What to Expect at Your First Oral Surgery Consultation in Jonesboro, Arkansas
Being referred to an oral surgeon can feel intimidating, particularly if you’ve never undergone oral surgery before.
Whether you need wisdom teeth removed, are considering dental implants, or require treatment for another oral health concern, understanding what happens during your first consultation can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
At Delta Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Dr. Sloan Ashabranner and our team are committed to providing patients with clear information, individualized treatment recommendations, and compassionate care.
Here’s what you should know before your first visit.
Why Is an Oral Surgery Consultation Important?
Your initial consultation is an opportunity for your oral surgeon to learn about your dental concerns, evaluate your oral health, and discuss the treatment options available to you.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive specialized training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, and surrounding facial structures.
Your consultation helps establish a treatment plan based on your individual needs, medical history, and the complexity of your condition.
At Delta OMS, patients seek care for a variety of procedures, including:
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Surgical tooth extractions
- Dental implant placement
- Bone grafting
- Corrective jaw surgery
- Impacted canine exposure and bonding
- TMJ disorder evaluation and treatment
- Oral pathology and orofacial infections
Each patient’s situation is different, which is why a thorough evaluation is an important first step.
Step 1: Preparing for Your First Appointment
Before visiting Delta OMS, it’s helpful to gather the information our team needs to understand your health history and treatment requirements.
According to our patient information guidelines, you should bring:
- Your referral: A copy of the referral provided by your dentist or healthcare professional, if applicable.
- Additional documents: Any information or paperwork you’ve been asked to bring.
- Insurance information: Your current dental or medical insurance details.
- Medication list: A complete list of medications you’re currently taking.
- Allergy information: Details of any medication allergies or other relevant allergies.
If your dentist has already taken X-rays or other images, ask whether those records should be sent to our office before your appointment.
It’s also helpful to write down any questions you have about your procedure, anesthesia, recovery, or treatment costs.
Being prepared allows you to make the most of your consultation.
Step 2: Reviewing Your Medical and Dental History
Your overall health plays an important role in planning oral surgery.
During the consultation process, your oral surgeon will review relevant medical and dental information to identify factors that may influence your treatment.
This may include discussing:
- Previous dental procedures or surgeries
- Current medical conditions
- Medications and supplements
- Allergies and previous reactions to anesthesia
- Previous surgical or anesthesia experiences
- Current pain, swelling, or other symptoms
It’s important to provide complete and accurate information, even when a medical condition seems unrelated to your dental concerns.
For example, certain medications and health conditions may affect bleeding, healing, or the selection of appropriate anesthesia.
Your surgeon uses this information to help develop a treatment plan that considers your overall health and safety.
Step 3: Your Oral Examination and Imaging
Your consultation will generally include an examination of the area requiring treatment.
Depending on the reason for your visit, your surgeon may evaluate your teeth, gums, jaw alignment, facial structures, and surrounding tissues.
Dental imaging may also be recommended to provide a clearer understanding of your condition.
For example:
Wisdom teeth: Imaging helps determine whether your wisdom teeth are impacted, how they’re positioned, and whether they’re affecting nearby structures.
Dental implants: Imaging can help assess the jawbone and surrounding anatomy to determine whether implant placement or additional procedures may be appropriate.
Jaw surgery: A more detailed assessment may be needed to understand how the upper and lower jaws align.
Oral pathology: A clinical examination and, when necessary, additional diagnostic testing can help evaluate unusual tissue changes.
At Delta OMS, modern diagnostic technology helps support evaluation and treatment planning.
The specific examinations and imaging recommended will depend on your individual needs.
Step 4: Discussing Your Treatment Options
Once your surgeon has reviewed your condition, the next step is discussing your available treatment options.
This is one of the most important parts of your consultation.
Your surgeon will explain the recommended approach and give you an opportunity to ask questions.
Topics may include:
- Why a particular procedure is recommended
- Whether other treatment options are available
- The expected benefits and potential risks
- The type of anesthesia that may be appropriate
- Recovery considerations
- Follow-up appointments and aftercare
You should leave your consultation with a clearer understanding of your condition and the next steps in your care.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request clarification about anything you don’t understand.
Step 5: Understanding Your Anesthesia Options
Many patients feel anxious about oral surgery, particularly when they’re unsure what the procedure will feel like.
Delta OMS offers several outpatient anesthesia options, depending on the procedure and the patient’s individual circumstances.
These include:
- Local anesthesia: Numbs the treatment area while you remain awake.
- Nitrous oxide: Commonly known as laughing gas, which may help reduce anxiety.
- IV sedation: Medication administered intravenously to provide sedation during treatment.
- General anesthesia: A deeper level of anesthesia used when appropriate for the procedure and patient.
Your surgeon will help determine which option is suitable based on your medical history, procedure, and clinical needs.
You can learn more about the available options on our Outpatient Anesthesia page.
If you’re concerned about anesthesia, your consultation is an excellent opportunity to discuss those concerns directly with your surgeon.
Step 6: Discussing Insurance and Payment Options
Understanding the financial side of oral surgery is another important part of preparing for treatment.
Delta OMS works with dental insurance plans and assists patients with insurance claims.
Coverage and out-of-pocket expenses depend on your individual plan, the procedure being performed, and your insurance benefits.
Our office also offers payment and financing options for eligible patients.
For additional information, visit our Insurance and Payment Options page or contact the office directly.
Before scheduling treatment, ask about anticipated fees, insurance requirements, and available payment arrangements.
Will Surgery Be Performed During My First Appointment?
Your first appointment is generally intended to evaluate your condition and establish an appropriate treatment plan.
Whether treatment can occur during the same visit depends on the procedure, your medical circumstances, the required preparation, and the office’s scheduling arrangements.
Some procedures require additional planning, imaging, or medical considerations before surgery can take place.
If your appointment includes a planned surgical procedure or sedation, our team will provide instructions to help you prepare.
Important: Fasting and transportation requirements for surgery are not necessarily the same as those for a consultation-only appointment. Always confirm your specific instructions with our office. Do not stop prescribed medications unless directed by your healthcare professional.
Meet Dr. Sloan Ashabranner
At Delta Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery, patient care is led by Dr. Sloan Ashabranner, DDS, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Dr. Ashabranner earned his dental degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency training at the Detroit Medical Center and the University of Illinois at Chicago.
He is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology.
His clinical interests include wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma, oral pathology, and reconstructive procedures.
Dr. Ashabranner is also involved in resident education through his academic role at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Learn more about Dr. Ashabranner and the practice on our Meet Our Team page.
Schedule Your Oral Surgery Consultation in Jonesboro, Arkansas
Your first oral surgery consultation is an important opportunity to understand your condition, explore your treatment options, and become comfortable with the team responsible for your care.
At Delta Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery, we believe patients should feel informed and supported throughout the treatment process.
Whether you’ve been referred by your dentist or would like to discuss a potential oral surgery procedure, our team is available to help you understand the next steps.
Delta Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery
620 Southwest Drive
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Phone: (870) 230-0601
Email: info@deltaoms.com
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Contact Delta OMS to discuss scheduling your initial consultation.
This article provides general educational information. Individual consultations, treatment recommendations, and surgical preparation instructions vary according to each patient’s circumstances.