FAQ

Not necessarily no. We do take bookings direct from patients. However, If you have a regular Dentist most of the time a referral from them will streamline your treatment with us. We do not offer general dental treatments and your regular dentist will refer you to us for very specific work, such as removal of your wisdom teeth or placement of dental implants. It is always advantageous to have your general dentist look at your case overall, diagnose any issues you have and discuss all the options for treatment that apply to your case. If you are then referred to us for treatment everyone is on the same page and clear about what is required.

Please bring your referral letter (if applicable), any relevant X-rays or scans provided by your referring practitioner, your Medicare card, and private health insurance details. As oral surgery procedures are invasive by nature It’s also necessary to have a list of your current medications the details of you medical history. Arriving 10-15 minutes early will give you time to complete any necessary paperwork.

Coverage for oral surgery varies significantly depending on your specific private health insurance policy and level of cover. We will provide you with a detailed quote for your procedure after your consultation. We strongly recommend contacting your insurer directly with this quote to understand your exact out-of-pocket expenses and confirm your eligibility for rebates.

“We strive to make our services accessible. We accept various payment methods including EFTPOS, credit card, and direct bank transfer. We can process HICAPS claims for your private health fund on the spot where applicable.

Yes, if required. We offer treatment under local anaesthesia where appropriate, and also the option to have your treatment completed under general anaesthesia in Hospital to ensure your comfort, and allow us to do the procedure in an optimal setting. Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate option for your procedure, health, and anxiety levels during your consultation.

Depending on the complexity of your procedure and your individual needs, your surgery may be performed in our practice under local anaesthetic or sedation, or at one of the local hospitals under general anaesthetic. We will discuss the recommended location during your consultation.

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often don’t have enough space to erupt properly in the jaw. This can lead to them becoming impacted (stuck), growing at an angle, or only partially emerging. Such issues can cause pain, infection (pericoronitis), damage to adjacent teeth, cysts, or make oral hygiene difficult, necessitating their removal.

Recovery time varies based on the complexity of the extraction. Generally, significant pain and swelling subside within 3-7 days. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days, but it may take a few weeks for complete healing. We’ll provide detailed post-operative instructions to aid your recovery.

Initially, you should stick to soft, cool foods like smoothies, yoghurt, mashed potatoes, and soft soups. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as tolerated. Avoid hot, crunchy, or chewy foods, and refrain from using straws, as this can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a painful ‘dry socket’.

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Once integrated with the bone, they provide a stable foundation for a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture, effectively replacing missing teeth and restoring function and aesthetics.

Most healthy adults with good general and oral health are potential candidates for dental implants. Key factors include sufficient jawbone density and healthy gums. We will conduct a thorough examination, including 3D imaging (CBCT scan), to assess your suitability and create a personalised treatment plan.

The entire dental implant process typically spans several months. This includes the initial surgical placement of the implant, a healing period (osseointegration) of 3-6 months for the implant to fuse with the bone, and then the placement of the abutment and final restoration (crown, bridge, or denture). Each case is unique, and we’ll provide a detailed timeline during your consultation.

We will prescribe or recommend appropriate pain medication to manage any discomfort. It’s important to take medication as directed. Applying ice packs to the outside of your face in 20-minute intervals can also help reduce swelling and pain, especially in the first 24-48 hours.

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process. Applying ice packs to the surgical area intermittently for the first 24-48 hours is highly effective. Keeping your head elevated, even when sleeping, can also help minimise swelling.

It’s crucial to rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least 24-48 hours after surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines based on your procedure. Generally, you should avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, and activities that could dislodge the blood clot for at least a week, or until advised otherwise.