FAQ
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- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
We know that undergoing oral and facial surgery comes with many questions, and we’re here to provide the answers you need. Our Frequently Asked Questions section covers everything from procedure details to recovery tips, insurance, and financing options. Browse our FAQs to find the information you’re looking for, or reach out to our team for personalized assistance.
Finance FAQs
No, we are not contracted with any insurance providers. However, we process claims for dental and medical insurance on behalf of our patients, helping maximize your benefits as much as possible.
In instances where treatment is recommended, if treatment is scheduled, the consult fee will be applied to treatment. This ensures you receive a thorough assessment of your condition and a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes your needs. Some consultations, such as implant consults, require no fee. We encourage you to contact our office to see what options are available.
We don't offer in-house payment plans, but you have options! Prairie Oral Surgery partners with CareCredit and Cherry Financing to help patients spread the cost of their treatment over time.
Sometimes, we may offer a cash discount, but we encourage patients first to contact our office to see what discounts they qualify for.
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) ensures the safety and comfort of patients during procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia. Their expertise involves separate fees, which are explained in-depth during your consultation.
We help determine whether your procedure qualifies for medical or dental insurance coverage. This varies by procedure, so we'll guide you every step of the way.
Costs vary depending on the procedure and your specific treatment needs. During your consultation, we'll provide you with an upfront estimate of fees for complete transparency. We do our best to ensure we do not deviate from the estimate so as to ensure no after the fact surprises.
Procedural/Clinical FAQs
Local anesthesia numbs only the treatment area and is ideal for minor procedures. Sedation, on the other hand, puts you into a deeply relaxed state or brief sleep, making it suitable for more comprehensive surgeries or patients with dental anxiety.
Yes! We recommend soft foods like soups, smoothies, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. Until your surgeon clears you to return to your regular diet, avoid crunchy or chewy foods.
The healing process after an extraction and bone graft typically takes several months. This allows the bone to integrate properly, ensuring a strong foundation for a dental implant.
In some instances, however, the implant can be placed at the same time the tooth is extracted. This is common for a front tooth where we can even sometimes replace the tooth as well as the implant. This requires consultation to determine. We understand how important front teeth are especially for confidence and appearance.
In most cases, no referral is needed. If you have any concerns, please contact our office, and we'll clarify based on your specific needs.
Yes, nitrous oxide is available for patients who may feel anxious about their procedure. This option ensures a more relaxed experience for both adults and children. We also offer other forms of sedation to ensure patients' comfort.
Yes, we require a consultation before scheduling your procedure to ensure a tailored treatment plan, detailed evaluation, and discussion of your goals. However, you may not need a consultation for some procedures we offer, like bone grafting and straightforward tooth extractions. Also, we can consult on most wisdom tooth cases on the day of the procedure.
For minor procedures, you may resume normal activities within a day or two. However, we recommend waiting at least a week for more involved surgeries.
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure, but most patients see significant improvements within a few days to a week. For more complex cases, complete healing may take longer.
To prevent complications, avoid activities involving heavy lifting or intense physical effort for at least 7–10 days. Your surgeon will provide personalized recommendations based on your healing progress.
Playing wind or brass instruments can create pressure that impacts healing. Plan to wait at least 2–4 weeks, depending on your procedure.
- Testimonials
My experience was exceptional from start to finish. Dr. Smart and the entire team provided a thorough consultation, explaining every step of the process and addressing any concerns I had. The surgery itself went smoothly, and the recovery was well-managed. I am already seeing significant improvement and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the results. I highly recommend Dr. Smart and his team.
Vanessa S.