Scheduling oral surgery can feel overwhelming. Whether you're facing wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, jaw surgery, or another procedure, you probably have dozens of questions running through your mind.
The consultation with your oral surgeon is your chance to get clear answers, set realistic expectations, and feel confident about your decision. But in the moment, it's easy to forget what to ask—or feel too intimidated to speak up.
Why this matters: Asking the right questions before surgery helps you avoid surprises, understand risks, plan for recovery, and choose a qualified surgeon you can trust. Patients who ask detailed questions report higher satisfaction and better outcomes.
This guide covers the 10 most important questions to ask your oral surgeon during your consultation, along with what answers to expect and red flags to watch for.
The 10 Questions You Must Ask
1
What exactly is the procedure, and why do I need it?
Don't leave the office without a clear understanding of what's being done and why. Your surgeon should explain:
- The specific procedure name (e.g., "impacted wisdom teeth extraction" vs. "simple extraction")
- What the surgery involves (incisions, bone removal, sutures, etc.)
- Why it's necessary and what happens if you delay or skip it
- Whether there are alternative treatments
Why ask this:
Some procedures are urgent; others are elective. Understanding the "why" helps you make an informed decision and prioritize your oral health appropriately.
Red flag: The surgeon is vague, uses confusing jargon without explaining it, or pressures you to schedule immediately without answering your questions.
2
How many of these procedures have you performed?
Experience matters in oral surgery. Ask directly:
- "How many of these procedures do you perform per month or per year?"
- "Is this a routine procedure for you, or is it more complex?"
- "Have you completed additional training or certifications for this procedure?"
Why ask this:
Research shows surgeons who perform a procedure frequently have better outcomes and fewer complications. For complex procedures like dental implants or jaw surgery, experience is especially critical.
Good answer: "I perform 20-30 wisdom teeth extractions per month" or "Dental implants are one of my specialties—I place 100+ implants annually." Experienced surgeons won't hesitate to share their volume.
3
What are the risks and potential complications?
Every surgery carries risks. Your surgeon should discuss:
- Common side effects (swelling, bruising, discomfort)
- Rare but serious complications (nerve damage, infection, excessive bleeding)
- Your personal risk factors based on your health, age, and medical history
- How complications are managed if they occur
Why ask this:
You deserve to know what could go wrong so you can weigh risks vs. benefits. Surgeons who downplay or skip this discussion may not prioritize informed consent.
Red flag: "There are no risks" or "Don't worry, nothing ever goes wrong." All surgeries have risks—honest surgeons discuss them openly.
4
What type of anesthesia will be used?
Anesthesia options vary by procedure complexity and patient preference. Ask about:
- Local anesthesia: Numbing injections (you're awake)
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): Mild sedation (you're awake but relaxed)
- IV sedation: "Twilight sleep" (you're semi-conscious, won't remember the procedure)
- General anesthesia: Fully unconscious (used for complex surgeries)
Why ask this:
Anesthesia choice affects your comfort, cost, and recovery. If you have anxiety about surgery, discuss sedation options. If you have medical conditions (sleep apnea, heart issues), certain types may be safer.
Important: Ask who will administer the anesthesia. Board-certified oral surgeons are trained to provide IV sedation safely, but general anesthesia may require an anesthesiologist.
5
How long is the recovery, and what should I expect?
Recovery timelines vary widely. Get specifics:
- How many days until I can return to work or school?
- When can I eat normally again?
- How long will swelling and discomfort last?
- What activities should I avoid (exercise, flying, smoking)?
- When should I schedule follow-up appointments?
Why ask this:
Knowing what to expect helps you plan time off work, arrange childcare, and prepare mentally. Unrealistic expectations lead to frustration and anxiety during recovery.
Ask for a written recovery plan that includes:
Day-by-day recovery timeline
Pain management instructions
Diet recommendations
Warning signs that require immediate attention
Emergency contact number
6
How much will this cost, and what does my insurance cover?
Don't get blindsided by unexpected bills. Ask:
- What is the total cost (surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility fee, follow-up visits)?
- Does my insurance cover this procedure? What's my out-of-pocket cost?
- Do you accept my insurance, or will I need to file claims myself?
- Are payment plans available for the portion I owe?
- What happens if complications require additional treatment—who pays?
Why ask this:
Oral surgery costs range from $200 (simple extraction) to $5,000+ (complex implants or jaw surgery). Knowing costs upfront prevents financial stress and helps you budget appropriately.
Pro tip: Request a written cost estimate and insurance pre-authorization before scheduling surgery. Many practices provide this automatically, but don't hesitate to ask.
7
What happens if something goes wrong?
Hope for the best, but plan for complications. Ask:
- Do you have hospital privileges if I need emergency care?
- Who do I call after hours or on weekends?
- What's your policy on follow-up care if complications arise?
- Are revision surgeries covered if the initial procedure doesn't succeed?
Why ask this:
Complications like infection, dry socket, or implant failure do happen. You need to know your surgeon will be available and accountable if problems occur.
Red flag: "Just go to the ER if there's a problem" or "I don't handle after-hours emergencies." Your surgeon should provide 24/7 emergency contact information.
8
Are you board-certified? Do you have hospital privileges?
Credentials and affiliations indicate expertise and accountability:
- Board certification: Confirms the surgeon passed rigorous exams and maintains ongoing education (verify at aboms.org)
- Hospital privileges: Means a hospital has vetted the surgeon's training, competence, and malpractice history
- Professional memberships: American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) membership shows active engagement with the specialty
Why ask this:
Board-certified surgeons with hospital privileges have met higher standards of training and oversight. These qualifications reduce your risk of complications.
9
What technology and techniques do you use?
Modern oral surgery benefits from advanced tools and methods. Ask about:
- Digital X-rays and 3D imaging (CBCT scans) for precise planning
- Minimally invasive techniques that reduce trauma and speed recovery
- Laser technology for certain procedures
- Sterilization protocols and infection control measures
Why ask this:
Surgeons who invest in current technology and training tend to provide better outcomes. While older techniques can still be effective, you want to know your surgeon stays current with best practices.
Good sign: The surgeon explains how specific technology benefits your case (e.g., "3D imaging helps me see nerve placement precisely, reducing the risk of nerve damage").
10
Can you provide references or show me before/after photos?
For cosmetic or complex reconstructive procedures, visual examples help set expectations:
- Before/after photos of similar cases (with patient consent)
- References from recent patients (especially for major procedures)
- Online reviews and testimonials
Why ask this:
Seeing real results helps you gauge the surgeon's skill and aesthetic approach. Patient testimonials provide insight into the overall experience, not just technical outcomes.
Note: For routine procedures like wisdom teeth removal, before/after photos may not be relevant. But for implants, jaw surgery, or facial reconstruction, they're incredibly helpful.
Bonus Questions to Consider
Depending on your situation, you might also ask:
- Pre-op preparation: "Do I need to stop taking any medications? Should I fast before surgery?"
- Smoking/vaping: "How does smoking affect my healing? When should I stop?"
- Transportation: "Will I need someone to drive me home?"
- Second opinions: "Is it okay if I get a second opinion before deciding?"
- Timeline flexibility: "How urgent is this procedure? Can I wait 2-3 months if needed?"
What Makes a Good Answer?
Pay attention not just to what the surgeon says, but how they say it:
Signs of a trustworthy surgeon:
Takes time to answer thoroughly without rushing
Uses plain language and explains medical terms
Encourages questions and creates a comfortable environment
Acknowledges uncertainty when appropriate ("I'll need to see X-rays to know for sure")
Provides written materials or resources for further research
Respects your need to think it over or get a second opinion
Red flags during consultation: Dismissive attitude toward your concerns, pressure to schedule immediately, vague answers about costs or risks, no discussion of alternatives, or making guarantees about outcomes ("This will be perfect" or "You'll have zero pain").
Bringing It All Together
Your oral surgery consultation is a two-way interview: the surgeon evaluates your case, and you evaluate whether this surgeon is right for you.
Come prepared: Write down your questions beforehand. Bring a family member or friend to help remember answers. Take notes or ask if you can record the consultation (many surgeons allow this).
Trust your instincts: If something feels off—whether it's the surgeon's demeanor, the facility's cleanliness, or the staff's professionalism—it's okay to seek a second opinion or choose a different provider.
Remember: A good oral surgeon wants you to ask questions. They understand informed patients have better experiences and outcomes. If your surgeon seems annoyed by questions or rushes through the consultation, that's a sign to look elsewhere.
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The Bottom Line
Oral surgery is a significant medical decision that deserves careful consideration. By asking these 10 essential questions, you'll:
- Understand exactly what's being done and why
- Evaluate the surgeon's experience and qualifications
- Set realistic expectations for recovery
- Avoid financial surprises
- Feel confident and prepared going into surgery
Don't let anxiety or embarrassment stop you from asking questions. Your health, comfort, and peace of mind are worth the extra time in the consultation room. A skilled, caring oral surgeon will appreciate your diligence and work with you to ensure the best possible outcome.
