Q: Do I have to be referred by a dentist to schedule an appointment?
A: You are not required to have a referral; however, it is strongly recommended. Unnecessary visits can be avoided if you first see a general dentist for a full evaluation, x-rays, and cleaning. Your dentist can develop a treatment plan for you and determine if a visit to our office is needed.

Q: The thought of oral surgery frightens me. Is this normal?
A: It is a natural response to be anxious about oral surgery. Dr. Rodgers and his skilled staff make every effort so that your experience is as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

Q: Will I need to have x-rays taken?
A: Yes, current x-rays are required for any dental surgical procedure or exam. Your general dentist can provide you with current x-rays to bring if they have them available. Otherwise, our skilled staff can take the films at your appointment.

Q: Do I need someone to drive me home after surgery, or can I drive?
A: If you are receiving IV sedation, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and to remain with you for several hours following surgery. You should not operate any vehicle or hazardous device on the day of surgery. Patients receiving local anesthetic or nitrous oxide can drive home or have a driver whichever is preferred.

Q: May I eat before I come in for surgery?
A: If you are receiving IV sedation for your procedure, you can have nothing at all to eat or drink for a minimum of six full hours prior to your appointment. Persons receiving local anesthetic and nitrous oxide may eat a light meal prior to the appointment.

Q: How do I know the instruments and materials used are sterile?
A: All instruments are cleaned and then sterilized after each use. Each instrument pack or bundle is tested with chemical indicators to confirm sterilization parameters have been achieved. Our autoclaves (sterilizers) are spore-tested with each use (state of Indiana requires only weekly spore-testing) to ensure it is working properly prior to using the instruments. Each patient receives their own IV bag or nitrous mask to prevent transmission of disease to other patients. Our office was one of the first to exercise these precautions. We have set the standard for monitoring of instrument sterility in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Q: May I stay with my child during surgery?
A: Parents of small children may accompany their child prior to surgery to ask the doctor any questions. However, OSHA regulations and staff and patient safety do not permit bystanders during the surgical procedure.

Q: May I make an appointment for a cleaning?
A: No, Newburgh Oral Surgery, P.C. is a specialty office. Dr. Rodgers successfully completed four years of oral and maxillofacial surgery training at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis. He is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and his practice is limited to oral surgery care. No general dentistry is done.

Q: I have insurance. Do I have to make a payment the day of surgery?
A: Insurance is filed as a courtesy. Due to the length of time many insurance companies take to process claims, it is unfeasible to not require payment the day surgery is performed. Our knowledgeable insurance staff makes every effort to familiarize themselves with the area plans so you will know about what you can expect your insurance to pay.

Q: May I sleep through the surgical procedure?
A: Yes- Dr. Rodgers successfully completed six months of hospital-based anesthesia training as part of his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency. He has sedated thousands of patients. Safety is of utmost importance. Your vital signs will be monitored with modern, high quality equipment that is regularly inspected and maintained by a skilled biomedical electronic technician. Our conscientious doctor and anesthesia assistants use the safest, proven intravenous medications
for your deep sedation.

Dr. Rodgers successfully completed the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology Fellowship examination and is a diplomate of the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology. As of August, 2005 Dr. Rodgers is the only oral and maxillofacial surgeon in the Evansville area who is a diplomate of both the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology.