Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an Oral Surgeon?

An oral surgeon is a specialty dentist whose focus is on diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the head, neck, face, and mouth. They can also treat facial injuries, teeth that are knocked out or broken, and oral cancer. Oral surgeons train for four years following dental school, undergoing rigorous training in surgical techniques such as wisdom teeth extraction and placement of dental implants.

What Kind of Training Does an Oral Surgeon Receive?

After dental school, oral surgeons take at least four additional years of training, including internal medicine, anesthesiology, surgery, cardiology, and intensive care medicine. After completing a residency program, oral surgeons much pass a rigorous exam to be board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

How is an Oral Surgeon Different From a Dentist?

Oral surgeons train in sedation techniques and a wide range of surgical procedures. Years of additional training set oral surgeons apart from general dentists. If your dentist has referred you to our office, it is because your treatment is complex and requires the additional skills and experience of a surgeon.

What Kinds of Procedures do Oral Surgeons Perform?

 Oral surgeons perform surgeries such as jaw realignment and dental reconstruction that many dentists are uncomfortable performing. Oral surgeons also place dental implants and do soft tissue repairs. While some dentists perform these procedures, they do not have the same training or experience. A general dentist does not perform oral surgery or implant placement often, while these procedures are the focus of oral surgery practices. Surgeons can perform operations more efficiently and effectively because it is what they do best, and they do so daily.

Do Oral Surgeons Use Sedation?

As surgeons, we offer various anesthesia and sedation options, including IV sedation. If the surgery is complex or lengthy, we may use non-IV sedation in a hospital setting. During their surgical residency, oral surgeons are trained in every type of anesthesia and sedation administration. They are skilled at administering anesthesia and monitoring your vital signs throughout your oral surgery.

Does Insurance Cover Oral Surgery?

In most cases, either your medical or dental insurance will cover a portion, if not all, of oral surgery. Coverage varies from policy to policy. Consideration is given to whether the surgery is medically necessary, the type of procedure, and whether anesthesia is used.

 Talk to your insurance providers to determine what portion of your procedure is covered. Be sure you understand your coverage and any limitations. In some situations, coverage may overlap to your benefit.

Please check out our insurance and financing information under the patient information tab for additional information.

 If you have any questions about oral surgery or would like a consultation, please contact our office at Lakewood Ranch Oral and Facial Surgery Phone Number (941) 212-2328.

 What Do I Need to Bring to my Appointment?

1. Referral form completed by the dentist/doctor
2. Contact information for physicians/doctors that you work with (Cardiologist, Neurologist, ENT, Endocrinologist, Hematologist, Oncologist, Pain management, Dermatologist, Dentist, etc).
3. Updated list of your medications and any over-the-counter supplements or medications with their dosage and frequency.
4. Updated list of any previously or currently diagnosed medical conditions or surgeries
5. Copy of your insurance card (both dental and medical), or you may email this to us ahead of time at [email protected]
6. Any x-rays or imaging. You may have these emailed to us ahead of time as well at [email protected]

What happens at my first appointment?

Our team is focused on creating an exceptional experience for your surgical care. This experience will begin at the first appointment, which is primarily focused as the consultation. Dr Lyman and our team will gather information about your concern, oral or facial condition(s) as well as additional information as it may relate to habits or medical history in order to craft and customize a unique thorough treatment plan that considers your experience and predictable outcomes that meet your needs. At the end of the consultation, we review the treatment plan together and select an upcoming appointment (i.e. surgery appointment if agreed upon) that is convenient to your schedule.

Can I arrive to the appointment by myself or do I need someone to accompany me?

For the initial appointment, we welcome friends or family members to accompany you during the consultation as there may be a wealth of information and they may help recall certain details.
For patients under the age of 18, a parent or guardian is required to be present in person with the patient at each appointment.
For patients who may require assistance translating their preferred language, we will offer translation/interpreting services and also invite adult family members or friends to join the appointment who may assist in translation at each appointment.
For patient who are unable to sign their own consent forms or have been diagnosed with either developmental delay or memory deficits (i.e. Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Delirium), we recommend the parents, legal guardian, Power of Attorney or closest family member be present with the patient at each appointment.
For patients undergoing procedures with local anesthesia who do not meet the above conditions, then surgical appointment procedures with local anesthesia typically will not require an adult escort.
For patients undergoing procedures with sedation, intravenous or general anesthesia, an adult escort with a valid driver’s license is required to be present upon the patient’s arrival, stay during the procedure and depart with the patient.

Can I use Uber, Lyft, Rideshare or Taxi?

For surgical appointments with local anesthesia,  rideshare options are acceptable forms of transportation to and from your appointment BUT we recommend that you either drive yourself, arrange medical transportation or have a friend or family member help drop-off and pick-up from the appointment.
For surgical appointments with sedation, intravenous or general anesthesia,  rideshare options are NOT permitted forms of transportation to and from your appointment. Certain pre-arranged official medical transportation may be considered if discussed with our team prior to the surgical appointment. A familiar adult escort (friend or family member) with a valid driver’s license is required to be present upon the patient’s arrival, stay during the procedure and depart with the patient. This person will also assume responsibility and liability for attending to the patient’s post operative care for the next 24 hours, recommending immediate availability to the patient for 4-8 hours after surgery.