Everything to Consider When Choosing a Corrective Jaw Surgeon
After months of weighing the benefits, you’ve finally decided to get the corrective jaw surgery you need.
This is an exciting process that brings you one step closer to having that dream smile you’ve always wanted. Now all you need to do is find a corrective jaw surgeon.
You need a surgeon that understands all of your needs. But this may feel easier said than done, as you’re not sure how or where to look to begin your search.
If you’re looking for the perfect surgeon to perform your corrective jaw surgery, read this guide on everything you should consider in your search.
Education
Any oral and facial surgery requires a high level of expertise. When finding a specialized professional, you should consider the training and education they went through.
Go through each surgeon on your list and check that each graduated from an accredited program/school.
Consider the type of training they underwent. Are they experts in just surgical operations, or did they spend more time studying anesthesia as well?
Having a surgeon trained in multiple aspects of surgery can give you peace of mind knowing that they are experts on complex situations should they arise.
Do they prioritize continuous training?
A good surgeon prioritizes learning new innovative techniques that can reduce things that were once considered a risk. Having a surgeon in the field for over 20 years can be good, but if they aren’t constantly updating their skills, they could be performing techniques on you that are two decades old.
Remember to ask for proof of board certification from every surgeon you’re considering. If they cannot, you may not feel comfortable or safe with them performing your corrective jaw surgery procedure.
Experience of the Corrective Jaw Surgeon
How has the surgeon put their education to use? You can find this out by looking up their oral surgery experience.
Research how long the surgeon has performed jaw surgeries. You might prefer someone whose records show a track record of 10 years versus someone who has never performed the surgery.
Consider any accolades they have in their honor; this means they are dedicated to contributing to the growth of their field.
You can also look up any organizations they are a part of or affiliated with. For example, a surgeon affiliated with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons connects with a wide network of similar experts in the field all over the country.
The Services They Offer
Whether it’s a scheduled procedure or an unexpected surgery, the last thing you want is to find out too late that what you need is not something your surgeon can provide. Checking out the services the surgeon offers can prevent this from happening.
Most surgeons have their list of services available directly on their website, but just in case, call the office directly to make sure the information is up to date.
The more an office offers, the more you’re covered in any situation. Some common surgeries they should have listed are:
- Corrective jaw surgery
- Teeth extractions
- Dental implants
- Bone grafting
Ask if the surgeon has before and after pictures to give you a better idea of their final results.
The Costs
You could have already created a corrective jaw surgery budget to cover the surgery depending on the circumstance. Still, more often than not, the surgery can come up as an unexpected expense. It would be best if you chose a professional surgical practice that gives you various payments options.
Ask the dental provider what insurances they accept and what forms of payment are allowed in their office. If they are out of network, will they allow payment plans to help break up costs?
Obvious red flags of cash-only establishments are to be avoided at all costs, and you should steer clear of offices that don’t offer receipts or proofs of payment.
Their Reputation
It’s common for you to receive your oral surgeon referral from a licensed dentist. But if you don’t, there are a few ways to find one with a good reputation on your own.
The first thing you can do is ask your friends and family. Getting referrals from people you trust can make the process easier because you know firsthand patients that have undergone procedures in their office. Ask about their experiences.
Did they feel comfortable walking into the office? Did the surgeon make the experience comfortable? You can also ask if the office staff were helpful and inviting.
The next step is to look up reviews. It might help you decide if you filtered the reviews to show the lowest reviews, the highest reviews, and then everything in between.
With low-rank reviews, take note of what exactly people are pointing out. If the complaints refer to things that are not really in the control of the office or staff, don’t let them scare you away.
Remember to check multiple reviews sites to prevent any bias that can occur.
Comfort and Convenience
Once all your research is completed, you’ll want to visit the locations in person to meet the teams.
When traveling, take note of how long the drive is. Is the location a suitable distance away in the event of an emergency?
What about hours, does their availability work for your schedule?
When you arrive, a good jaw surgeon will have staff who are welcoming and available to answer all of your questions regarding your consultation visit.
When you finally sit down and talk to the surgeon, being comfortable is the most important aspect. A surgeon that rushes you out the door and seems too busy to answer any of your questions is not a surgeon you want doing a jaw procedure that requires unrushed precision.
Once the consultation is over, compare your notes and choose a jaw surgeon that makes you feel confident and safe.
Book Your Consultation Today
Finding a corrective jaw surgeon with these steps will make the search quick and simple. As you progress through each step, cross off any surgeons that don’t match the criteria.
In the end, you’ll have a surgeon that meets the standards and goes above and beyond for your care.
Aspire Surgical Center is a team of innovatively thinking oral and facial surgeons. We offer various services that get you one step closer to achieving the look you’ve always dreamt for yourself.
Don’t settle for anything but amazing.
For information on services, visit our website and find the location nearest you.