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How to Select an Oral Surgeon

Did you know that you get a choice in the oral surgeon who performs your oral surgery? Finding a skilled surgeon with whom you feel comfortable can make your dental surgery a calmer and more successful experience. Just make sure that the process of finding the right oral surgeon is smooth and successful as well. Here are some tips for doing so.

Consider using an oral surgeon referred by your dentist. Your regular dentist should have one or more oral surgeons they can refer you to. Unless your insurance requires an oral surgery referral, you do not have to use one of these surgeons. However, they make a good starting point for your search. Chances are, your dentist is recommending them because they are qualified individuals who have successfully completed many dental procedures like yours. Since your dentist knows your situation and health very well, they are uniquely qualified to recommend an oral surgeon who can meet your specific dental needs. As a result, consider looking into these oral surgeons for your own procedure before you look elsewhere.

Use an oral surgeon who is covered by your insurance. Before you commit to using any oral surgeon, you need to know if they are covered by your insurance. If they are not, you will need to pay the entire cost of the procedure on your own. At times, it may be worth it to choose a surgeon who is not under your insurance. However, it is best to look first for a surgeon who can both complete your procedure successfully and who is covered by your insurance. If the oral surgeon you are considering is covered by your insurance, you will also need to determine what your insurance coverage is and how much you will end up owing for the surgery. Any oral surgery office should be able to tell you which insurances are accepted, and be able to review your insurance benefits with you. Use a highly qualified oral surgeon. The oral surgeon you select should be qualified to complete your surgery. In particular, look for a surgeon who has graduated from an accredited school, possesses a state license in their field, whose education includes at least four years of dental residency and who is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial surgerons. In addition, look for an oral surgeon who has trained in the specific procedure you require. Better yet, choose a surgeon whose speciality is in the surgery you require. Ensuring that your oral surgeon is qualified will ensure that you undergo a successful procedure.

Use an oral surgeon who has professional memberships. Most professional memberships have requirements that oral surgeons must meet. As a result, an oral surgeon’s professional memberships give you a glimpse into their qualifications and experience. The most important membership an oral surgeon must have is with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. This organization requires a certain level of education and licensure that will ensure that the surgeon you select is qualified to perform oral surgery. Use an oral surgeon who is generally experienced. The more experience an oral surgeon has, the more likely it is that they can handle your procedure, and any complications that may arise. While a skilled recent graduate may be able to complete your procedure successfully, you may benefit from the assistance of a surgeon who has completed many such procedures. As a result, look for an oral surgeon who possesses at least several years of experience in their field. Choose an oral surgeon who has experience in your specific procedure. Experience is valuable, but if the surgeon’s experience is not in the specific oral procedure you require, you may wish to look elsewhere. The oral surgeon you choose should have not only years of experience in oral surgery, but also years of experience handling the type of procedure you require. This experience will help you to have a smooth and successful surgery. Make sure to choose someone who is qualified and experienced enough to handle the procedure you require. Consider surgeons referred by your dentist and covered by your insurance. Find someone local, highly qualified, who possesses professional memberships and has experience with the surgery you require. And, ultimately, choose the oral surgeon with whom you feel comfortable. Bedside manner and communicativeness are key. When it is time to meet with your surgeon, you need to feel confident enough to ask any questions you have so you can understand what to expect from your procedure.

Here at Heart of Texas Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we pride ourselves on our years of experience in a number of oral surgery specialties. If you are looking for an oral surgeon in the Austin area, do not hesitate to reach out. We can provide high quality care for your oral surgery needs.