Why have I been referred to you and not a hospital?

You have been referred to us because we are a Specialist Oral Surgery clinic. You will be seen by a Specialist Oral Surgeon or similar. The procedure will be the same as your treatment in a hospital.

Why can’t I see my own dentist?

Your dentist may have referred you to a specialist for a number of different reasons. The most common reasons are risk of the tooth breaking during extraction, lack of clear access to the tooth, and patient anxiety (possibly needing sedation).

Can I be seen closer to my home?

There are a limited number of Oral Surgery clinics and you have likely been referred to the one closest to your postcode.

Can I be put ‘to sleep’ for the procedure?

We offer conscious sedation at our clinic; this requires two appointments – an assessment appointment and a treatment appointment. Please feel free to contact us to discuss this and the option of general anaesthetic further.

Can I drive home after the procedure?

After your procedure under local anaesthetic, you are able to drive home afterwards. With sedation you need an escort to drive you home and you must refrain from driving for 24 hours.

Can I return to work after the procedure?

Most patients need to rest after an oral surgery procedure and as such we advise that you do not plan to return to work the same day.

What should I do about my medications?

You should continue your normal medication unless you are told otherwise. It is important that you let your surgeon know if you are taking any medication.

How long does it take?

This varies. Some teeth may take only a few minutes to remove. More difficult teeth may take around 30-45 minutes to extract.

Will it hurt?

After surgery, it is likely that there will be some discomfort and swelling both on the inside and outside of your mouth after surgery. This is usually worse for the first three days but it may take up to two weeks to resolve fully. You may also find that your jaw is stiff and you may need to eat soft foods for a week or so. If it is likely to be particularly sore, your surgeon will arrange for some strong painkillers for you. It may also be necessary for you to have a course of antibiotics after the extraction.

What do I need to do after the surgery?

You will be given instructions on how to look after your mouth following surgery at your appointment. It is important to keep the extraction site as clean as possible for the first few weeks after surgery. It may be difficult to clean your teeth around the site of the extraction because it is sore. If this is the case, it’s best to keep the area free from food debris by gently rinsing with a mouthwash or warm saltwater.

Can I park at the practice?

Yes, there is free parking at the practice

Can I bring somebody with me?

We understand that many of our patients are nervous and want somebody with them at their appointment. We have limited space in the practice for accompanying families and friends and as such these may be asked to wait in the car. Please contact us to discuss any concerns you may have prior to your appointment.

We hope that we have answered your question, however, if it is not listed here please feel free to contact us on 01256 643463 / 07561631296 or email us at info@hossc.co.uk