1.  What is the difference between local and general anesthesia/sedation anethesia?

• Local anesthesia. Your dentist or oral surgeon administers local anesthesia with one or more injections near the site of each extraction. Before you receive an injection, your dentist or surgeon will likely apply a substance to your gums to numb them. You're awake during the tooth extraction. Although you'll feel some pressure and movement, you shouldn't experience pain.

• IV Sedation/ General anesthesia is administered through an intravenous (IV) line. Sedation anesthesia suppresses your consciousness during the procedure. You don't feel any pain and will have limited to no memory of the procedure. Once asleep you will also receive local anesthesia so that you are numb when you wake up and not in pain. 

2.  Is is normal to see pink in my saliva, post surgery?

Yes. Saliva of a light pink or light reddish color is normal for the first 24-48 hours .  However, if you find a significant amount of blood in your saliva call our office immeidately. 

3.  Do I take the gauze out when I eat?

Yes.  Remove your gauze, prior to eating.  After eating, replace with fresh gauze.

Please also remove the gauze if you plan to go to sleep.  

4.  What kind of foods can I eat after my surgery?

We recommend you stay on a soft, cool, food diet for 24 hours post surgery.  Do not chew on the side of the surgical site and do not use straws.  Avoid hot, hard, spicy, or small foods. No alcoholic beverages for 24 hours. 

5.  How much time will I need to recover post surgery?

The amount of recovery time can vary by procedure.  Recovery time for standard extractions ranges between 1-3 days, while more extensive extractions can require recovery time of 2-5 days. 

6.  Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

A referral is generally best when requesting treatment of surgery.  If you have a general dentist they will know the process required to refer you to our office. They can send us the referral via email, fax, or mail. However, in certain instances, a referral is not required, but it is recommended.  Call our office with any questions. 

7.  What insurances do you accept?

We accept all PPO insurance plans. As a courtesy, we will bill your insurance company and make all arrangements for reimbursement. If you have a question about your particular insurance, please call our office and speak to one of our office employees.  

8.  Is the payment for my surgery due at the time of my appointment?

Yes. We accept all forms of payment including cash, check, and all major credit cards. 

9.  Do you offer a payment plan?

Yes. All payments are due at the time of service. We do offer payment plans through third party financing. In some instances, patients qualify for low to no interest promotions. 

10.  Do you offer weekend appointments?

Our office is open 2 Saturday's per month, 8:00 am-1:00 pm; however, these Saturdays are reserved for our more extensive surgeries.