What to Discuss with Your Oral Surgeon: 7 Essential Consultation Topics

Walking into an oral surgeon’s office for the first time can feel intimidating. You’re dealing with pain, anxiety about the procedure, and probably a dozen questions swirling around in your head. The good news? A well-prepared consultation can transform that anxiety into confidence.

Dr. Dexter Mattox, DMD, MD, has noticed that patients who come prepared with the right questions tend to have smoother surgical experiences and better outcomes. After years of practice, he’s identified the key topics that make the biggest difference in consultation success.

1. Your Medical Background: The Foundation of Safe Surgery

Start your consultation by discussing your complete medical history. This isn’t just small talk – it’s critical for your safety. Dr. Mattox always asks about current medications, previous surgeries, and any chronic health conditions because these factors directly impact surgical planning.

Be completely honest about everything you’re taking, including supplements and over-the-counter medications. That daily aspirin or herbal supplement might seem insignificant, but it could affect bleeding during surgery. If you smoke or drink regularly, mention it. Your surgeon isn’t there to judge – they need this information to keep you safe.

2. Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Many patients arrive at consultations with a referral that says “needs wisdom teeth removed” or “requires dental implant,” but they don’t understand why. This is your chance to get the complete picture.

Ask your surgeon to explain exactly what’s happening in your mouth and why surgery is the recommended solution. Dr. Mattox uses advanced Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging to show patients their specific situation in three-dimensional detail.

Don’t be afraid to ask about alternatives. Sometimes patients assume surgery is their only option when less invasive treatments might be available. On the flip side, some patients want to delay surgery when immediate action is actually critical. Your surgeon should explain the consequences of waiting versus proceeding with treatment.

3. The Procedure Itself: What Actually Happens

This is where many patients get nervous, but knowledge does help reduce anxiety. Ask your surgeon to walk you through the procedure step by step. How long will it take? What type of incisions are involved? Will you have stitches?

For dental implant patients, Dr. Mattox explains the entire process from initial placement through final crown attachment. This timeline can span several months, so understanding each phase helps patients plan accordingly. Wisdom tooth extraction, on the other hand, might be completed in a single appointment with a relatively quick recovery.

If you’re getting multiple procedures done simultaneously, discuss whether this is the best approach for your situation. Sometimes, combining treatments is more convenient, but other times, staging procedures leads to better outcomes.

4. Anesthesia: Finding Your Comfort Zone

Anesthesia options can significantly impact your surgical experience. Local anesthesia keeps you awake but comfortable, conscious sedation helps you relax while remaining responsive, and general anesthesia puts you completely under.

Your surgeon should recommend the most appropriate option based on the complexity of your procedure and your anxiety level. Dr. Mattox’s medical training gives him additional insight into how different anesthesia options interact with various health conditions and medications.

Ask about recovery from anesthesia too. Will you be groggy? How long before you can drive? Some patients underestimate how anesthesia affects them and end up unprepared for the recovery process.

5. Your Recovery Expectations: Planning for Success

Recovery discussions should be specific to your situation, not generic advice. A simple tooth extraction requires different planning than jaw surgery or multiple implant placement. Ask about your expected recovery timeline, including when you can return to work, exercise, and normal eating.

Dr. Mattox often tells patients that managing expectations is just as important as the surgery itself. When patients know what to expect day by day, they’re less likely to panic when they experience normal post-surgical symptoms like swelling or discomfort.

Discuss pain management strategies in detail. Some patients prefer to minimize medication use, while others want to stay ahead of pain. Your surgeon should work with your preferences while ensuring adequate comfort during healing.

6. Potential Risks and Your Surgeon’s Experience

Every surgical procedure carries some risk, and your surgeon should discuss these openly. Don’t interpret this as a lack of confidence – it’s actually a sign of professionalism and transparency. Ask about the most common complications for your specific procedure and how they’re prevented or treated.

This is also your opportunity to learn about your surgeon’s experience. How many procedures like yours do they perform? Are they board-certified? Do they have hospital privileges? Dr. Mattox’s dual DMD and MD training provides additional expertise that can be particularly valuable for complex cases.

You should feel comfortable asking about success rates and complication rates for your specific procedure. Experienced surgeons track these statistics and should be willing to share them.

7. Financial Planning and Insurance Coverage

Dental procedures can represent a significant investment, so getting clear cost information upfront prevents surprises later. Ask for a detailed breakdown of all fees, including the surgeon’s fee, facility costs, anesthesia, and any additional procedures that might be needed.

Insurance coverage for oral surgery varies widely depending on whether the procedure is considered medical or dental. Dr. Mattox’s team at Innova works with patients to maximize insurance benefits and offers financing options when needed.

Don’t forget to ask about payment timing. Some practices require payment before surgery, while others offer payment plans. Understanding these details helps you plan financially.

Questions That Show You’re Prepared

Here are the specific questions that Dr. Mattox finds most valuable during consultations:

“Based on my X-rays and examination, what do you think caused this problem?” This shows you want to understand your condition, not just fix it.

“What would happen if I waited six months to have this surgery?” This demonstrates you’re thinking about timing and urgency.

“How will I know if my recovery is going normally?” This shows you’re planning for post-surgical care.

“What makes you confident this is the right treatment for me?” This gives your surgeon a chance to explain their reasoning.

Red Flags During Your Consultation

Trust your instincts during the consultation. If your surgeon seems rushed, dismisses your questions, or pushes you to schedule immediately, consider getting a second opinion. You should leave feeling informed and confident, not pressured or confused.

A good surgeon will encourage you to take time to think about your decision, especially for elective procedures. They should provide written information to take home and welcome follow-up questions.

Making Your Decision

After your consultation, you should have clear answers about your diagnosis, treatment options, recovery timeline, and costs. If questions arise later, don’t hesitate to reach out before scheduling surgery.

At Innova Dental Implant Institute, Dr. Mattox offers Virtual Care Coordination Sessions (VCCS) for your initial consultation. This online platform enables you to discuss your concerns, review imaging, and receive expert guidance from the comfort of your own home. It’s particularly helpful for busy schedules or when you want to involve family members in the decision-making process.

Ready to start those important discussions? Schedule your online visit with Dr. Mattox, and get the personalized answers you need to move forward with confidence.