Oral Surgery Patient Information for Your Visit
If you have been referred for Oral Surgery, you are in the right place. At West Ballantyne Oral Surgery, board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. George Y. Soung sees every patient personally. We accept major insurance plans including Delta Dental, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare to make your care accessible. This Oral Surgery patient information page walks you through what to bring, how to prepare, and what to expect so you can feel confident on the day of your procedure.
Before Your Appointment — What to Bring and Expect
Insurance and Payment Options
We work with many insurance plans to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. We are in-network with Ameritas, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, Medicaid, MetLife, Principal Financial, UnitedHealthcare, and others. For a complete list and details about financing, visit our Insurance & Financing page. This Oral Surgery patient information section includes accepted plans to help you plan ahead.
Accepted In-Network Coverage Includes:
What to Have Ready on the Day of Surgery
Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and any forms you received from our office. If you will be sedated, you need a responsible adult to drive you home. Leave valuables at home. Wear a short-sleeve shirt if possible so we can monitor your blood pressure.
Day-of Essentials:
- Insurance Card & Photo ID
- Completed Office Forms
- Designated Adult Driver
- Short-Sleeve Top
Dental Surgery Preparation: Day-Before and Morning-Of Checklist
Follow these steps to make sure your body is ready for the procedure:
- 01 Do not eat or drink anything after midnight if you are scheduled for sedation or anesthesia (follow specific fasting instructions from our office).
- 02 Take any prescribed medications with a small sip of water unless told otherwise.
- 03 Brush your teeth and rinse gently with water (do not swallow).
- 04 Remove nail polish on one finger so the pulse oximeter can work.
- 05 Arrive on time with your driver waiting.
What to Expect After Oral Surgery
Recovery starts as soon as your procedure ends. Our team will give you written aftercare instructions and answer any questions before you leave. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
Oral Surgery Recovery Tips for the First 72 Hours
These Oral Surgery patient information recovery tips can help you heal comfortably:
Ice Therapy
Use ice packs on your face for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours.
Medication Schedule
Take all pain medication exactly as directed, even if you feel fine before it wears off.
Protect Blood Clot
Do not rinse your mouth, spit forcefully, or use a straw for 24 hours. This protects the blood clot that is forming.
Soft Foods Diet
Eat soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hot foods and crunchy items.
Elevate Head
Sleep with your head elevated on pillows to reduce swelling.
Saltwater Rinses
After 24 hours, begin gentle saltwater rinses (don't swish, just tilt your head).
Post-Op Instructions You Can Print
We give you written aftercare instructions before you leave, but it helps to have a copy at home too — especially for whoever is looking after you. Each set below opens as a PDF you can read on your phone, save, or print. Spanish versions are available for every set.
Post-Op Instructions
General post-operative care for the first few days after surgery.
Pain Control Regimen
Dr. Soung's recommended schedule for managing discomfort after your procedure.
Implant & Bone Grafting Post-Op Instructions
Additional aftercare specific to dental implant and bone grafting surgery.
Sinus Communication Post-Op Instructions
Extra precautions to follow if your procedure involved the sinus.
Not sure which set applies to you? The instructions Dr. Soung hands you at your appointment always take precedence. If anything is unclear, call the office at (704) 583-5217 and we will walk you through it.
When to Call Our Office
It is normal to have mild swelling, some bleeding, and manageable discomfort. Call us promptly if you experience heavy bleeding that does not respond to pressure, severe pain that medication does not touch, a fever over 101 degrees, or any signs of infection such as warmth around the surgery site. For non-urgent questions, you can also contact us during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we are currently accepting new patients. Dr. Soung provides the full range of Oral Surgery services for adults and children. You can call the office to schedule your first appointment.
We are in-network with many major plans including Ameritas, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, Medicaid, MetLife, Principal Financial, and UnitedHealthcare. For the full list, see our Insurance & Financing page.
If you are receiving IV sedation, you will need to fast for at least 8 hours before your procedure and have a chaperone bring you to the appointment and drive you home. Oral conscious sedation also requires a responsible adult to drive you both ways. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Visit our Sedation & Anesthesia page for complete preparation instructions.
For the first 24 hours, stick to clear liquids and soft foods such as applesauce, yogurt, smoothies, and lukewarm broth. Avoid carbonated drinks, hot foods, and anything that requires chewing. As you heal, you can slowly add soft solids like mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs.
Mild swelling, some bleeding, and discomfort are expected for the first few days. You should notice gradual improvement. Call the office if bleeding does not slow after applying pressure, if pain is severe despite medication, if you develop a fever, or if the surgery site becomes warm or red.
Ready When You Are
Whether you are coming in for a wisdom teeth consultation, an implant evaluation, or an urgent situation, we will take care of you. Step into a practice designed with your comfort and ease in mind.