Patient FAQ
Answers to the questions patients ask us most often. Can't find what you're looking for? Call us at (317) 876-1095
General Oral Surgery
What is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is a dental specialist who has completed at least four years of hospital-based surgical residency training after dental school — sometimes combined with a medical degree (MD). OMS is the highest level of training in the dental specialty and covers the full scope of surgery on the mouth, jaws, face, and neck. All three of our surgeons are board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABOMS), the highest credential in the specialty.
Why would my dentist refer me to an oral surgeon?
Your dentist may refer you to our practice for procedures that require specialized surgical training, IV sedation, or advanced equipment. Common referrals include impacted wisdom teeth, dental implant placement, bone grafting, tooth extractions (especially complex or surgical ones), oral pathology evaluation and biopsy, facial trauma, and management of jaw-related problems.
Do I need a referral to see you?
In most cases, yes — a referral from your general dentist is the starting point. However, we also accept patients who call us directly, especially for emergency situations or if you are unaware of a dentist. Call us at (317) 876-1095 and our team will help determine the appropriate next step.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept most major dental insurance plans. Because oral surgery sometimes overlaps with medical coverage, medical insurance may apply in some cases — we recommend confirming any medical-side coverage directly with your medical carrier. Our team verifies your dental benefits before your appointment so you know your estimated out-of-pocket cost.
Anesthesia & Sedation
What anesthesia options do you offer?
We offer local anesthesia (numbing injection only), nitrous oxide (laughing gas) combined with local anesthesia, IV sedation (twilight sedation), and hospital general anesthesia for complex cases. Our board-certified surgeons personally administer and monitor all sedation — we do not use a separate anesthesiologist for in-office procedures.
Is IV sedation safe?
Yes. IV sedation is extremely safe when administered by properly trained practitioners. All three of our surgeons are board-certified, ACLS-certified, and specially trained in sedation and anesthesia. Your vital signs are monitored continuously throughout the procedure.
Who needs to drive me home after IV sedation?
A responsible adult — typically a family member or friend — must drive you to and from your appointment and remain with you for several hours afterward. You may NOT drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for the rest of the day following IV sedation.
Wisdom Teeth
At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?
The ideal window for wisdom tooth removal is between ages 16 and 25, when the roots are not fully formed and bone density is lower — making the procedure easier and recovery faster. However, we remove wisdom teeth at any age when they are causing problems or are at risk of doing so.
What is dry socket and how is it treated?
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges before healing is complete, exposing the underlying bone. It causes intense, worsening jaw pain 3–5 days after surgery. Treatment involves irrigating the socket and placing a medicated dressing to protect the bone and relieve pain. Call us immediately if you develop worsening pain after the first few days.
Dental Implants
How do I know if I'm a candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults who have lost teeth are candidates. The key requirements are: adequate bone volume at the implant site, healthy gums, no uncontrolled systemic conditions (like unmanaged diabetes), and non-smoker status (or willingness to quit during treatment). We evaluate bone with a 3D cone beam CT scan at your consultation. Even patients with some bone loss may be candidates after bone grafting.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The titanium implant post integrates permanently with the jawbone. The crown (visible tooth portion) typically lasts 15–25 years before needing replacement due to normal wear.
Financing & Insurance
What financing options are available?
We offer financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit. These programs offer a range of repayment options, including promotional periods with no interest for qualified applicants. We also accept HSA and FSA funds. Ask our team about current offers when you call.
Does dental insurance cover oral surgery?
Coverage varies by plan. Most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of oral surgery, especially for medically necessary procedures like impacted wisdom tooth removal. Medical insurance may apply in some cases. Our team verifies your dental benefits before your visit and provides a written estimate; for medical-side coverage, we recommend confirming directly with your medical carrier.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is happy to answer any questions you have before your appointment.