Frequently Asked Questions
What are your payment options?
We accept cash, direct debit, EFTPOS, Mastercard, Visa and MediPay payment plans.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. MediPay Payment Plans are available for your Dental Procedures.
To apply click here or call the MediPay customer care team on 1800 810 950.
Am I required to pay upfront for surgery?
Payment of our surgical fees are required prior to the date of surgery. This will be discussed with you at the time of booking your treatment. You can find payment options listed on the bottom of the quotation supplied during consultation or in the top of the FAQs section on this site. Should you have any further questions in relation to fees, please phone our reception staff on (07) 4771 4443.
What are the patient instructions following surgery?
- PACKS: If present when you go home, take out one hour after surgery.
- SWELLING: Peaks at day 2-3. Can be very mild or very significant, all of which is normal.
- BRUISING: Is also normal and unpredictable.
- BLEEDING: Responds well to direct pressure. Treat by rolling up the corner of a handkerchief into a small ball and pushing directly over the socket where the bleeding is coming from. Bite down on the ball to place firm pressure on the site for 2 hours.
- PAIN: Pain is normal after an operation. The worst pain usually occurs at day 2-4. You should expect pain to subside by day 5-6. Keep taking your pain relief until then.
- NAUSEA Is common and usually related to taking antibiotics or painkillers, both of which can make you feel nauseous. Try stopping any medications with Codeine in it first, i.e. Panadeine Forte.
- NUMBNESS In the first 24 hours is due to the local anaesthetic. Numbness of longer duration is usually transient. Make an appointment for a review if numbness is still there at the 2-week mark. This risk is usually discussed at your consultation.
- INFECTION Is very uncommon. Rarely occurs within the first 4-5 days. Associated with an increase in pain, swelling, fevers and makes you feel unwell. Ring the practice or the emergency number to arrange a review if you are unwell.
- STITCHES Dissolve and fall out from day 3 – 21. This is normal.
- WOUNDS You will see a hole or some flappy bits of gum after the operation. This is normal. The hole will fill in with gum over 6 weeks and the bone will fill in over 6 months.
- SMOKING Do not smoke while you are healing.
- ORAL HYGIENE Do not rinse your mouth until the next day. Rinse with salty water or diluted mouth wash 4 times a day starting the day after surgery. Start brushing your teeth as normal on the day after surgery.
- DIET You can carefully eat whatever you feel like but avoid sharp foods and foods that will lodge in the socket such as rice. Stay well hydrated by drinking fluids.
- DENTURES If dentures were inserted at the time of surgery leave them in until the following day. You can then take them out and clean them as you would your normal teeth. You should arrange a review with your dentist/prosthetist within a week after surgery to take care of any “sore spots”.
FOR 24 HOURS FOLLOWING YOUR ANAESTHETIC YOU MUST NOT:
Consume alcohol, Drive a vehicle/operate heavy machinery, Make important decisions/sign legal documents, and/or Exercise excessively
For a printable version, click here.
Why should I see a Specialist Oral Surgeon over a Dental Oral Surgeon?
Our practitioners have both Medical and Dental Degrees and over 15 years of training. We are the ONLY SPECIALIST Oral Surgery practice in the Townsville Region.
Insist on getting a referral for Specialist care for better outcomes and more affordable surgery. Complication rates and recovery times can be greatly reduced due to the experience and training of our Specialist surgeons. In addition, anaesthetic and hospital costs can be minimized with shorter operating times.
If you have been referred to a non-specialist practice ask to see their qualifications or refer to the AHPRA web site. It may be that your dentist has referred you to another general dentist with an interest in oral surgery.
Do I need a referral?
As medical specialists, referrals are required to enable the patient to make claims with Medicare when attending for “medical” issues. If you are willing to forego your Medicare rebates then a referral is not required.
Referrals are not required for “dental” related treatment and you can still be eligible for rebates under your extras cover with your private health fund.
Referrals can be arranged from your General or Specialist Dentist, General Medical Practitioner or other Allied Health Professional registered with a Medicare provider number.
Referrals for TMJ issues can be arranged by your Dentist, Medical Doctor and/or Physiotherapist with a Medicare provider number.
How soon can I be seen?
With three specialist Surgeons in our practice, we aim to see you as quickly as possible. Your referring Doctor will usually advise us if your appointment is required on an urgent basis. Your Doctor may also advise an appointment with our first available surgeon rather than nominating a specific Surgeon.
What happens if I do not hold private health insurance, can I still be treated?
Yes, treatment is definitely available to patients whether they hold insurance or not. You will be provided with a quotation for our surgical fees at the consultation. Once you book your surgery, you will receive the contact information of both the hospital and anaesthetist so that you can contact them directly for a quotation for any associated fees.
What should I bring to my appointment?
- Your Referral letter
- Your OPG or any other XRay you may have been given
- Your Medicare details
- Your Private Health Insurance details, if you are a member (eg. Bupa, Medibank Private, etc)
- Health Summary from your GP if you have a complicated medical history.
Is it compulsory to make a follow-up appointment?
It depends on the nature of your surgery. You will be advised by one of our clinical staff if an appointment following surgery is required. As most patients are quite busy and have some distance to travel, we leave it to you to contact us if you feel you are having postoperative complications. In the first instance please contact the rooms to discuss your concerns. In some cases advice over the phone is all that is required. If necessary a follow up appointment will be arranged with you at this time.
Will you work with other specialists?
A patient can be referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon by general and specialist dentists and/or medical practitioners. In many instances, we will work alongside other specialists such as Orthodontists, Prosthodontists, ENT surgeons, Ophthalmologists and Oncologists as part of multidisciplinary team to give you, the patient, the best outcome possible.
Why go to us for muscle relaxant injections?
Muscle relaxant injections are widely available these days. One of the most important parts of your treatment is ensuring that the treating practitioner is properly trained, uses safe products and is compliant with the regulations outlined by AHPRA.
Dr Rahmel is a Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon who has spent 10 years focusing on the anatomy, physiology and function of the face and facial skeleton. Dr Rahmel has Bachelors degrees in medicine, surgery, dental science & science majoring in anatomy & physiology, as well as a fellowship in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery from the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
Ann Burbidge is a Registered Nurse (RN) with more than 20 years experience as a surgical nurse. She has further completed a Graduate Diploma in Cosmetic Nursing through AACDS & is a fully qualified cosmetic nurse specialising in not only skin health & laser treatment but also in muscle relaxants and dermal fillers for therapeutic & cosmetic purposes.
Both Dr Rahmel & RN Burbidge are constantly training to keep up-to-date with the latest medical research. Every patient is unique & treatment is tailored to suit the specific needs & concerns of each individual.
Together they are a very experienced team interested in only doing what a patient needs.
What are patient instructions following muscle relaxants?
It is recommended that you attend a review appointment in 2 weeks so your clinician can assess your treatment outcome.
It can take 3 – 7 days to see results.
Best results can take up to 2 weeks.
Results usually last 3 – 4 months.
Following treatment, please:
- Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area.
- Remain upright for 4 hours after the injection.
- Avoid intense exercise or activities involving heat production for 24 hours.
- Avoid restrictive headwear or goggles for 24 hours.
For a printable version, click here.
