You might have been visiting your dentist as much as required to keep your dental health in check, but certain dental issues require the advice and attention of an oral surgeon. In this case, your dentist may have also recommended an oral surgeon, but if you have no idea how to find the right one, this article will help you.
Finding the right surgeon is crucial to ensure the best care and treatment for your dental needs. In the US, more than 80% of people above 34 years of age experience tooth decay! This is an alarming statistic since tooth decay leads to more pressing oral health issues.
However, even though Tennessee ranks 34 in dental health issues, 90% of people agree that oral health and visiting a dentist are extremely important. A vibrant city such as Nashville offers a variety of options for top oral surgeons, but how does one know which to choose? In this article, we’ll identify key factors to help you choose the right oral surgeon so you can make a wise decision when getting your wisdom tooth removed (pun intended) or any other oral surgery.
Training & Education
Like any other surgeon, when choosing an oral surgeon, check their training and qualifications. Your oral surgeon must have a well-accredited dental school degree. They should additionally have four to six years of experience in surgery and anesthesia training. Plus points if they are taking continued education courses.
Consider opting for a well-reputed service provider such as OMS Nashville. OMS is proud to have provided the highest quality of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery care for the last 30 years with a team of highly skilled and experienced surgeons.
Procedural Experience
If you’re looking for Oral surgeon options, it’s safe to assume you know the type of procedure you need to get. If that is the case, always opt for a surgeon highly experienced in the type of procedure you need.
Surgeons and doctors are not always highly qualified and experienced in all domains and types of medicine and medical procedures. They may have relevant diplomas, degrees, and doctorates, but that does not guarantee extensive working experience in the respective field.
So regardless of whether you require a tooth implant, corrective jaw surgery, dental implants, or tooth extraction, always seek a specialist with an extensive and solid track record of successful procedures and surgeries.
Professional Affiliations
Whomever you decide to visit in Nashville for your oral surgery, ensure they are professionally affiliated with a credible organization. A healthcare provider affiliated with a professional organization portrays a high standard of care.
One way to identify affiliations is to keep a lookout for a board-certified surgeon holding distinctions or memberships with the leading industry associations. You can check for local hospital affiliations in addition to CPR and ACLS certifications.
Solid Practice Reputation
A surgeon with a strong practice reputation already has a testament to their capability. By choosing an oral surgeon with a good practice reputation, you ensure that you are placing your trust in a surgeon that has garnered the respect and admiration of their patients. To identify whether or not the surgeon has a good reputation, look for online and offline reviews for the surgeon you are planning to go to. A good surgeon is always well-known, and a solid practice reputation is proof of patient satisfaction.
Patient-Centered Approach
A good oral surgeon will always understand the importance of prioritizing the patient’s well-being. They will consider your queries and issues, listen to your concerns, and understand your health goals. They will encourage open and honest communication and try their best to build trust and comfort during surgical procedures.
An ideal surgeon will have mastered the art of elevating all fears and anxieties of their patient, especially before and during the surgeries. They understand the importance of developing a compassionate approach and recognize each patient’s unique case. Your oral surgeon must adopt a personalized approach for you to address your specific needs.
Insurance and Payment Plans
Before getting healthcare services, always go through their payment and insurance policies. In most cases, surgeries for medical conditions are included in your healthcare insurance plan. In case the procedure is not included in your insurance policy, you’ll have to pay for all expenses. To keep your budget in check, always inquire about available payment options. Try opting for practices and packages with a monthly payment plan or something similar.
Communication and Comfort
The surgeon you decided to opt for must know how to communicate well and effectively. This is a key component, so opt for surgeons that take their time to answer all your questions. They are open and willing to explain your surgical procedures and plans to you in plain and simple words. They treat you with compassion and make you feel heard, comforted, and safe.
Simply put, your oral surgeon must have great manners for you to have a positive surgical experience.
Reviews and Ratings
Going through the review and ratings by previous customers can help you get a good idea of the quality of service being provided. The same logic applies to oral surgeons as well. When choosing your surgeon, give their reviews a look too. Take a few minutes to review what previous patients have to say about them and then decide if that is the surgeon you want to be treated by.
Conclusion
Surgical procedures may seem scary, but they don’t always have to be, given you choose the right surgeon and healthcare providers. A good oral surgeon will listen to your needs, plan your surgical procedure for your comfort and make you feel completely at ease. Nashville has some great oral surgeons who have been practicing for a long time. You can always look up their reviews, certification, experience, and affiliations to get a sound idea of what you will be getting yourself into, provided you decide to opt for them as your surgeon.
Lastly, we wish you the best of luck with your health! Keep smiling.
Beth is Cloudmineinc’s senior health editor and a certified personal trainer. She has over 10 years experience as a science journalist and is the author of two books. She deadlifts over 315 lbs.