These are the questions patients ask us most often before and after oral surgery, answered directly by the team at Babston Oral Surgery in Mobile, AL. Each answer links to a page with more detail. If your question is not here, call or text new-patient line (251) 758-4700 or request an appointment and we will answer it personally.
Consultations and Scheduling
How soon can I see an oral surgeon?
Often very quickly. For most patients we can complete the consultation and the procedure on the same day, which means fewer visits and faster relief. If you would rather take time to think it over, we are glad to schedule surgery for a later date. Read why same-day consults and surgery matter.
How long does an oral surgery consultation take?
Plan on a focused visit rather than a quick drop-in. Dr. Babston reviews your medical and dental history, examines you, takes imaging if it is needed and explains your diagnosis and options. If you are having surgery the same day, plan extra time for the procedure and recovery before you head home.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of your current medications and any X-rays or referral notes from your dentist. You can complete our insurance and medication intake form ahead of time to speed things up.
Who is Dr. Babston?
Dr. Michael W. Babston, DMD, MD, is a dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He trained at the UAB School of Dentistry and the UAB School of Medicine and served as chief resident of UAB’s oral and maxillofacial surgery program before bringing his practice to Mobile. Meet Dr. Babston.
Sedation and Anesthesia
Can I be put to sleep for a tooth extraction?
Yes. We offer several levels of sedation, from nitrous oxide and oral sedation to IV sedation and general anesthesia for more complex procedures. Dr. Babston recommends the right level based on your health history, the procedure and how anxious you feel. Learn more about being put to sleep for an extraction.
What types of sedation do you offer?
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) helps you relax while staying awake, and you can drive yourself home. Oral sedation creates a deeper calm. IV sedation is stronger, and you may not remember parts of the procedure. General anesthesia lets you sleep through complex surgery. See sedation dentistry in Mobile, AL.
Who monitors me while I am sedated?
Our full-time Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) stays with you throughout your procedure to keep you safe and comfortable.
Can I eat or drink before IV sedation?
No. If you are going to be put to sleep, you should have nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before surgery. You may take morning medications with a sip of water only, and you should not skip blood pressure medication. Call us if you are diabetic or unsure about any medication.
Do I need a driver?
If you are having IV sedation or general anesthesia, yes. Someone must drive you to the appointment, stay at the office or in the parking lot during the procedure and stay with you until the next day.
Wisdom Teeth and Extractions
Do my wisdom teeth need to come out?
Not always. Wisdom teeth usually arrive between ages 17 and 25, and many do not have enough room to come in properly. Removal is usually recommended when they are impacted, growing at an angle, partly erupted, infected or damaging nearby teeth. Read when wisdom teeth need to come out and when they don’t, or see wisdom teeth removal in Mobile, AL.
Can I have a tooth pulled the same day?
In many cases, yes. Same-day extraction is available for many patients after the consultation, especially when a tooth is causing pain. See same-day tooth extraction.
Can I have surgery if I have a tooth infection?
Often, yes. Removing the source of the infection is frequently part of treating it, and Dr. Babston may prescribe an antibiotic to take the same day. Swelling that spreads, fever or trouble swallowing needs urgent attention, so call us right away. Read about tooth infections and how oral surgery helps.
Dental Implants and Bone Grafting
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium or zirconia that is placed into the jawbone. Once it bonds with the bone, it can support a crown, a bridge or a denture. See dental implants in Mobile, AL.
Are dental implants worth it?
For many people, yes. With proper care, implants can last decades or even a lifetime, they look and feel like natural teeth, and they help preserve the jawbone that shrinks after a tooth is lost. Read everything you need to know about dental implants in Alabama.
Why would I need a bone graft?
An implant needs enough healthy bone to hold it. When bone has been lost after an extraction, gum disease or years without a tooth, a graft rebuilds that foundation. See bone grafting in Mobile, AL.
Recovery and Aftercare
How long does recovery take after oral surgery?
Most patients return to a normal diet within a few days, advancing from soft foods after two to three days as comfort allows. Stitches, if you have them, dissolve over three to five days. Every patient heals differently, so follow the instructions we give you.
What can I eat after tooth extraction?
Stick to soft foods for the first few days: soups, yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, grits, oatmeal, ice cream and milkshakes eaten with a spoon. Avoid straws for a week, since suction can lead to a dry socket. See what to eat and avoid after oral surgery.
How do I prevent a dry socket?
Do not use straws for a week, and avoid rinsing, swishing and spitting for the first five days. If you feel you must rinse, do it gently. Keep firm pressure on the gauze until bleeding stops.
How do I control swelling and pain?
Use an ice pack for the first 48 hours, 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off. Long-lasting numbing medicine usually covers the first three to four hours. Eat something before taking prescription pain medication, and take pain medication as directed to stay ahead of discomfort. Dr. Babston calls you the night of surgery to check in.
Emergencies and Dental Trauma
What should I do after a dental injury?
Stay calm, control bleeding with gentle pressure and call us right away. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown, not the root, and keep it moist in milk or saliva on the way to the office. Head to the ER for a head injury or heavy bleeding. Read first steps after emergency tooth trauma and see tooth trauma treatment.
When do I need emergency tooth removal?
Severe pain, swelling, a cracked tooth that cannot be saved or an infection that keeps coming back are all reasons to call. See emergency tooth removal in Mobile, AL.
Insurance and Payment
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most insurance plans, and our team will verify your coverage, explain your benefits and help with claims. Before your procedure you receive a clear breakdown of costs. Details are in our patient resources.
What payment options do you offer?
We accept cash, all major credit cards and CareCredit, a healthcare financing option that lets you spread the cost into monthly payments.
Visit Babston Oral Surgery
Our office is at 100 S University Blvd, Suite A, Mobile, AL 36608, open Monday through Thursday 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 7:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We also care for patients from Daphne, Fairhope, Foley and across the Gulf Coast. New patients can call or text (251) 758-4700 or request an appointment online.