Your Visit
We've streamlined appointments with our office from start to finish. Here's what you need to know.
Before Your First Visit
Your first visit at Gantry Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery will usually be a consultation appointment. Here, we’ll gather your information, take any needed imaging, and discuss your treatment plan in a private, relaxed, dedicated consultation space.
For patients being referred for emergency same-day surgery, please avoid eating or drinking for at least 8 hours before your visit, if possible, to keep sedation options available. For the same reason, we also recommend bringing a companion to assist you with getting home.
Please make sure to bring a photo ID, your medical and dental insurance information, and any referral forms you may have been given.
Finances
Navigating the financial aspects of your care should be simple and stress-free. With insurance support and flexible payment plans, you can focus on your health with less worry.
Working With Insurance
When choosing a surgeon, we understand that insurance can be an important part of the decision. Gantry Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery operates as a fee-for-service practice, meaning we do not accept insurance as direct payment. We do, however, work with most PPO plans by submitting courtesy claims on your behalf, and reimbursements are sent directly to you by your insurer after surgery. This model ensures your care is guided by your actual needs—not by cost‑cutting policies or coverage restrictions—so every recommendation and visit gets the time and attention it deserves.
Paying Over Time
We believe financial concerns shouldn't stand in the way of essential surgical needs. That's why we've partnered with trusted healthcare lenders to offer flexible payment plans, many of which are interest-free with generous repayment terms. These options allow you to spread the cost of your treatment over time, making the high-quality care you deserve more accessible.
Before Your Day of Surgery
If you have time beforehand, obtaining and preparing foods to eat during recovery can be helpful. You can also pick up any prescriptions prior to surgery if you were first seen for a consultation—just ask us!
It's normal to feel a bit nervous before the big day. If you were prescribed medication for anxiety, take it as prescribed (usually an hour before bedtime the night before, as well as on the morning of your surgery). All other routine medications may generally be continued as usual. Your doctor will advise you if otherwise, but please contact us if you have any questions about this!
Pre-Sedation Instructions
If you’re scheduled to have intravenous sedation or general anesthesia for your surgery, please keep in mind the following directions:
No Food or Drink Before Surgery
To minimize the risk of nausea or vomiting from anesthesia, it is essential that your stomach be empty before the procedure. Please avoid any food and drink for 8 hours prior to your appointment. Exception: small sips of clear fluids (like water) are permitted up until 2 hours before your scheduled surgery. Routine medications should still be taken with small sips of water unless otherwise instructed.
Bring a Friend
Sedation can leave you feeling drowsy or mentally clouded for several hours after the procedure. For your safety, a responsible, trusted adult must accompany you home after your surgery. Please note that we cannot discharge you alone to the care of a taxi or rideshare service.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
We’ll need to place small monitoring pads on your chest and may insert an IV near the crook of your elbow. Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing will make this easier. The room can be chilly, so short-sleeved tops and long pants are ideal.
Avoid Smoking Prior to Your Visit
Tobacco and marijuana smoke can irritate your airways and increase secretions while you're under anesthesia, which makes it harder to breathe than when you're awake. Avoiding smoking on the day of surgery (or longer, if possible) will help reduce airway complications and keep you safer.
Inform Us About Recent Illnesses
If you currently have (or have had within the past month) a cold, cough, or respiratory illness, please notify us before your appointment. Undergoing sedation while sick can increase risks, so it’s important to discuss this with us beforehand.
After Surgery Care
We'll review all post-op instructions with you and your companion(s) before you leave to make sure you feel confident about your recovery process. If you need a refresher or want to prepare ahead of time, you can access our printable PDF instruction sheet here.
We provide a post-op care package with helpful items to help you along on your recovery. If you find something missing or unclear, let us know! We’re here to help as long as needed.
