Patient Resources
We want every patient to feel informed, prepared, and comfortable before, during, and after treatment. Our Patient Resources page brings together the information you may need before visiting Center for Oral Surgery, including appointment details, patient forms, pre-surgery instructions, imaging information, and a look inside our Wheeling office.
If you have questions that are not answered here, our team is always available to help.
Office Visits
During your first visit to our office, we will review your medical and dental history, go over your diagnosis, and discuss your treatment options.
Occasionally, surgery may be performed on the same day as the consultation. However, we recommend that any oral surgical procedures for children, patients with complex medical conditions or special needs, and patients who are undergoing IV sedation or general anesthesia, include a separate consultation scheduled prior to the procedure.
Please assist us at the time of your first visit to our office by providing the following information:
- Your referral slip (if you have one), health history, and registration forms downloaded from our website
- Any X-rays from your referring dentist (if given), including any panoramic X-ray taken within the past six months
- A current list of medications you are taking (for example, heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.)
- Your dental insurance card, if you are insured
Please arrive about ten minutes prior to your consultation so we can verify any information. A parent or guardian must accompany patients under 18 to this consultation appointment.
Save Time Before Your Visit
You may preregister with our office by filling out our secure online Patient Registration Form. After you have completed the form, please make sure to press the Complete and Send button at the bottom to automatically send us your information.
The security and privacy of your personal data are among our primary concerns and we have taken every precaution to protect them.
Note to Patient: Upon filling out your first name, last name, email, and at least one phone number field (a valid home or cell phone), a button will appear in the upper right corner titled “Save and Exit.” This button allows you to save and exit your form to complete at a later date. The system will send a registration email to the email provided on the form, so you may setup a login to go back and finalize your registration form online.
Prepare for Treatment
Being prepared for your surgery is one of the best ways to ensure your entire experience is a positive one.
General Pre-Surgical Instructions
Unless you receive different instructions from your oral surgeon, keep the following in mind:
- Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for eight hours prior to your appointment. If you take medications, you should take them with a small sip of water no later than three hours prior to your appointment.
- A responsible adult must accompany you to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive you home.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow.
- Remove contact lenses, dental prosthetics (dentures), and jewelry.
- Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
- Fill any prescription pain medications and antibiotics before the day of your surgery.
- If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, or stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.
Be sure to talk to Dr. Duplaga if you currently take medications that contain aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Aleve (naproxen), ibuprofen, or Tylenol (acetaminophen); or anticoagulants such as Coumadin, Plavix, Lovenox, and Heparin.
Detailed Surgical Planning
Modern imaging technology helps Dr. Duplaga better understand the teeth, jaws, bone structure, nerves, sinuses, and surrounding anatomy before treatment.
This detailed information supports accurate diagnosis and allows us to create a treatment plan based on your individual anatomy and needs.
Digital X-rays
Using the most advanced technology is just as important as staying up to date on the latest treatment techniques. Because our practice is dedicated to providing you with the safest and most convenient treatment options available, we utilize advanced digital X-ray technology in our office.
Digital X-rays provide several advanced imaging options designed to save time, provide clearer images, and expose patients to less radiation than traditional X-ray technology.
Our practice is focused on making your oral surgery experience as comfortable as possible. At your next appointment, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about our digital X-ray technology.
Digital CT Imaging
Digital CT imaging systems enable us to provide quick, comfortable, and effective imaging for the most precise diagnosis and treatment planning possible. Digital technology provides 3D data for:
- Dental implants
- Wisdom teeth extractions
- Impactions
- TMJ treatment
- Airway assessments and sleep apnea
- Full facial and jaw 3D images
Special features for patients include:
- One 20-second scan that provides enough data for a complete diagnosis
- A safer diagnosis with less radiation than traditional CT scanners
- Increased comfort; patients are seated in an open environment with plenty of space
- A more cost-effective imaging system
- Data that can be easily shared with patients and referring dentists so all parties stay informed
Our office is pleased to offer digital CT imaging for patients who receive oral surgery at our office.
Make an Appointment
If you have been referred for oral surgery, are experiencing a dental concern, or want to learn more about dental implant treatment, contact Center for Oral Surgery in Wheeling, WV.
Our team can help you schedule an evaluation and determine the next step in your care.