Frequently Asked Questions
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Question & Answer 1. What is the cost of wisdom teeth removal? Answer: The cost varies depending on how complicated the extraction is and whether it is impacted or not. There are additional charges for consultation, x-ray, and anesthesia should the patient need to go to sleep during the procedure. Please call our office for further information. St George / (435)-673-1554 or Cedar City / (435)-867-1474 2. What is the cost for a dental implant? Answer: Implant fees vary based on need for extractions, bone grafting, etc. There may be additional charges for consultation, x-ray, and anesthesia should the patient need to go to sleep during the procedure. We encourage you to call our office for further information. |
3. Do you accept payments?
Answer: On the date of service we require a deposit that varies according to the procedure. It is expected that payments will be made on a regular basis until the bill is paid in full. Interest charges will start to accrue after 90 days. As a courtesy and convenience for our patients we also offer financing through American General. Applications are available in the office and are processed within a half hour. If you are interested in this option, be sure to ask at the front desk.
4. How long is the recovery?
Answer: It depends on the procedure. For wisdom teeth removal it is common for patients to experience pain and swelling for the first 4 to 5 days following surgery. Patients can expect their swelling to be the worst on days 3 and 4. Every day after day 5 should get progressively better. We suggest that our patients keep their activity to a minimum for 2-3 days following surgery.
For extractions recovery depends on how complicated the tooth removal is. In most cases patients should be fully recovered in 2-5 days. However, for difficult extractions the soreness may persist for a week or more.
We instruct our patients having implant surgery to take it easy with minimal activity for 24 hours following surgery. Often patients have minimal to no pain and swelling following placement of the implant. If the surgery is more complicated, the patient may experience discomfort and swelling for 2-5 days.
5. Can I drive myself home following surgery?
Answer: If the patient goes to sleep during the surgery an escort will be needed to check the patient out and drive him/her home. We instruct our patients who have been under IV sedation or general anesthesia not to drive for 24 hours. If the patient chooses local anesthesia, driving is not a concern, so the patient can choose whether or not to have an escort.
6. Do you accept our insurance?
Answer: We accept many insurance plans. Circumstances change so we would advise you to call the office to ask if we participate with your insurance plan.
7. Can I take my normal medications?
Answer: Yes, continue to take your normal medications before and after surgery, especially any medications for high blood pressure, heart problems, or lung problems. Always consult with the Doctor about any health issues and medications you are taking before surgery.
8. I take blood thinners. Should I stop taking them?
Answer: Do not stop taking any blood thinners without first consulting with your Medical Doctor and Oral Surgeon. Most routine procedures can be performed without stopping your blood thinners. If you are taking Coumadin, you need to have an INR taken within 24 to 48 hours of your surgery appointment and bring the results with you to our office. Most routine surgeries can be performed if your INR is less than 3. If you are taking Plavix and/or aspirin as a blood thinner, you can usually continue your normal routine. We advise our patients to come in for a consultation with the Doctor prior to surgery if there are major health concerns.
9. Can I eat?
Answer: We instruct our patients who are going to sleep for surgery not to eat or drink anything for 6 hours before surgery. Patients scheduled for local anesthesia only can eat normally.
10. Do I have to come in for a consult before surgery?
Answer: Most routine surgeries do not require a consultation prior to the surgery. However, patients with major health concerns, such as diabetes, heart disease or lung problems definitely should come in for a consultation before surgery. Consultations are also recommended for any surgery that the patient would like an accurate cost estimate. Some insurance companies require a pre-authorization for procedures billing out for more than $200. If that is the case, a consultation should be scheduled and then we will be happy to assist you in getting the pre-authorization. Consultations allow the doctor to explain the procedure, the expected recovery time, and answer any questions the patient might have before the surgery.
