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GuideOral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Questions to Ask Your Oral Surgeon Before Any Procedure

Being referred to an oral surgeon can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never had surgery before. Asking the right questions at your consultation helps you understand exactly what to expect, reduce anxiety, and prepare properly. This checklist organizes the most important questions by category so you can walk into your appointment ready.

6 min readMedically reviewed contentLast updated March 20, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • Ask the oral surgeon to explain the procedure step by step, including what type of anesthesia will be used and how long the surgery will take.
  • Understand the specific risks for your procedure, not just general surgical risks, and ask how often those complications occur in the surgeon's practice.
  • Get clear pre-operative instructions about medications to stop, eating and drinking restrictions, and what to arrange for transportation.
  • Ask for a detailed recovery timeline with specific milestones: when you can eat normally, return to work, and resume exercise.
  • Request a written cost estimate that separates the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, and facility fee, and confirm what your insurance will cover.
  • Ask about the surgeon's credentials, including board certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Questions About the Procedure

Understanding what will happen during surgery reduces anxiety and helps you prepare. These questions cover the specifics of your procedure.

  • Can you walk me through the procedure step by step?
  • Why is this surgery necessary? Are there non-surgical alternatives?
  • How long will the surgery take?
  • Will this be done in your office or at a hospital or surgical center?
  • How many times have you performed this specific procedure?
  • What is the success rate for this procedure, and what does success look like in my case?

Understanding Your Diagnosis

Before focusing on the surgery itself, make sure you understand the underlying problem. Ask the oral surgeon to show you on your X-rays or 3D scans exactly what they see and why surgery is the recommended approach. If there are non-surgical options, ask about the trade-offs, including success rates, recovery differences, and long-term outcomes.

Questions About Anesthesia and Sedation

Oral surgeons offer several levels of anesthesia. The right choice depends on the procedure, your medical history, and your comfort level. Understanding your options helps you make an informed choice.

  • What type of anesthesia do you recommend for my procedure? (Local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia.)
  • Will I be fully asleep, or will I be sedated but conscious?
  • What are the risks of the anesthesia you are recommending?
  • Do you have the training and certifications to administer this type of anesthesia in your office?
  • Will there be a separate anesthesia provider, or do you administer it yourself?
  • Are there medical conditions or medications that could affect my anesthesia?

Levels of Sedation in Oral Surgery

Local anesthesia numbs only the surgical area and you remain fully awake. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) provides mild relaxation. IV sedation puts you in a deeply relaxed state where you are unlikely to remember the procedure. General anesthesia renders you completely unconscious. Each level carries different risks, recovery considerations, and costs. Ask which level is appropriate for your specific procedure and anxiety level.

Questions About Risks and Complications

Every surgical procedure carries some level of risk. Asking about complications is not about creating fear; it is about making an informed decision and knowing what to watch for during recovery.

  • What are the most common complications for this procedure?
  • How often do you see these complications in your own patients?
  • Are there any risks specific to my medical history or anatomy?
  • What is the risk of nerve damage, and what would that mean for sensation in my face, lip, or tongue?
  • What signs should I watch for after surgery that would require me to call your office or go to the emergency room?
  • What happens if the procedure does not achieve the expected result?

Questions About Preparing for Surgery

Proper preparation directly affects both the safety of the procedure and the comfort of your recovery. These questions help you plan the days leading up to surgery.

  • Are there medications I need to stop taking before surgery? How far in advance?
  • How long before surgery should I stop eating and drinking?
  • Do I need to arrange for someone to drive me home?
  • Should I fill my prescriptions before the surgery date?
  • Is there anything I should buy or prepare at home before surgery? (Soft foods, ice packs, extra pillows.)
  • Do I need medical clearance from my primary care doctor before the procedure?

Medication Considerations

Blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and certain supplements can increase bleeding during and after surgery. Bring a complete list of everything you take, including vitamins and herbal supplements, and ask the surgeon which ones to stop and when. If you take medication for a chronic condition, ask whether your regular dose should be taken on the morning of surgery.

Questions About Recovery

Recovery expectations vary significantly depending on the procedure. Wisdom tooth removal recovery is very different from jaw surgery recovery. Ask for specifics about your procedure.

  • How many days should I plan to take off work or school?
  • What will pain management look like? Will I need prescription pain medication?
  • When can I eat solid food again?
  • When can I resume exercise and physical activity?
  • How long will swelling and bruising last?
  • Will I need follow-up appointments, and how many?
  • Are there activity restrictions I should know about? (Lifting, bending, flying, using a straw.)

Normal Recovery vs. Warning Signs

Ask your oral surgeon to describe what normal recovery looks like day by day so you know what to expect. Also ask for specific warning signs that would warrant a phone call or emergency visit. Knowing the difference between normal post-surgical discomfort and a complication that needs attention reduces unnecessary worry and ensures you get help quickly when it matters.

Questions About Cost and Insurance

Oral surgery costs can vary significantly depending on the procedure, anesthesia type, and facility. Getting cost clarity before surgery prevents unexpected bills.

  • What is the total estimated cost, including surgeon's fee, anesthesia, and facility charges?
  • Does my dental or medical insurance cover this procedure? (Some oral surgery procedures are covered under medical insurance rather than dental.)
  • Can your office submit a pre-authorization to my insurance?
  • Do you offer a payment plan for the out-of-pocket balance?
  • Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for this procedure?
  • If additional procedures are needed during surgery, will there be extra charges?

Medical vs. Dental Insurance for Oral Surgery

Some oral surgery procedures are covered by medical insurance rather than dental insurance. Procedures such as jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), removal of tumors or cysts, treatment of facial trauma, and some impacted wisdom tooth removals may qualify for medical coverage. Ask the oral surgeon's billing staff which insurance to use and whether they can bill both if applicable.

Questions About the Surgeon's Credentials

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon completes 4 to 6 years of hospital-based surgical residency after dental school. This is the most extensive surgical training in dentistry. Verifying credentials helps you feel confident in your provider.

  • Are you board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
  • How many years have you been in practice?
  • Do you have hospital privileges? (This indicates the surgeon has been credentialed by a hospital's peer review process.)
  • How often do you perform my specific procedure?

Find an Oral Surgeon Near You

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I ask an oral surgeon at my first consultation?

Focus on understanding your diagnosis, the recommended procedure, anesthesia options, and recovery timeline. Ask the surgeon to explain why surgery is necessary, what alternatives exist, and what risks are specific to your case. Bring a written list so you do not forget anything.

How do I know if my oral surgeon is qualified?

Check for board certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Ask about their residency training, how many years they have been in practice, and how often they perform your specific procedure. Hospital privileges are another indicator of peer-reviewed credentials.

Should I be put to sleep for oral surgery?

It depends on the procedure and your comfort level. Simple extractions may only need local anesthesia. Wisdom tooth removal and more involved procedures often use IV sedation or general anesthesia. Discuss the options with your surgeon and ask about the risks and benefits of each level.

How long does recovery take after oral surgery?

Recovery time varies by procedure. Simple extractions may need 2 to 3 days of rest. Wisdom tooth removal typically takes 5 to 7 days for initial recovery. Jaw surgery may require 4 to 6 weeks before returning to normal activity. Ask your surgeon for a timeline specific to your procedure.

Is oral surgery covered by medical or dental insurance?

It depends on the procedure. Routine extractions are usually dental insurance. Jaw surgery, facial trauma repair, tumor removal, and some impacted wisdom teeth may be covered by medical insurance. Ask the surgeon's billing office which insurance applies to your specific procedure.

Can I drive myself home after oral surgery?

If you receive only local anesthesia, you can usually drive yourself. If you receive IV sedation, general anesthesia, or even nitrous oxide, you will need someone to drive you home. Plan your transportation in advance and confirm with your surgeon's office before the procedure date.

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