Many people often ask “are oral surgeon consultations free?” Read on to learn more.
Initial Consultation with the Oral Surgeon
ORAL SURGEON in Johns Creek
Lets answer the question “are oral surgeon consultations free?” The long answer is some offices may choose to waive the fee on a case by case basis or some may not charge for the consult but only charge for any necessary imaging. The short answer is no, not typically read on for the details. Your initial appointment with an Oral Surgeon will typically consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and detailing your treatment options regardless of whether you have a referral from your regular dentist or not. Some patients falsely believe if their regular dentist makes a recommendation for a procedure then there is no need for the Oral Surgeon to perform another exam or consultation but this is false. As Oral Surgeons we are highly specialized and trained, we need to evaluate each patient to make our own diagnosis and assessment this is a medical/legal requirement as our evaluation may reveal a different finding or recommendation than your original dentist’s. Occasionally, surgery can be performed the same day as the consultation but each visit starts with an exam/evaluation. However, some cases are more involved than others and a complex medical history or treatment plan may require further evaluation and a subsequent appointment to provide treatment on another day.
To get the most out of your Oral Surgery consultation, please ensure to provide the following information at the time of your consultation if available:
● Your surgical referral slip and any x-rays if applicable from your regular doctor.
● A comprehensive list of your health history, hospitalizations, past surgeries and medications you are presently taking (prescription and over-the-counter)
● If you have medical or dental insurance, bring the necessary documentation. This will save time and allow your appointment and any necessary claims to go as smoothly as possible.
IMPORTANT:
Patients under the age of 18 are typically required to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the consultation visit and day of the procedure to help with decision making and answering necessary questions. If you are the non-biological guardian of a minor, you must present legal documentation stating that.
Furthermore, a preoperative consultation and physical examination is MANDATORY for patients undergoing IV sedation / general anesthesia for surgery. These evaluations typically take about 15mins to an hour depending on complexity.
You should alert the Oral Surgeon’s office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to your appointment (i.e., diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, history of chemo/radiation, history of oral/IV bisphosphonates etc.) or if you are currently taking any medications (i.e., heart medications, aspirin, blood thinners etc.).
X-RAYS
If your regular dentist or physician has taken x-rays, you should request that they forward them in advance to the oral surgeon’s office via email prior to your appointment. If there is not enough time, you should plan to pick them up and bring them to your appointment as radiographic imaging is typically required for most oral surgery consults. Frequently additional images are required to aid in diagnosis and treatment, they can be taken at the time of your appointment or you may be referred to an outside facility as needed.
CONCLUSION
As Oral surgeons we are excellently trained in our craft. We spend over 12 years learning and training. The cost to provide this expert knowledge, cost of acquiring the necessary imaging and the time required prevent initial consultations from being a free service. The typical cost for consultation will vary depending on whether you need specialized imaging or the complexity of your visit.
Call our office at 770-764-0840 if you have specific questions, our staff is waiting and happy to help. If you need an Oral Surgery Consultation we are located at 10700 Medlock Bridge Rd, Ste 204 Johns Creek, GA 30097.