Background Information

Oral and maxillofacial surgery requires additional years of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training after graduation from dental school. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Tuggle in Albuquerque New Mexico manages a wide variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and facial regions. Dr. Tuggle practices a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Sandia Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center in Albuquerque New Mexico with expertise ranging from dental implant surgery and wisdom tooth removal to corrective jaw surgery. This also includes techniques designed to rebuild bone structure with minimal surgical intervention and optimal patient comfort. We can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries, and fractures.

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First Visit

Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. Occasionally, surgery can be performed the same day as the consultation. However, a complex medical history or treatment plan will require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:

• Your surgical referral slip and any Panoramic/CT x-rays if applicable
• A list of medications you are presently taking
• If you have dental insurance, please bring your insurance card and a current picture ID

IMPORTANT: All patients under the age of 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation visit.

A preoperative consultation and physical examination is mandatory for patients undergoing IV anesthesia for surgery. Please have nothing to eat or drink eight hours prior to your surgery. You will also need an adult to drive you home.

Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e., diabetes, severe asthma,  high blood pressure, pregnancy,  artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are currently taking any medication (i.e., heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.).

X-Rays

If your dentist or physician has taken x-rays, you may request that they forward them to our office. If there is not enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office. We must have either a copy of your current Panoramic Radiograph from your dentist or we will have to take an additional radiograph for evaluation of your condition.

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Scheduling

Sandia Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center in Albuquerque New Mexico is open:

• Monday through Thursday from 8am to 4pm
• Fridays from 8am to 12pm

We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day.

We try our best to stay on schedule to minimize your waiting. Due to the fact Dr. Tuggle provides many types of dental services, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for a procedure. Emergency cases can also arise and cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

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Financial Information

For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Payment plans through Care Credit We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients, therefore payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us at 505-291-9600. Many times, a simple telephone call will clear any misunderstandings.

Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage.

We will send you a monthly statement. Most insurance companies will respond within four to six weeks. Please call our office if your statement does not reflect your insurance payment within that time frame. Any remaining balance after your insurance has paid is your responsibility. Your prompt remittance is appreciated. We can make arrangements for a monthly payment plan, but that must be implemented prior to the actual procedure.

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Insurance

At Sandia Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Centerwe make every effort to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this we work hand-in-hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures. If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff. They are well informed and up-to-date. They can be reached by phone at 505 291-9600.

» Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit.
» Please bring your insurance information and a current Picture ID with you to the consultation so that we can expedite reimbursement.

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