How to Determine If Dental Surgery Is Needed

There are some dental problems that aren't too serious, but others need to be fixed surgically in order for patients to be healthy and live a normal life. It is best to talk to your primary dentist and/or oral surgeon to determine if you need surgery before you schedule a surgery appointment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Referral to an oral surgeon
• X-rays and exam test results

Determine if Dental Surgery Is Needed

1. Talk to your dentist. He will determine whether your condition requires dental surgery. Ask him to refer you to a reputable oral surgeon.
2. Get X-rays and other necessary tests done. Your dentist or surgeon may take pictures of your mouth, perform tests, or refer you to a diagnostics firm.
3. Research your condition online. Visit WebMD for more information on conditions that require oral surgery (see Resources below). However, your research should merely supplement your understanding of your condition and not supersede your doctor's advice.
4. Ask your surgeon about alternative treatments to surgery. There may be a homeopathic remedy that you can use to treat or lessen the symptoms of your condition.
5. Inquire about the method of surgery needed to treat your condition. It may be possible to avoid traditional surgery by using laser treatment, which can lessen pain and anxiety in patients.
6. Get a second opinion on treatment of your condition. If surgery is needed, another reputable surgeon will tell you.
7. Talk to an oncologist as well as an oral surgeon if you have been diagnosed with oral cancer. Many times, patients should go through radiation and chemotherapy in addition to oral surgery.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your insurance company before you get a second opinion. They may not cover that cost, so determine how you will pay for another opinion before you make an appointment.
• Don't choose a surgeon merely because she can do your surgery cheaply. Reputable surgeons do not drastically discount their costs or the costs of anesthesia.
• Be wary of a surgeon determines you need surgery without knowing all of your symptoms or history. Some conditions are best managed without surgery at first, so be sure to explore all your options.