Referring Doctors

OMS Fast Fact Quiz

How long does it take to extract one bony impacted wisdom tooth?

Studies show that a doctor who extracts an average of 15 bony impacted teeth a year takes about 37 minutes per tooth. A more experienced practitioner, such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who averages 5,000 extractions per year, spends 7 minutes per tooth; greatly reducing the likelihood the patient will experience complications such as a dry socket. (The incidence of dry sockets, post operative discomfort and swelling increases with longer surgical times.)

What is a “hygiene annexation”?

Hygiene annexation occurs when your normal hygiene patients don’t return for recall because they’ve been “annexed” by a specialist’s office. We understand that you best know your patients and remind them to return to you promptly for prophylactic hygiene care.

How can an oral and maxillofacial surgeon help build my implant practice?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are an adjunct to your practice, enhancing the services you already provide. Their experience with implants and their commitment to you are the foundation for achieving superior restorative results. Your patients deserve the benefits of an Implant Treatment Coordinator who is familiar with your preferences.

What percentage of wisdom teeth extractions involves the inferior alveolar nerve (mandibular nerve)?

According to a study done on patients with trigeminal nerve (inferior alveolar or lingual nerve) involvement, 53% were following third-molar removal. A more experienced practitioner like the oral and maxillofacial surgeon and their knowledge of anatomy and location of this nerve can prevent injury by using an appropriate extraction method.

How fast is the bone resorbtion rate after the loss of a natural tooth?

The posterior mandible resorbs four times faster than the anterior mandible. In the first year after tooth removal, it is ten times faster. Studies show patients with bridges, partials or dentures would have changed their minds about these treatment options if they had known about the bone loss/deterioration that occurs. Stressing the importance to preserve the bone with a dental implant is the best option for your patients.

Why refer your patients to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?

An oral surgeon routinely performs procedures that most practitioners perform infrequently. Remember when the concierge at that fabulous hotel arranged for you to go to a great restaurant? Referring your patients to a great oral surgeon is like that. Your patients receive superior service and they remember you and thank you for sending them.

What about my patient’s routine dental extractions?

Referring to a specialist is ideal, even for your routine extractions. There are risk factors involved which increases significantly for practitioners who do not routinely perform extractions. Some risks can include sinus communication, broken teeth, nerve damage, dry socket or displaced teeth and/or roots. These liability issues and the potential for an unpleasant experience associated with your office, makes the referral a great practice builder.

How do oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s hospital privileges benefit dental practitioners?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons routinely admit patients to the hospital for a variety of reasons, including surgery, illness, and injury. Referring offices benefit from these admitting privileges because they provide another layer of protection for the practice’s patients. If your patient’s dental condition necessitates an admission, having an established relationship with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can make the difference between an efficient, healing experience and one that is fraught with worry.

What emergency precautions are important to ensuring the safety of the patient undergoing sedation?

Aside from the most important preventative tool – a thorough patient examination and comprehensive history and physical, most office emergencies can be averted with proper training, supplies, preparation and the use of modern safety equipment. Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons are experienced in pain and anxiety control and have extensive clinical experience in anesthesia techniques, from local anesthesia to IV sedation. At Northern Texas Facial and Oral Surgery, the surgeons and staff undergo regular emergency planning and training drills and are certified in basic and advanced life support. Our comprehensive emergency preparedness plan also includes carefully selected medications, supplies, and modern equipment which have proven track records of contributing to the successful management of a broad range of emergencies.