Can I Go to an Oral Surgeon without a Referral?

It is technically possible to visit an oral surgeon without a referral from a general dentist. However, it is not recommended. Not only is it generally more expensive to visit a specialist without a referral, but your insurance may not cover the cost of the visit if you do not have a referral. Plus, your dentist can provide important information to the oral surgeon that can help them better treat you. For example, your dentist may know if you have any allergies to medication or if you have a history of bleeding disorders, which could be important for the oral surgeon to know. Overall, it is in your best interest to visit an oral surgeon with a referral from your dentist.

An oral surgeon is a dentist who has specialized training in surgical procedures of the mouth, face, and jaw. Oral surgeons are also trained in anesthesia, which allows them to safely perform surgery on patients who are awake or asleep.

Some common procedures that oral surgeons perform include:

• Dental implants: Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically placed into the jawbone under the gums. Once in place, they allow your dentist to securely attach replacement teeth.

• Wisdom tooth extraction: Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to develop. They typically emerge in early adulthood. Wisdom teeth that are partially emerged from the gum can trap food and bacteria and are difficult to clean. This can lead to decay and infection. Impacted wisdom teeth that do not erupt fully can also damage adjacent teeth. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure performed by oral surgeons.

• Oral and maxillofacial surgery: Oral and maxillofacial surgery is any surgery that is performed on the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. This type of surgery is usually performed to correct a birth defect, repair an injury, or treat a disease.

• Facial reconstruction: Facial reconstruction is a type of surgery that is performed to correct birth defects, repair injuries, or treat diseases that have affected the face.

Oral surgeons are trained to treat a variety of conditions that affect the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. If you have a problem in any of these areas, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for treatment.

The qualifications of an oral surgeon include a degree from an accredited dental school, as well as successful completion of a rigorous oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program. Oral surgeons must also be licensed to practice in their state of residence. In addition to these formal qualifications, oral surgeons must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a high level of surgical skill and experience.

The answer to this question depends on why you are seeing an oral surgeon. If you are having a routine procedure, such as a wisdom tooth extraction, you can expect the surgeon to numb the area around the tooth before extracting it. You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but you should not feel any pain. You can expect the surgeon to give you aftercare instructions and a list of signs to watch for that would indicate a problem, such as excessive bleeding or swelling.

If you are seeing an oral surgeon for a more serious procedure, such as a jawbone surgery, you can expect a longer, more involved process. The surgeon will numbing the area around the surgery site and may give you a sedative to help you relax. You can expect the surgeon to make an incision and then insert the necessary implants or wires. The surgery may take several hours, and you will likely stay in the hospital overnight for observation. Aftercare instructions will be given to you before you are discharged.