Do I need to see an Oral Surgeon?
If your general dentist refers you to an oral surgeon, it does not necessarily mean you have a challenging case to treat. It simply means there is a specialized surgeon who can better treat your case, which requires attention beyond the scope of general dentistry. Oral surgery may be needed for procedures as common as wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants, or the treatment of a tumor or cyst in the jaw.
Your general dentist might also refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for:
- Implants
- Wisdom teeth issues
- Bone Grafting
- Sinus Lift
- Oral and Facial Trauma
- Pathology of the face, jaw, or neck
- Emergency reconstructive surgery related to trauma
- Sleep Apnea
- Facial pain or TMJ/TMD
An oral surgeon and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon are one in the same. Oral refers to your mouth, while maxillofacial refers to your jaws and face. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon diagnoses, treats, or performs surgery to resolve injuries or issues in the head, neck, face, jaws, and hard and soft oral tissues. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is recognized internationally as a surgical specialty.
In fact, to become an oral surgeon, one must earn a four-year graduate degree in dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery requires up to 4 years of additional hospital based surgical and anesthesia training after graduating dental school. This program includes specialized training in anesthesia and pain control. Dr. Alijanian is a board-certified Oral Surgeon. In addition, he is a Diplomate of the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology and a fellow of the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. As an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Alijanian manages a wide range of problems involving the teeth, mouth, and facial regions. Dr. Alijanian practices a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery and has designed our practice to suit the oral surgery needs of our community. He is on staff at John Muir Medical Center and is an on-call doctor who treats trauma patients, performing emergency reconstructive surgery after an accident.
Why do I need to schedule a Consultation Appointment if I was referred to you by my General Dentist?
A commonly asked question among patients is, “Why do I need a consultation appointment with the oral surgeon prior to scheduling the procedure if my general dentist has already diagnosed treatment and referred me to him?” Although it seems a little redundant to have a consultation with a specialist when you have already seen your general dentist, it is a much more comprehensive approach to patient care. Our goal is to tailor your care to your specific needs and to accommodate you as much as possible without compromising your best interests. That is why Dr.Alijanian follows the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) recommendations regarding appropriate preoperative patient assessments. He believes it is critical to obtain and document the patient’s medical history and to complete an examination to ascertain an accurate diagnosis. Once that has been established, Dr. Alijanian is better equipped to discuss your treatment options as well as the risks and benefits of the chosen treatment. We hope we become your specialist of choice. It would be our pleasure to manage your care. Our team is committed to providing every patient with personalized treatment options and exceptional customer service. Please click the link to see what our patients have to share: https://www.dralijanian.com/patient-information/patient-reviews/patient-testimonials/
5 Important Questions Addressed at an Oral Surgery consultation:
- What are my treatment options?
- How long is the procedure and the recovery?
- What type of anesthetic, local or general, will be best for the treatment?
- What do I need to do before and after the procedure?
- What is the cost of the treatment, and will insurance cover the procedure?
We always keep in close communication with your referring doctor and will coordinate your appointments. We look forward to scheduling a consultation with you.
