Reviewed by Dr. Michael Schiappa

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Your consultation is your chance to learn exactly what your upcoming surgery involves. At Foley & Le Oral Surgeons, your surgeon will walk you through the diagnosis, why treatment is recommended, and how the procedure works. Asking specific questions during this visit helps you understand your options and plan for a smooth recovery.

Table of Contents

1. What procedure do you recommend for my condition?

Your surgeon will explain the diagnosis, show you what is visible on your exam or imaging, and outline the treatment that best addresses your needs. This may include tooth extraction, dental implants, bone grafting, wisdom teeth removal, or corrective jaw surgery.

2. Why is this procedure necessary?

Understanding the “why” behind the recommendation helps you make a confident decision. Your surgeon will explain the goals of treatment, such as relieving pain, preventing future problems, improving function, or restoring missing teeth.

3. What are the risks and expected benefits?

Every surgical procedure carries both benefits and potential risks. Your surgeon will review these with you, explain how risks are minimized, and describe the expected outcome based on your condition.

4. What type of anesthesia or sedation is appropriate for me?

Foley & Le Oral Surgeons offers several anesthesia options so your care can be tailored to your comfort level. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss which type is recommended for your procedure and review what you can expect before, during, and after sedation.

5. How long will the surgery take?

Surgical time varies depending on the procedure and the complexity of your case. Your surgeon will outline the general timeframe and explain what will happen before and after the procedure so you can plan your day accordingly.

6. What is the expected recovery time?

Recovery looks different for each procedure. Some treatments require only a few days of downtime, while others may take several weeks for the initial healing phase. During your consultation, your surgeon will estimate how long recovery may take and explain which symptoms are normal.

7. What should I avoid while healing?

Your surgeon will review activity restrictions, dietary guidelines, and medication instructions. These guidelines help reduce swelling, support healing, and lower the risk of complications.

You can review our surgical instructions for each procedure to learn what to expect before and after treatment. 

8. What complications should I watch for?

While most patients heal without difficulty, knowing what is normal and what is not helps you respond quickly if something unexpected happens. Your surgeon will explain the signs of infection, excessive bleeding, or other concerns and provide clear instructions on when to contact the office.

9. What can I expect on the day of surgery?

Your surgeon will walk you through the entire process, from arriving at the office to the moment you head home. This may include pre-surgical rinses, anesthesia preparation, how the surgical site is managed, and what happens immediately after the procedure.

10. How much experience do you have with this procedure?

During your consultation, your surgeon will outline their experience, training, and approach to the recommended procedure. This helps you feel confident that your treatment is being performed by a skilled and knowledgeable specialist.

Meet Your Surgeons at Foley & Le Oral Surgeons

During your consultation, you will meet with one of our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Each surgeon brings advanced training and a patient-centered approach to care.

Dr. Benjamin Foley, DDS

Dr. Foley trained at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident. His experience includes dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery, and intravenous anesthesia.

Dr. Thien-Thao Le, DDS, MD

Dr. Le completed her dental degree at the University of Michigan and her medical degree and surgical residency at Emory University. She provides comprehensive care in dentoalveolar surgery, trauma, implant surgery, orthognathics, and facial reconstruction.

Dr. Michael Schiappa, DDS

Dr. Schiappa trained at Columbia University and the University of Illinois Chicago, and has a background in biomedical engineering that supports his expertise in virtual surgical planning and advanced implant and grafting techniques.

Together, our surgeons provide knowledgeable, attentive care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Experienced Surgical Care in Boulder

A consultation is your chance to learn about your options, understand your procedure, and feel comfortable moving forward. 

To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 444-2255 or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.

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