Here are a few practical ways to plan ahead and reduce the stress of navigating oral surgery expenses:

Request a Pre-Treatment Estimate
Before scheduling any procedure, ask your oral surgeon’s office to provide a detailed treatment plan. Most practices (ours included) will send this to your dental or medical insurance provider for a pre-authorization or pre-treatment estimate, outlining what your plan may cover and any potential out-of-pocket costs. This step helps avoid surprises.

Check for Dual Coverage
Some patients have both dental and medical insurance, or are covered under more than one dental plan (such as through a spouse). If applicable, be sure to ask whether coordination of benefits could help reduce your responsibility for eligible procedures.

Time Treatment Around Your Insurance Plan
Many dental insurance plans have annual benefit maximums and reset each calendar year. If you’re close to reaching your maximum, it may make sense to delay part of your treatment until your plan renews. On the other hand, if you haven’t used much of your benefit this year, now may be the right time to proceed.

Understand Medical Necessity
Not all oral surgery procedures are covered under dental insurance—but some may be covered under your medical insurance if they’re deemed medically necessary. This can include certain extractions, biopsies, or procedures tied to systemic health conditions. We’re happy to help you determine what may qualify.

Ask About Flexible Payment Options
If your procedure isn’t fully covered by insurance, ask about in-office payment plans, third-party financing, or health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Many patients are surprised to learn they can spread out payments or use pre-tax funds to reduce their overall cost.

Schedule Early If You Have Questions
If you’re concerned about timing, coverage, or documentation, don’t wait until the last minute. Scheduling early gives you time to explore options, contact your insurer with questions, and ensure you’re confident in your plan.

5 Reasons Why Summer Break Makes Sense

1. Recovery Fits Holidays — Not School
Wisdom teeth recovery typically takes 3–7 days, and most patients are back to their normal activities within a week. By scheduling surgery in August, students or young adults can heal fully before returning to school or college, avoiding missed classes or orientation tasks.

2. Scheduling Is Easier
With summer schedules more flexible, families (and staff) have greater control over appointment timing. Clinics also tend to have more availability in summer months, simplifying planning for both teens and working adults.

3. Faster Healing for Younger Patients
Younger adults typically heal faster because their wisdom teeth roots aren’t fully developed, making the extraction smoother and reducing risk. Removing wisdom teeth before complications arise also lowers the chance of nerve-related or bone issues later on.

4. Ideal Conditions for Post‑Op Care
Summer’s warm, calm environment supports recovery. Patients can comfortably rest at home, follow a soft-food diet, and avoid strenuous activity. Plus, family members are often around to help during early recovery days.

5. Use Dental Insurance Benefits Efficiently
By mid-year, many patients have not reached their insurance limits. Scheduling wisdom teeth removal in late summer allows patients to maximize remaining benefits before they reset at year’s end.

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Learn more about our dental services and schedule your consultation today.  All of our surgeons at Oral and Facial Surgery are board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and, with locations in Hagerstown, Maryland and Chambersburg, you’re sure to find an office nearby. Call us in Maryland at 301-791-1700 or 717-264-7828 in Pennsylvania. We look forward to answering your questions!

The information provided on this website should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition and is not meant to take the place of professional medical advice. If you think you have a medical problem, please seek the advice of a physician. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

Richard Kramer, Gary Koterwas, and everyone at Oral and Facial Surgery are pleased to welcome our new associate, Dr. Chris Hackett, who will be joining the practice on August 18, 2025. Coming from a family of doctors who have dedicated themselves to the care of our community, he is excited to fulfill a long-term dream of returning to his hometown to practice.

Dr. Hackett has a strong interest in dentoalveolar surgery and dental implants. He is also looking forward to providing care for dental and facial trauma, orthognathic surgery, TMD management, and the full scope of the specialty.

Dr. Hackett completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He earned his DDS from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University, both with high honors.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Hackett enjoys spending time with his wife, Caroline, along with family and friends. He also enjoys traveling, cooking, playing soccer, and giving back to the local community.

Why Now Might Be the Right Time for Oral Surgery

As the weather warms up and calendars start to fill with summer plans—vacations, weddings, and time off from school—it’s worth thinking ahead if you’ve been putting off oral surgery.

Spring is often an ideal time for procedures like wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, or corrective jaw surgery. Recovery can be more comfortable when you’re not juggling holiday schedules or sweltering in peak summer heat, and a little planning now means you’ll be fully healed and ready to enjoy everything summer brings.

It’s also a good time for students or teachers who have a break coming up and want to avoid disruptions during the school year.

If you’ve been considering treatment, now’s a good time to talk through your options, timing, and any questions you may have.

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Learn more about our dental services and schedule your consultation today.  All of our surgeons at Oral and Facial Surgery are board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and, with locations in Hagerstown, Maryland and Chambersburg, you’re sure to find an office nearby. Call us in Maryland at 301-791-1700 or 717-264-7828 in Pennsylvania. We look forward to answering your questions!

The information provided on this website should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition and is not meant to take the place of professional medical advice. If you think you have a medical problem, please seek the advice of a physician. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

What Can I Expect During My Visit with an Oral Surgeon?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) are specialists who diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions related to the face, mouth, and jaws. Their training covers both medical and dental aspects, allowing them to handle complex cases with expertise in both surgical and non-surgical solutions. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common procedures performed by a maxillofacial surgeon and what you can expect when visiting our practice.

Common Procedures in Maxillofacial Surgery

1. Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Tooth Removal
   Removing impacted wisdom teeth or teeth affected by disease is one of the most common procedures OMFS perform. These extractions are done to alleviate pain, prevent misalignment, or remove infections.
2. Dental Implant Surgery
   When teeth are missing or need replacing, maxillofacial surgeons perform dental implant procedures. Implants act as a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth, offering a long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
3. Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
   For patients with jaw misalignment, speech issues, or bite problems, corrective jaw surgery helps improve function and facial symmetry. This procedure can also alleviate breathing problems related to structural jaw issues.
4. Facial Trauma Surgery
   OMFS are skilled in repairing facial fractures and injuries resulting from accidents or trauma. This includes stabilizing and reconstructing bones, nerves, and soft tissues to restore function and appearance.
5. Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)
   Chronic jaw pain and TMJ disorders can severely impact quality of life. Oral surgeons can provide both surgical and non-surgical treatments to alleviate pain and improve jaw function.
6. Oral Cancer Diagnosis and Surgery
   Maxillofacial surgeons also play a vital role in diagnosing and surgically treating oral cancers. Early intervention by a specialist can improve outcomes significantly.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When visiting a maxillofacial surgeon, your initial consultation is focused on understanding your concerns, symptoms, and medical history. Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation
   The surgeon will perform an examination and, if necessary, request imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to gain a full understanding of your condition. This is critical to planning an effective treatment.
2. Customized Treatment Plan
   Based on the evaluation, the surgeon will discuss possible treatment options, including surgical and non-surgical choices. You’ll receive a detailed explanation of each option, along with potential risks and expected recovery times.
3. Sedation and Pain Management
   For most procedures, OMFS offers various forms of sedation to ensure your comfort during surgery. Pain management options will be discussed thoroughly so you can prepare for recovery at home.
4. Recovery Guidance
   After your procedure, you’ll receive personalized post-operative instructions and follow-up care. The goal is to support healing, manage discomfort, and minimize the risk of complications.

Whether you’re seeking help for a specific dental issue or have a more complex facial concern, a maxillofacial surgeon can provide expert, compassionate care. Understanding the types of procedures and what to expect during your visit can make the experience smoother and help you feel more comfortable about your treatment.

All of our surgeons at Oral and Facial Surgery are board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and, with locations in Hagerstown, Maryland and Chambersburg, you’re sure to find an office nearby. Call us in Maryland at 301-791-1700 or 717-264-7828 in Pennsylvania. We look forward to answering your questions.

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The information provided on this website should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition and is not meant to take the place of professional medical advice. If you think you have a medical problem, please seek the advice of a physician. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.