Have questions about your visit, recovery, or payment? We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions patients ask before and after oral surgery. If you don’t see your question listed, feel free to contact our office.

Before Your Appointment

  • What should I bring to my first visit?

    Please bring a photo ID, your referral slip (if applicable), any imaging or x-rays from your dentist, a list of current medications, and your dental and/or medical insurance cards.

  • What happens during a consultation?

    Your first appointment is typically a consultation. During this visit, we will review your medical history, examine the area of concern, and discuss your treatment options. If imaging is needed, it may be performed during this visit.

  • Will I be able to have treatment on the same day as my consultation?

    In some cases, yes. However, certain procedures, especially those involving sedation or general anesthesia, require scheduling a separate surgical appointment for preparation and safety.

  • How far in advance should I book?

    We recommend scheduling your consultation as early as possible to secure your preferred appointment time. Urgent cases may be prioritized.

  • What is your appointment cancellation policy?

    We ask that you provide at least 24 to 48 hours’ notice for cancellations. Missed appointments or last-minute cancellations may result in a fee.

  • Can I reschedule if I’m sick?

    Yes. Please call our office as soon as possible so we can reschedule you. Your safety and the safety of our staff are important.

Anesthesia & Sedation

  • What types of anesthesia do you offer?

    We offer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. The right option depends on your procedure, health history, and comfort level.

  • Will I be awake during my procedure?

    With local anesthesia, you will be fully awake. With oral sedation you will be in a deeply relaxed state and may not remember the procedure, and with IV general anesthesia you will be completely asleep and monitored by our team. The type of sedation used will be discussed during your consultation.

  • Is anesthesia safe?

    Yes. Sedation is administered by trained professionals in a controlled environment. We will review your medical history and provide detailed pre and post-op instructions to ensure your safety. Our team has advanced anesthesia training and regularly engages in safety drills to ensure patient safety, plus Dr. Sullivan holds an Oregon Anesthesia Permit which allows him to administer IV general anesthesia which sets him apart from dentists and implant centers.

  • Do I need to fast before my procedure?

    If you are receiving IV  sedation, you must not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before your surgery unless otherwise instructed. Failure to follow this rule may result in the need to reschedule your appointment.

  • What should I do to prepare for sedation?

    Wear comfortable clothing with short sleeves and avoid makeup, nail polish, and jewelry. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you after the procedure. Do not plan to drive, make major decisions, or operate appliances for at least 24 hours.

  • Can I drive myself home after surgery?

    If you receive IV or oral sedation, you cannot drive yourself home. A responsible adult must remain on site during your procedure and drive you home afterward.

  • Can someone stay with me during my visit?

    Yes. A parent, spouse, or caregiver may accompany you during your consultation and can wait in our reception area during the procedure.

Aftercare & Recovery

  • What should I do when I get home after surgery?

    Rest with your head elevated and avoid physical activity. If you received sedation, you may feel drowsy for several hours. Do not drive, use power tools, or make important decisions for at least 24 hours.

  • What should I do if I feel dizzy or nauseated?

    Stand up slowly to avoid dizziness. If you feel nauseated, start with clear liquids like ginger ale, apple juice, broth, or tea. Once tolerated, try soft foods like rice, pasta, or applesauce.

  • How should I manage bleeding?

    Slight oozing is normal for up to 24 hours. Bite down firmly on gauze for 30 to 40 minutes. If bleeding continues, use a cold, moistened black tea bag. Contact us if the bleeding becomes heavy or does not stop.

  • How do I reduce swelling?

    Apply a cold pack to the outside of your face in 20-minute intervals for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, switch to warm compresses as directed. Swelling often peaks at 72 hours.

  • When can I resume eating normally?

    Stick to soft, cool foods at first. Avoid straws, alcohol, crunchy or spicy foods, and smoking for at least 5 days. Most patients resume a normal diet in 7 to 10 days unless advised otherwise.

  • Can I brush and rinse my mouth after surgery?

    Avoid disturbing the surgical site on the first day. After 48 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water 4 times a day. You may resume gentle tooth brushing once bleeding is under control, avoiding the surgical area.

  • When should I use StellaLife Gel?

    After each saltwater rinse, apply with StellaLife® gel as directed. Will I have stitches?

    You may have dissolvable or non-dissolvable sutures. If stitches need to be removed, we will schedule a follow-up visit.

  • Is bruising normal?

    Yes. Bruising may appear on the cheeks or jaw and usually fades within 7 to 14 days.

  • What should I do if I’m in pain?

    Muscle aches and a sore throat can occasionally occur after anesthesia but will usually dissipate within 24 hours. Take prescribed pain medication as directed.  If approved by your doctor, take over the counter ibuprofen: 600 mg, every 6 hours OR 800 mg every 8 hours.  You can alternate with acetaminophen (Tylenol) in-between your ibuprofen if pain is severe. Avoid taking pain medication on an empty stomach as this is known to cause nausea. Only use prescribed medication according to directions. For children, it is not uncommon for a fever of up to 101 degrees to develop during the first 8-12 hours and should not be a cause for alarm. Take Ibuprofen and/or Tylenol for 3-5 days.

  • When should I be concerned about complications?

    Call us right away if you experience:

    • Persistent or worsening numbness of the lips or tongue
    • Bleeding that cannot be controlled
    • A fever over 101.5°F
    • Difficulty swallowing or breathing

  • Why is smoking discouraged after surgery?

    Smoking restricts blood flow and interferes with healing. It increases the risk of dry socket, infection, and complications. Avoid all smoking and vaping products throughout your recovery.

Insurance & Payment

  • Do you accept dental or medical insurance?

    Yes. We work with most insurance plans. Please provide your information before your appointment so we can verify your coverage.

  • Will I receive a cost estimate before treatment?

    Yes. You will receive a written treatment plan with estimated costs and benefits based on your insurance.

  • Do you offer payment plans or financing options?

    Yes. We work with third-party financing options to help make your care more affordable.  Please navigate to our patient financing page to learn more.

  • What forms of payment do you accept?

    We accept cash, cashier’s checks, debit or credit cards, and HSA or FSA accounts. We can accept personal checks received at least 5 days prior to service.

  • Will you bill my insurance directly?

    Yes. We will submit claims on your behalf and help you understand your coverage.

  • Is there a fee for the consultation?

    Yes. There is a standard consultation fee. Depending on your treatment and insurance, this may be applied to your overall procedure cost.