Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is surgery of the mouth, face and jaw. It's performed when you need more complex dental treatment.

Oral surgeons are highly-trained specialists. They have expertise in surgery of the mouth, face and jaw, including the removal of teeth. When you need surgery or complex dental treatment performed, you will visit an oral surgeon. They will recommend the best treatment plan to suit your needs and make sure you feel comfortable before, during and after your surgery.

You’re in the best care. Oral surgeons have a minimum of five years of additional specialist training to become an oral surgeon. They also have specialist training in sedation techniques and working under general anaesthetic, to help you feel more at ease during surgery.

Need to know

Appointments

  • At least 2 appointments
  • The first consultation visit is where your oral surgeon will go over your surgery, including the cost
  • The next visit will be for the surgery
  • Further appointments may be needed if you have any problems after the surgery

How long it takes

  • The consultation will usually take around 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Treatment visits will usually be at least 1 to 2 hours, however they will vary depending on the scale of the treatment

You may be asked about

  • Your dental history and medical history
  • Your oral health care routine at home

Before your appointment

For the consultation you will not need any special preparation, but you should have knowledge to hand about your dental and medical history.

Before surgery with intravenous or IV sedation you should:

  • Take pre-operative medication at the time prescribed
  • Have someone accompany you and drive you to your appointment
  • Follow the pre-sedation fasting protocol given to you by your dentist
  • Wear something warm and comfortable with loose sleeves

Before having general anaesthetic at the hospital you should:

  • Arrange transportation to and from the hospital
  • Be at the hospital at the time allocated to you
  • Follow the pre-anaesthesia protocol given to you

After your appointment

If you have had any wisdom teeth extraction procedure done:

  • Use ice packs as much as possible to prevent swelling during the first 48 hours
  • Don't rinse your mouth out on the day of the surgery as it will cause bleeding
  • Don't smoke for as long as possible after surgery
  • Be careful with hot food and drinks
  • Eat a soft food diet
  • On the day after the removal, rinse three times a day after meals with warm, salty water
  • Use Savacol mouthwash from the following day, morning and night

If you have had surgery under sedation or general anaesthetic, you must:

  • Be accompanied home
  • Rest for around 2 to 4 hours following surgery
  • Not drive or operate machinery until the following day

Quick tip

It’s normal to experience some swelling and discomfort following oral surgery. We usually recommend taking a couple of days off work to rest. It’s also normal to experience some bleeding or slight oozing from the wounds. Your oral surgeon will give you gauze to help control the bleeding. You will need to bite down with gentle pressure for around 20 to 30 minutes if this happens.

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