FAQS
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
Click on a question below to see the answer.
Must I be referred by a general dentist to schedule an appointment?
If you have insurance for us to file, a referral from your doctor or dentist will be necessary. We strongly recommend that you be seen by your general dentist to develop a specific treatment plan prior to your first visit with us. The consultation visit also allows us to verify your insurance benefits prior to surgery.
Will I need x-rays taken before I make an appointment with your office?
The majority of surgical procedures done in our office will require current x-rays. If you have had them taken recently please bring them with you. If you do not have access to current x-rays, our staff will be happy to take these films at the time of your appointment. We also use a CBCT scanner which allows us to view images in 3-D, thus allowing a more accurate diagnosis.
Will I need someone to drive me home after surgery or will I be able to drive myself?
If you choose to do the procedure under local anesthetic, then you will be able to drive yourself to and from our office. However, if you are receiving general anesthesia (going to sleep) you will need a responsible adult to remain in the office during your procedure, drive you home from surgery and also to assist you for several hours after you leave our office. You should not operate any vehicle or hazardous devices on the day of your surgery.
May I eat before my surgery?
If you are receiving general anesthetic (IV sedation) you CANNOT have anything to eat or drink for a minimum of SIX (6) hours prior to your appointment. You may have water to take your medication(s) as prescribed by your doctor or by Dr. Asdell. If you are receiving local anesthetic you may eat and drink normally.
How can I be sure that all instruments and materials used are sterile?
All instruments are carefully cleaned and sterilized after each use. A chemical indicator placed in each autoclave load confirms that sterilization parameters have been met. Our autoclaves are spore tested weekly, as required by the state of Indiana and we monitor cleanliness and sterility in our office very carefully.
May I stay with my child during surgery?
OSHA regulations do not permit ANY bystanders during the surgical procedure. Parents may accompany their child back to the surgery suite but must leave when asked. Contrary to parent’s belief, the children actually do much better when the parents are gone. You will be instructed to wait comfortably in the waiting room and will be brought back to recovery as soon as the procedure is completed.
I have insurance. Does Michiana OMFS participate with my insurance?
Insurance guidelines vary per plan and are constantly changing. If you have any questions regarding insurance or payment options please feel free to contact our Business Office at (574) 289-0080.
I am currently taking one or more medications. Should I continue to take these prior to my surgery?
The answer to this question can be different depending on the patient, the procedure and the medication(s) being discussed. This can be discussed at your consultation or feel free to call and talk to Steve, our Registered Nurse. He can be reached at (574) 289-0080 and can answer any questions you have regarding your medication(s) and whether or not to take them as prescribed in preparation for your procedure.
Why do I need a consultation/evaluation?
We often recommend a pre-surgical consultation. At this appointment Dr. Asdell will discuss your procedure, review your health history, medications and X-rays, if applicable. Options for anesthesia will also be discussed as there may be special instructions regarding medications and anesthesia. At the end of this appointment we verify insurance coverage to help you maximize your benefits. Some plans do require precertification prior to surgery.
How long will it take to recover after my surgery?
It depends on your procedure. Most surgeries will require an acute recovery of 24-48 hours and possibly a longer recovery of up to a week. Each patient is different and each recovers at their own rate.
What is the most common post-operative problem?
The most common problem is a post op infection. Every patient who has a tooth extracted will be given a curved tip syringe to keep the sockets free of food. Unfortunately, some patients are uncomfortable with placing the tip of the syringe in the socket which is critical in keeping the area clean.
What is a dry socket and what can I do to prevent one?
A dry socket (also called alveolar osteitis) occurs when the post op blood clot either fails to form or gets dislodged. This is why you are asked not to rinse the socket for 48 hours after the procedure. There is a higher incidence of dry socket in people who smoke. Smoking decreases the blood supply to the bone in the socket which can delay healing. The pain from a dry socket starts about 3-5 days after the extraction. Treatment involves placing a medicated packing in the socket which is changed every few days until the pain is gone. As a result, the patients aren’t able to get the food out as necessary. As the area heals, the tissue grows over the socket, trapping the food and creating an infection. Most follow up appointments for post-op discomfort result in flushing the sockets clean.
How long will I need to take the pain medication?
Most people will need the pain medication for 2-4 days. You should be able to switch to Tylenol or Advil at that time. You may be on these meds for up to a week. As mentioned previously, if any food particles are in the socket, there will be unusual discomfort. If things are not getting better after 5 days, you should call our office and may need to be seen.
What should I do if I get nauseous and/or dizzy after taking pain medication?
This is a common side effect of taking pain medication. It is critical that you eat something while taking pain meds. If you do become nauseous, you should stop all meds and take Tylenol for pain until your stomach settles down. If this is unsuccessful, please call our office for an alternative.
What is the Medrol Dose Pak and when do I start it?
The Medrol Dose Pak is a steroid used for post-operative swelling. You should start it as prescribed the day after your surgery.
