Maxillofacial Surgeon

[tsume]

I've been meaning to get my molars removed for a long time but every time December comes around I find the medical aid does not enough to cover me. So I best do it as soon as possible in the beginning of the year. I did the maxillofacial surgeon thing in my younger years for braces seems...hate to go there again but it's something which has to be done.

Plus I'm too much of a pu**y with needles, think I can only handle the one which will knock me out

Just some quick questions
1- Do I have to see a dentist first before going to maxillofacial surgeon? Or is it a requirement for most medical aids?
2- If not can is maxillofacial surgeon required to provide proof to medical aid that the procedure can only be done through surgery?
3- Do most maxillofacial surgeons charge cash for consultancy? I've heard most specialist now require you to pay upfront for consultations and you redeem the cash back from medical aid?
4- For those who've done this procedure how long was it from consultation to removal of teeth?

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

1 - nope you don't need to see a dentist first, although a dentist will often refer you to the surgeon if they are unable to carry out the procedure.
2 - don't think so.
3 - don't know about the others, but that's the way it worked for me when I had my wisdoms removed last year.
4 - depends entirely on the surgeons schedule, as well as medical aid authorisation. Usually a few days from consultation to surgery.

 

[D3x]

1) Not always but depends on your medical aid. Some will want to see a referal letter from your dentist first.

2) You are given the option to do it in the Surgeons office awake (conscious sedation) or in surgery. He will recommend surgery though cos everytime you feel something & it hurts, he has to stop. Yes, you can still feel a tiny bit. Put it this way, what could take him 1,5 hours in surgery with you asleep could take him 3 hours in a chair, with you awake. Its a no brainer for me.

3) Yes, most specialists do nowdays. Just make sure he doesn't charge 300 or 400% of your medical aid rate & you will get most of it back within a week.

4)Depends entirely on his schedule. Anything from a few days to a few weeks (this is a good sign as it means he is busy probably cos he is fully booked which normally means he is a good Dr.)

 

[tsume]

Thanks for the advice guys.
Booked an appointment for next week, surgery may be the following week.

 

[Park@82]

My medical plan wouldn't have payed for the surgery, hospital or the anesthetist.

I had mine (4) done for about R5k under conscious sedation.

"You're not really asleep, but not completely awake either. You feel no pain and afterwards, you don't remember a thing. Welcome to the world of conscious sedation."

So if you're not a p***y I can try to get more details for you .

 

[mk1]

I booked an appointment with a maxillofacial surgeon this morning.

They did not worry that I was not referred by a dentist and they told me there will be a consultation fee and x-ray fee - total R1000 which I had to pay and try and claim back.