Where to go first? Advice much appreciated.

Message

#1 Post by **Heather** » Fri May 30, 2008 4:34 pm

Hi all, first post.

I know that i need jaw surgery and wondered if i have to make an appointment with an orthodontist or an oral surgeon first?

Thanks.

#2 Post by **Luella** » Fri May 30, 2008 4:44 pm

orthodontist- you have to have braces to get the bite somewhat aligned before surgery, then have them on after surgery for the finishing touches!

#3 Post by **Heather** » Fri May 30, 2008 4:56 pm

Thankyou Luella.

I know that you need braces prior to surgery.

I wanted to make sure who it is i am supposed see at the very first consultation overall, to get the ball rolling for surgery?

So it's an orthodontist yeah?

What it is, i have an appointment on monday with an oral surgeon for a tooth removal (so i could be sedated for) I wondered whether or not i could ask him about my jaws there and then or whether it would be inappropriate.

Thankyou again, any advice is much appreciated.

#4 Post by **Heather** » Fri May 30, 2008 5:53 pm

Hi Meryaten, thankyou for your reply.

On my referral letter it says

Consultant- Mr Hodder
Speciality- oral surgery/maxillo facial

Do you think that means he also does orthognathic surgery?

Thanks again.

#5 Post by **Heather** » Fri May 30, 2008 6:16 pm

Yes, it is at a hospital.

Ok, thankyou very much for the advice once again, maryaten.

I shall ask on him on monday then. (fingers crossed lol)

I shall post on monday what he says.

#6 Post by **loulou123** » Sat May 31, 2008 6:23 am

Hey Heather

Interestingly i had a similar experiance to you. I was receiving care from a max fax doctor, for a unrelated problem (ish) when he recommended i had braces and jaw surgery. He couldnt refer me himself tho (dont know why, and this was about 5 years ago) and i had to go to my regular dentist, who then had to send a letter to the hospital asking for a referral. (if that makes sense)

Then i went in to see the orthodontsit, who agreed i needed braces and surgery, who then referred me to the oral surgeon.

At my hospital there are several consultant max fax docs, but only the one who does jaw surgery, so the one you see on Monday may or may not know. Worth asking tho.

Good luck.