1. Pain and Discomfort
This unfortunately follows any extraction or surgical procedure but can generally be well managed with appropriate analgesics (pain killers). The discomfort is usually worse over the first few days. There may still be some pain up to 2 weeks after the teeth have been removed.
2. Swelling
The amount of swelling depends on each person and the difficulty of the extraction. The swelling is usually worse two to three days after the surgery and can last for up to a week. Some bruising of the cheek and the area under the jaw may also be seen. Ice packs used in the first 24 hours (20min on – 20min off) may lessen the amount of swelling.
3. Jaw Stiffness
This is due to the swelling and the fact that the muscles that open and close the jaw become tight after the surgery. You may find it difficult to open your mouth wide due to this stiffness. It can take two weeks for this stiffness to resolve and for jaw opening to return to normal.
All surgical procedures have some risks associated with them. The following complications, although uncommon, may occur during extractions.
1. Numbness or change in sensation (feeling) of the lower lip or tongue.
Two nerves lie close to the lower wisdom teeth. One nerve gives feeling to the lower lip and chin on one side of the face. The other nerve gives feeling and taste to one side of the tongue. During the extraction of lower wisdom teeth, either or both of these nerves can be damaged.
If the nerve to the lip is damaged, then there can be a change in the way the lip/chin feels. There can be complete or partial loss of feeling as well as ‘pins and needles’ tingling feelings or more rarely, burning or painful sensations. If there is loss of feeling to the lower lip/chin you may not be able to feel saliva or foods stuck on the lip, or feel the temperature of foods and drinks. Men may find shaving difficult.
If the nerve to the tongue is damaged, similar changes to one side of the tongue may occur. Taste on one side of the tongue can also be partly or completely lost. If there was any loss of feeling of the tongue it may lead to accidental biting of the tongue. There may also be a change in speech.
In most cases any loss of feeling or change in feeling will resolve within six months. In a small number of cases (less than 1%) the loss or change in feeling can remain permanently (forever). There are some surgical treatments available if this does occur but they are not always effective and are not suitable for every patient.
2. Infection
Occasionally, an infection can develop in the socket from which the tooth is removed. This may require further treatment including antibiotics and drainage of any abscess that may form. Very rarely it may be necessary to have this infection treated in hospital.
3. Bleeding
Sometimes there can be extended periods of bleeding from the extraction socket after the tooth is removed. Biting firmly on a piece of gauze for 20 minutes can usually control this. Further instructions will be given to you following the surgery. Please be sure to inform the dentist if you have had any previous problems with bleeding or there has been a history of bleeding problems in your family.
4. Dry Socket
This is a painful condition that sometimes develops after extractions (5-8%). It is easily treated and is often due to smoking in the first 48 hours after the extraction. Following the instructions that you will be given after the surgery will greatly reduce your chances of developing a dry socket.
5. Sinus Problems
Infrequently during the extraction of upper back teeth, a small hole may form in the socket which can allow air or fluids to flow between the sinus (an air space in the top jaw) and the mouth. If this occurs you will be given extra instructions after the surgery. This may require further treatment later. If you have had upper back teeth removed, try not to blow your nose or use a straw for the first few days after surgery.
6. Other risks
Other risks include: damage to adjacent teeth or fillings, damage to adjacent soft tissues (eg lip or tongue), fracture of the jaw and tenderness of the TMJ (jaw joint).
Yes. Every piece of equipment used at Northside Dental and Implant Centre is autoclaved to achieve sterility, tracked using bar codes and exceeds the standards set by the Practice Infection Control Accreditation Board.
Yes. The Turramurra practice has a large council car park to the rear of the building. Access is from Turramurra Avenue. The Hornsby practice has on-site parking, either in front or to the rear of the house.
Yes. The Turramurra practice has wheelchair access from the Highway side. All five surgeries are large enough to accommodate a wheelchair. A hoist is available on site for patient transfers.
The Hornsby practice is also wheelchair compatible.
Yes. All patients with DVA cards are welcome
Yes. We do request you mention this at the time of booking an appointment, so that the necessary paperwork can be prepared prior to your arrival. You will be provided with a quote prior to treatment beginning and you will need to accept the quote by signing.
Please be aware that you will still be required to pay us in full at the time of appointment. You will then claim from Medicare yourself. We do not process Medicare payments on your behalf.
Everyone is different. A minimum time a patient will be monitored in recovery is 1 hour. The average time to discharge is just over an hour. Depending on the age and fitness of the patient, a patient may be discharged into the care of a responsible adult anywhere from 1 to 3 hours.
Yes. At Northside Dental and Implant Centre, we have been treating phobic patients for many years. We have the ability to provide dental services ranging from treatment with ‘happy gas’ to Conscious Sedation (Intravenous Sedation) and up to General Anaesthetics.
We have helped many patients over the years to overcome their dental fear and anxiety, with many patients now accepting dental treatment without any form of sedation.
We have on many occasions conducted our initial interview outside the building, with people whose anxiety levels would not allow them to enter the building.
Yes. At Northside Dental and Implant Centre, we use the latest low dose scanning unit to take OPG radiographs as well as 3-Dimensional Scanning.
The ability to take 3-D scans on site increases our ability to diagnose and treatment plan all forms of surgery.
You can. Please obtain a 'Release of Records' authority form from our receptionists, fill it in and submit it to your current practitioner. They will send through your records and x-rays by email for inclusion on our computerized system.
Please obtain a 'Release of Records from Northside Dental & Implant Centre' form from our receptionists. Fill it in and once your dentist has signed off on your request, our receptionist will ensure your records and x-rays are forwarded by email to your new dentists.
We no longer accept Amex but we do accept Visa and MasterCard.
You most certainly can.
