect the surgical area and promote proper healing, avoid: • Hard or crunchy foods, such as chips, nuts, and popcorn • Tough or chewy meats • Spicy or acidic foods • Very hot foods and beverages • Foods containing seeds or small particles • Alcohol • Using straws, particularly after tooth extraction Stay Hydrated and Nourished Drink plenty of water and choose nutritious foods that provide adequate protein, calories, and fluids during your recovery. Gradually return to your regular diet as your comfort allows and as directed by your surgeon. If you have questions about what to eat after your procedure, our team is here to help. Please contact our office if you experience persistent bleeding, worsening pain or swelling, fever, or other concerns during your recovery.
Proper preparation is an important part of ensuring a safe and successful procedure. Please review the following instructions carefully before your appointment: • No food or drink after midnight the night before your surgery, unless otherwise instructed by our office. • Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to your surgery. • Review your pre-operative and post-operative instructions thoroughly before your appointment. Please contact our office with any questions or concerns. • Arrive 30 minutes early for your scheduled surgery time to allow for check-in and preparation. • Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after your procedure. You will not be permitted to drive yourself following sedation or anesthesia. • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of your surgery. • Inform our office of any changes to your health or medications prior to your procedure. Following these instructions will help ensure you are properly prepared for your procedure and recovery. Our team is here to answer your questions and help make your surgical experience as safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible.
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