What to Expect at Your First Appointment

If you’re planning dental surgery in Melbourne, it’s understandable that you might feel a little bit nervous about your upcoming appointment with the oral surgeon. At Sedaros Oral Facial Surgery & Dental Implants, Dr. Sedaros and the friendly team support you every step of the way, including working with your general dentist to make sure you get all the care you need. To learn more about what you can expect at your first appointment, keep reading.

First Step: Medical and Dental History Review

Before you can plan any type of surgery, including oral surgery procedures like dental implants in Melbourne, FL, you need a detailed medical and dental history review. The team reviews records from your dentist along with discussing your current medical conditions and medications with you.
This background information is important in preventing surgical complications and in planning your recovery.

Second Step: Oral Exam

Dr. Sedaros conducts a full oral exam, checking your teeth, gums, and jaw to identify any issues. If he discovers problems that require attention, he may recommend that you see your general dentist for a teeth cleaning, fillings, gum disease treatment, or other routine dental care promptly.

Third Step: Testing

Imaging tests are an essential part of your oral surgery preparation. Sedaros Oral Facial Surgery & Dental Implants is proud to have all the latest state-of-the-art imaging technology in the office. If you’re planning dental implants or a complex tooth extraction, you will likely need a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. This highly advanced X-ray machine produces three-dimensional images of not only your jaw but also the nerve pathways. A CBCT scan can help Dr. Sedaros plan your dental implant placement with maximum precision.

You may need a panoramic X-ray for wisdom teeth extractions or other types of tooth extractions. A panoramic X-ray produces standard two-dimensional X-rays, but it captures your entire mouth in just one
image.

Fourth Step: Learning About Your Surgery

Dr. Sedaros takes the time to explain how your oral surgery will work and what you can expect on the day of the surgery. You will usually discuss anesthesia and sedation options at this time. Dr. Sedaros will explain the benefits and potential drawbacks with each type of anesthesia to help you make your decision.

Depending on your chosen anesthesia, Dr. Sedaros will also give you directions for the day of the surgery. In most cases, you must fast – nothing to eat or drink, including water – for eight hours before your surgery. Many people prefer to schedule their surgery early in the morning for this reason.

If you smoke, you must not smoke for at least 12 hours prior to your scheduled surgery. Smoking can significantly affect your ability to heal, and Dr. Sedaros recommends quitting if at all possible.

Additionally, Dr. Sedaros may make some specific recommendations regarding your current medications. In most cases, you can keep taking your medication as normal, but in a few situations, you may need to briefly alter your medication routine just prior to your surgery.

Before you leave, you’ll also receive detailed instructions regarding your recovery. This includes advice such as using a salt water mouth rinse, what to eat, how to look after your teeth in the days immediately after surgery, and how to manage pain control effectively.

If you have any questions about your oral surgery procedure, this is a great time to ask. The team at Sedaros Oral Facial Surgery & Dental Implants wants you to feel completely comfortable and confident about your surgery, and they will give you all the tools that you need to do so.

Contact Sedaros Oral Facial Surgery & Dental Implants

Sedaros Oral Facial Surgery & Dental Implants is a leading provider of dental implants in Melbourne and dental surgery in Florida. Dr. Sedaros is an accomplished oral surgeon who takes the time to make patients comfortable as he explains their procedure and helps them prepare from the first appointment through post surgery. To schedule an appointment at Sedaros Oral Facial Surgery & Dental Implants, call the office or get in touch with the online contact form now.