Before surgery, you will have an initial consultation with Dr. Wolford. It will last approximately 2 hours. During that time, Dr. Wolford will perform an in-depth evaluation and develop a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan. He will answer your questions in reference to the diagnosis, treatment recommendations, alternative treatments, risks and complications.
A list of diagnostic factors, a detailed treatment plan, and preoperative instructions will be prepared and sent to you and your referring doctor. A pre-authorization letter will also be prepared for your insurance company if surgery is recommended. Initial consultations start at $600.
Preoperative Instructions
1. Medical Records
Please bring any pertinent medical records such as history of onset for problems for which you are seeing Dr. Wolford, previous surgeries and treatments, other medical conditions you may have, sleep studies, list of medications and dosages, etc.
2. Imaging
At your initial consultation, cone beam imaging will be taken to aid Dr. Wolford in your evaluation. This imaging is important in establishing your diagnosis and treatment. If you have TMJ problems, then an MRI of the jaw joints may be recommended.
3. Dental Models
A recent set of dental models is usually very important for a patient assessment. Your general dentist or orthodontist could provide a set of dental models for you to bring to your appointment so that your comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning can be completed on your initial visit. If a set is not available, dental impressions can be taken in our office, but could delay finalization of a definitive treatment plan.
• Pre-surgical Orthodontic Preparation
Some patients may require pre-surgical orthodontic treatment in order to achieve the best quality outcome. If you require this preparatory treatment, Dr. Wolford will coordinate your presurgical orthodontic requirements with your orthodontist.
4. Insurance Plans
Dr. Wolford works with most insurance providers. He is not a network doctor of any insurance plans and would be considered out of network for your insurance company. If you incur any difficulty in obtaining coverage from your insurance provider, our staff will assist you in this process.
5. Preparing for Surgery
The following preoperative instructions are to help you prepare for your upcoming surgery. If you have any additional questions, please contact our office. It is extremely important that you follow all instructions provided.
- Stop smoking at least three months prior to surgery.
- Stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or any other medication that could interfere with your blood clotting mechanism, at least two weeks prior to surgery. Please check with your family physician or who ever is providing medications to you to ensure your medications will not interfere with your operation or post operative care.
- Refrain from alcohol or energy drinks at least two weeks prior to surgery.
- Eliminate or minimize caffeine intake for two weeks prior to surgery.
- Drink eight glasses (eight ounces per glass) of water everyday for two weeks prior to surgery.
- Avoid milk products for one week prior to surgery to decrease post-operative mucous production, as well as sinus and airway congestion.
- Avoid sugar and candy for one week prior to surgery.
- Maintain good oral hygiene, and practice good nutritional habits.
- Unless instructed otherwise, take all routine prescribed medication as normal.
6. On the Day of Surgery
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes.
- Leave jewelry and valuables at home, and remove any body piercings.
- Do not wear contact lenses. Please bring your glasses instead.
- Please arrive at the hospital at the specified time.
- It is helpful to have a family member or a friend with you, particularly to help you after surgery.
General Anesthesia
If you are undergoing general anesthesia for your surgery, an intravenous (I.V.) will be placed in your arm to deliver fluids and medications. It will be necessary for the anesthesiologist to pass a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) through the nose into the trachea (wind pipe). This will be done while you are asleep. After the completion of the surgical procedure, the endotracheal tube will be removed as soon as possible.
Patients undergoing general anesthesia should not eat any food or drink any liquids after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes water, candy, and chewing gum. If you have been instructed to take prescribed medications the morning of surgery, please take them with a very small sip of water.
If you have questions regarding preoperative instructions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Dr. Larry Wolford’s office using our online contact form or call 214-828-9115.