Patient Information | Gateway Oral Surgery in St. Louis
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What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment at Gateway Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of St. Louis is the foundation of your treatment journey. During this initial consultation, our team will review your medical history, examine any diagnostic materials (such as X-rays or CT scans), and discuss your diagnosis and personalized treatment options.
Each case is unique. Some procedures may be scheduled for a later date, depending on your medical needs, treatment goals, or anesthesia requirements. If you're looking for a trusted oral surgeon in Clayton, MO, we provide expert care backed by clear communication and thorough preparation.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To ensure a smooth and productive visit, please bring the following:
- Surgical referral slip (if provided)
- X-rays or CT scans from your referring dentist or physician
- List of medications, including non-prescription supplements
- Dental and medical insurance cards
- Completed patient forms
If your provider hasn’t already forwarded your X-rays to our office, we recommend picking them up and bringing them with you. Digital X-rays may also be emailed to xrays@gatewayoralstl.com.
CT Scans and 3D Imaging
During your consultation, we may recommend a cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan. This 3D imaging allows for highly accurate diagnosis and surgical planning, offering more detail than traditional two-dimensional X-rays. CT scans are particularly helpful for:
- Dental implant planning
- TMJ disorder evaluation
- Airway analysis
- Bone grafting assessment
Our advanced imaging ensures we deliver the most precise, safe, and personalized surgical outcomes possible.
Pre-Surgical Instructions
If your treatment involves sedation or a surgical procedure, you will receive detailed preoperative instructions. In general:
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery
- Arrange for a responsible adult (18 or older) to accompany you and drive you home
- Your driver must remain onsite during the procedure
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves on the day of surgery
- Avoid wearing makeup, contact lenses, or jewelry
Certain health conditions — such as asthma, high blood pressure, or the presence of artificial heart valves or joints — may affect how we plan your treatment. Please inform our team of any medical concerns or current medications, especially blood thinners, aspirin, or cardiac medications.
Insurance and Payment Information
We accept many major dental and medical insurance providers. If you’re searching for oral surgeons that take Delta Dental, our team can assist in confirming your plan details.
To help maximize your benefits, please bring your insurance card and policy information to your first visit. Our staff will verify coverage, explain your benefits, and help coordinate reimbursement for covered procedures.
We accept:
- Visa, MasterCard, American Express
- Debit cards and personal checks
- HSA and FSA payments
If you need financing support, we also work with third-party providers such as CareCredit. Our goal is to make quality surgical care accessible and financially manageable.
Patient Forms
To streamline your visit, we recommend completing your forms ahead of time.
Downloadable forms include:
- Patient Referral Form
- Confidential Patient Information
- Confidential Medical Information
- Acknowledgement Receipt
- Financial Policy
- NPO Sedation Instructions
Patients may also use our secure online Patient Registration Form. After completing the required fields, press “Complete and Send” to submit the form directly. If needed, you may save and exit your form and return later via a registration email.
Our Commitment to Clear, Supportive Care
As a trusted gateway oral surgeon in the St. Louis area, we believe patients deserve clarity and confidence throughout their experience. Whether you’re preparing for dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, or another oral surgery procedure, our board-certified surgeons and experienced staff are here to guide you with compassion and professionalism.
For additional insights on surgical procedures and recovery tips, visit our Patient Education section.