How to Talk to a Doctor About Dental Surgery

Dental surgery can be a scary procedure, so patients should be prepared for the actual surgery and after effects. Talking with your surgeon beforehand will help you understand your procedure and what to expect in post-surgery.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Complete medical history

Talk To A Doctor About Dental Surgery

1. Educate yourself. Do research on your condition online and at the library. This information does not replace your doctor's advice, but having information before your visit means you won't feel overloaded when discussing your surgery. Visit WebMD's website for information on oral surgeries (see Resources below).

2. Ask your surgeon exactly what he will have to do during the surgery. An explanation of the surgery will give you an idea of what you will go through and what to expect afterwards.

3. Have your doctor tell you what to avoid before surgery. Sometimes patients aren't supposed to eat or drink before surgeries during which they will be put under anesthesia.

4. Find out how many similar surgeries your oral surgeon has done before. Talk about the success rate and any complications those patients had. Ask how he or she handled the more complicated cases.

5. Discuss any complications that might arise based on your past dental history. Make sure you bring a complete copy of your medical records to the surgeon's office.

6. Talk about what will happen after the surgery. Some dental surgeries can change your lifestyle and eating habits for weeks afterward.

7. Tell your doctor about your allergies to medicine even if they are already listed in your medical history. Make sure the doctor won't be using anything you're allergic to in the procedure, such as certain kinds of anesthesia or latex gloves.

Tips & Warnings

• If you tend to get overwhelmed when talking about surgical procedures, bring a notebook or ask for pamphlets to take home.
• Ask your doctor if you can take a relaxant before the procedure if you have dental anxiety. Make sure to tell the surgeon all medications you are on before the procedure.
• If your surgeon refuses to let anyone discuss your surgery with you in detail, find a new surgeon. You should be told the specifics of the procedure you will undergo in the comfort of a doctor's office.

Resources

• WebMD for information on coping with dental issues

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