If you think you need oral surgery, take a moment before you pick up that phone. Ask yourself when was the last time

you visited a dentist? If it's been more than six months, you may want to consider getting checked out by a general dentist first. Your symptoms can be the result of any number of dental conditions, and only a dentist can tell you whether the dental problems you have requires oral surgery.

Your general dentist may recommend a more traditional, cost-effective dental treatment before moving on to an oral surgery procedure. So if you're experiencing tooth discomfort, follow the right steps by contacting a general dentist first.