First Visit
Your first oral surgery visit is a consultation: the surgeon reviews your medical history and the reason you were referred, examines your head, neck, and mouth, takes X-rays or 3D images if needed, and explains your diagnosis and treatment options. In most cases, surgery is scheduled for a separate appointment. Bring your referral, any X-rays, an up-to-date medication list, and, for patients under 18, a parent or guardian.
Key takeaways
- The consultation focuses on diagnosis, options, risks, anesthesia, and costs, not usually on surgery itself.
- A current medication list, including doses and herbal products, is one of the most important things to bring.
- Patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- A pre-operative consultation and examination is required before IV anesthesia.
- Occasionally, simple treatment can be done the same day; complex cases are treated at a second visit.
Before Your Appointment
A little preparation makes the visit smoother:
- Complete your registration. Fill out the secure patient registration form so the team can prepare your chart.
- Arrange your X-rays. If your dentist or physician has taken X-rays, ask them to send them to our office. If time is short, pick them up and bring them with you.
- List your medications. Include every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, vitamin, and herbal or homeopathic product, with the dose and how often you take it.
- Note your medical conditions. Tell the office in advance about conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart valve replacement, joint replacement, or rheumatic fever, and medications such as blood thinners, aspirin, or heart medications.
- Check your insurance. Bring your dental insurance details and health card.
What To Bring: Checklist
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Referral slip from your dentist or physician | Explains why you were referred |
| Recent X-rays, if available | May avoid repeating imaging |
| Up-to-date medication list with doses | Affects anesthesia and bleeding risk |
| Health card and dental insurance information | Needed for records and estimates |
| Parent or guardian (patients under 18) | Required for consent |
| Your questions | So nothing is forgotten |
What Happens During The Consultation
Medical and dental history. The surgeon reviews your health and the problem you were referred for. This step is important: it confirms that your general health is optimal for the procedure. Sometimes treatment is delayed until a health issue is managed, or certain medications need to be adjusted with guidance from your physician.
Examination. A head and neck examination is completed, including your mouth, jaw, and bite.
Imaging. If additional X-rays are needed, they can be taken in the office. For wisdom teeth near the nerve or sinus, or for implant planning, 3D cone beam CT imaging may be recommended.
Diagnosis and options. The surgeon explains what is happening, the recommended treatment, alternatives (including no treatment), and the risks and expected recovery.
Anesthesia planning. Options may include local anesthetic, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. See IV sedation vs general anesthesia to read ahead.
Estimate and next steps. You receive information about fees so you can check your coverage. See our insurance page and, for wisdom teeth, wisdom teeth removal cost in Ontario.
Why Surgery Is Usually On A Separate Day
For patient safety, it is strongly advised that patients are thoroughly assessed first and treated at another time. This allows time to review imaging, adjust medications if needed, arrange an escort for sedation, follow fasting instructions, and plan time off work or school. In certain simple situations, treatment may be possible the same day; a complex medical history or treatment plan requires a second appointment.
Questions Worth Asking Your Surgeon
- What is my diagnosis, and what happens if I wait?
- What are my treatment options and their risks?
- Which anesthesia options are appropriate for me?
- How long is recovery, and how much time should I take off?
- What will my insurance likely cover?
- Who do I call after hours if I have a concern?
After Your Consultation
If surgery is planned, you will receive written pre-operative instructions, including fasting rules and escort requirements for sedation. Our guide to preparing for oral surgery walks through the week before, and the day of surgery page includes a video of what to expect.
Visiting Our Waterloo Office
Our office is at 96 Union Street East, Waterloo, near Uptown Waterloo, with plenty of parking. We welcome patients from Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, and surrounding communities. The office is open Monday to Friday, and urgent cases, such as pain or infection, are triaged to be seen as soon as possible. Call +1 (519)-743-7811 to schedule, or see how referrals work.
Sources
- First visit and scheduling, Dr. Kevin J. McCann Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
FAQ
How Long Does An Oral Surgery Consultation Take?
Most consultations are shorter than a surgical appointment, but allow extra time if X-rays or 3D imaging need to be taken. The office can give you an estimate when you book.
Will I Have Surgery At My First Visit?
Usually not. For safety, most patients are assessed first and treated at a separate appointment. Simple cases may occasionally be treated the same day if appropriate.
Do I Need To Fast Before My Consultation?
Not normally, because the consultation is not surgery. If there is any chance of treatment under sedation that day, the office will give you specific instructions in advance.
Can A Parent Attend With A Teenager?
Yes, and it is required. Patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation.
What If I Take Blood Thinners?
Tell the office before your visit and bring the medication details. Do not stop any medication on your own; the surgeon will advise, in consultation with your physician when needed.
This article is general patient education and does not replace an examination, diagnosis, or the written instructions from your own surgeon or dentist. If you have heavy bleeding, trouble breathing or swallowing, or rapidly spreading swelling, call the office or go to the nearest emergency department.