Whether you’re visiting a Richmond oral surgeon for the first time or you’re a long-time patient, scheduling a procedure over the phone isn’t typically possible if you haven’t had a pre-surgical consultation.

Sure, finding the time for two separate visits to an oral surgeon in Richmond, Indiana, can be a challenge. But the truth is, many treatments require planning — and you might need to make a few preparations of your own. Here’s more on why a pre-surgical consultation appointment is a must.

Surgical Procedures Can Be Complex

You might think you only need a routine procedure, but treatment may end up being more complicated than you expect.

Whatever your motive for contacting a Richmond oral surgeon — whether it’s for wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, dental implant placement and another reason – a pre-surgical consultation is essential to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Multiple procedures may be necessary, and without consideration, medical issues could affect the outcome. Scheduling a consultation appointment may be a hassle, but doing so is in your best interests.

Anesthesia Must Be Carefully Planned

You’d no doubt like your oral surgeon to administer anesthesia when you go for treatment, but planning for that requires careful consideration.

Many Richmond oral surgeons offer several anesthesia options, including oral sedation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and intravenous (IV) sedation. However, some aren’t safe for patients with chronic medical conditions. Also, patients taking certain prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements may experience adverse drug interactions with the anesthetics used in oral surgery. Because of the potential safety risks, you’ll need to discuss your medical history with your oral surgeon if you’d like to be under anesthesia during your procedure.

Patients Often Need Time to Prepare

You may want immediate surgical treatment, but you may need to take a few steps first to get everything set for a successful outcome.

Depending on the nature of your oral surgery, you might be required to fast for several hours before the procedure. You may also be asked to complete a course of antibiotics, quit smoking or stop taking a particular medication in advance of your surgery. Extra time to recover at home, may be necessary, too – and in that case, you may have to make arrangements to take a few days off from work or school. Plus, you may need to find a willing friend or family member to accompany you to your appointment. So while a pre-surgical consultation may seem like a hassle, it’ll give you the time you need to make advance preparations.

Contact Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Today

Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, serving the greater east central Indiana area for over a decade, offers expert treatment with a compassionate, caring touch. Our goal is to provide every patient with a positive experience – and pre-surgical consultations help make happen.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation with a highly skilled oral surgeon in Richmond, Indiana, contact us today.

Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, can be the means to solving many jaw- and mouth-related problems.

That being so, oral surgeons in Richmond, Indiana, realize that the idea of undergoing a jaw correction procedure can be quite daunting – it’s the reason many people put off surgical treatment. However, since corrective jaw surgery has the potential to leave you with a strong, healthy smile and a better quality of life, consulting with an experienced oral surgeon may be to your advantage. For now, taking a moment to learn a few facts about orthognathic treatment may prove helpful.

Jaw Surgery is Done for Several Reasons

Orthognathic procedures are often necessary to correct birth defects and treat facial injuries, but Richmond patients with other issues can also benefit from jaw correction surgery. Surgical treatment can be an effective solution for people who have:

• Difficulty biting, chewing or swallowing
• Trouble speaking in a clear manner
• Teeth that do not meet as they should
• A disproportionately gummy smile
• Significant tooth and jawbone misalignment
• An asymmetrical facial appearance

In addition, jaw correction procedures can be effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

Jaw Surgery Offers a Number of Benefits

Alleviating functional problems and improving a patient’s quality of life is the underlying purpose of jaw correction surgery. However, orthognathic treatment provide benefits that go beyond function. In the hands of a skilled oral surgeon, procedures can:

• Eliminate jawbone pain
• Make it easier to eat
• Allow for clearer speech
• Correct aesthetic issues
• Improve sleep quality
• Minimize tooth wear

Orthognathic surgery can also help prevent future dental problems. When the jaws are misaligned, biting puts extra pressure on certain teeth, which can lead to damage and tooth loss. After jaw correction surgery, the risk of these issues is much less.

Jaw Surgery May Take a Long-Term Commitment

While the benefits that come with jaw correction surgery are undeniable, resolving functional problems is often a complicated endeavor.

In many cases, Richmond patients require a series of surgical procedures, completed over the course of several months or even a few years. And sometimes, both orthognathic procedures and orthodontic treatment are necessary to restore normal function.

Because of the amount of time that may be involved, deciding when to undergo jaw correction surgery requires careful thought. Skilled and experienced oral surgeons, like the team here at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, can offer advice on timing.

Is Corrective Jaw Surgery the Right Solution for You?

If you have a mouth- or jawbone-related problem, orthognathic surgery could be an effective solution. But, the only way to know if a jaw correction procedure would be in your best interests is to consult with local expert.

In the east central Indiana area, patients trust the board-certified oral surgeons at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. We’d love to provide you with a strong, healthy smile – contact our office and schedule a consultation to discuss corrective jaw surgery today.