top of page

FAQ

Here are some common answers to questions from what you can expect with your first visit onward. Can't find the answer you are looking for? Just reach out and contact us. See you soon!

 

  • What forms of payment do you accept?
    We take all major credit cards with the exception of American Express. We also accept cash, check, and Care Credit.
  • What type of insurance do you accept? Is it filed under my medical or dental?
    We take all private insurance companies. As a courtesy to you, we will file a claim with your insurance company for you. We do not accept the Illinois State Medical Card (All Kids/Well Care) Insurance. If you are uninsured, we accept Care Credit, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, cash or check.
  • Why do I need a consultation, I already consulted my dentist?"
    Dr. Escobar needs to meet with you to go over your health history, take new XRAYS if needed, discuss anesthesia options, suggest treatment, and lastly, you need to meet with our financial coordinator to go over insurance benefits.
  • What type of XRAYS do I need and why?
    We typically require a panoramic XRAY that is six months current. We also take a iCAT Conebeam 3-D CT Scan for select patients, usually in cases where patients are interested in dental implants, but also to diagnose a wide array of other dental abnormalities such as supernumerary teeth, cysts, TMJ, fractures, facial abnormalities and sleep apnea.
  • Will I be all the way asleep for my procedure?
    If you choose to undergo general anesthesia, you will be completely asleep.
  • Why chose an implant vs. a bridge?
    A dental implant is the best option on the market to replace a missing tooth. It looks and feels like your natural tooth, and it also allows you to clean around it like a natural tooth to help promote a clean and healthy mouth. With a dental implant you don't compromise the adjacent teeth like you do in a bridge situation. With a bridge, your dentist would file down your neighboring teeth which could cause sensitivity and allow cavities to potentially form under the crowns that could go undiagnosed and cause you to lose the bridge. With a dental implant, the bone is stable and the implant actually prevents the bone from deteriorating away. Implants have a 96% success rate and are cost comparative to the bridge option.
  • Why does my driver have to stay in the waiting room while I am in surgery?
    We ask that you have a responsible adult here with you the day of surgery who can make decisions on your behalf should Dr. Escobar need to know something in regards to your health history while you are under IV sedation.
  • I had my surgery 3 days ago. Why is my face more swollen today?
    If you have had a tooth/teeth extracted here in the office, you should expect to have post-operative swelling. The body usually has its worst day for swelling and associated pain on the third and fourth days following the procedure. Just remember to apply ice to the area the first 24 hours only, and then rest/sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
  • What can I eat after my procedure?
    We would suggest a soft diet for the first 4-6 days following surgery A soft diet consists of any food you can mash with a fork. Examples include scrambled eggs, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, soup, etc. All dairy should be avoided the first 24 hours. Do not drink beverages through a straw for 1 week following surgery.
  • Can I brush my teeth after surgery?
    Yes, you can and should brush your teeth after your procedure. It is very important to keep the mouth clean to speed up the recovery process. Just avoid the extraction sites directly with your toothbrush, but do clean as close as you can, avoiding running your brush over potential sutures we could have placed.
  • If Dr. Escobar had me stop medications before surgery, when can I restart those following my surgery?"
    Either Dr. Escobar or his nurse will give you special instructions the day of your procedure on when to restart your medications.
  • What medications do I need to stop before surgery?
    Plavix, Coumadin, and Warfarin should all be stopped 3 full days prior to your procedure. (Before stopping any blood-thinning medications on your own, please consult with your cardiologist directly.) Please stop Vitamin C, Naproxen, Advil, Ibuprofen, and Fish Oil (if you take these daily) 5-6 days before your procedure.
  • What days does Dr. Escobar perform surgery?
    Dr. Escobar performs surgery Monday through Friday.
  • How soon can I get in for a consultation?
    You can schedule a consultation generally within one week or less. Surgical appointments are usually within a week of your consultation visit.
  • Can I just call in to get my biopsy results?
    No, Dr. Escobar prefers to have his patients follow up in person with him to go over the biopsy results regardless of diagnosis. He feels it is very important to explain in detail your diagnosis, evaluate your healing, and also let you know what to expect in the future.
  • Do I need a referral to come to your office?
    No, you do not need a referral to see Dr. Escobar. However, if your insurance company requires you to have one, then you can obtain that from your dentist.
  • Is sedation safe?
    Yes, the sedation is very safe. Dr. Escobar is board certified to perform general anesthesia in the office, and all of his nurses and assistants are ACLS certified.
FAQ

First Visits & Anesthesia Details

FIRST VISIT

​

Please bring to your appointment:

 

  • Your surgical referral provided by your dentist or Physician and any x-rays (if applicable).

  • A list of medications you are presently taking.

  • Your Medical and dental insurance cards.

  • Completed forms that are available for download below. (Medical history and Implant Consent, if applicable).

 

 

ANESTHESIA

 

Local Anesthesia:  medication is injected into the area to create a "numbing effect".

Intravenous Anesthesia: injection of sedative/anesthetic drugs into a vein to produce an altered level of consciousness.  Instructions

Nitrous Oxide: this gas may be utilized to attain a relaxed state, often in combination with one of the other techniques.

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTRAVENOUS ANESTHESIA

 

  • Do not eat or drink for 8 hours prior to your surgical visit.  Children and diabetics should fast for 6 hours.

  • Patient must be accompanied by an adult who will remain in the waiting area throughout the procedure. 

  • A parent or legal guardian must accompany minors.

  • No tight clothing should be worn and short sleeve shirts only.

  • Nail polish, dentures, eye glasses, and contact lenses should be removed.

First Visits & Anesthesia
After Care Instructions

Patient Aftercare Documents

After Care Following Extraction
After Care Following Implant or Bone Graft
After Care Following Oral Biopsy

Patient Medical History & Notice of Privacy Practices

Patient History & HIPPA
Patient Medical History
HIPPA Notice of Privacy Practices
HIPPA Patient Form
bottom of page