Patient Information
surgery at qpSc
Surgery at Quay Park Surgical Centre (QPSC)Quay Park Surgical Centre is a purpose-built surgical facility located on the 2nd floor of the Quay Park Health building. It has 3 operating theatres and a ward for overnight stay if required.
Street Address: 2nd Floor, Quay Park Health, 68 Beach Road, Auckland Central
Phone: +64 9 919 2500
Website: www.quayparksurgical.co.nz
Please note:
Please remember:
General Information About Your OperationAn oral surgery procedure including the removal of impacted or unerupted teeth is a more significant operation than simple extraction of teeth. You may notice some or all of the following changes after the procedure. These are common and do not necessarily indicate complications.
Street Address: 2nd Floor, Quay Park Health, 68 Beach Road, Auckland Central
Phone: +64 9 919 2500
Website: www.quayparksurgical.co.nz
Please note:
- The time will be confirmed close to your date of surgery.
- You may be required to arrive earlier on the day.
- If you need to change your date of surgery please ensure that you contact us as soon as possible.
Please remember:
- If you are having a general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation you must not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for six hours prior to your surgery.
- It is preferable not to smoke for at least 24 hours before your operation.
- Take all your usual medication (unless otherwise instructed) with a small sip of water. If you are diabetic and/or are taking blood-thinning medicines (e.g. warfarin, aspirin, persantin) you will need to discuss this with your surgeon or anaesthetist.
- All herbal remedies, including St. Johns Wort, Arnica and Garlic, should be discontinued 1 week prior to your surgery.
General Information About Your OperationAn oral surgery procedure including the removal of impacted or unerupted teeth is a more significant operation than simple extraction of teeth. You may notice some or all of the following changes after the procedure. These are common and do not necessarily indicate complications.
- Your saliva will usually be tainted with blood for a short time following surgery.
- Your face on the operated side may swell considerably. Some bruising may also develop.
- There may be stiffness of the jaw muscles making it difficult to open your mouth, and eat normally.
- A sore throat may develop.
- Teeth adjacent to the operation may be tender to bite on for a short time.
- If the corners of your mouth have been stretched, they may dry out and crack. The application of a cream or normal cosmetics to lips will make them more comfortable.
- There may be a cavity where the tooth was removed. This should be kept as clean as possible with the mouth rinse prescribed or alternatively, with warm salt water mouth rinses. The cavity will fill in gradually.
- Numbness or tingling of the lower lip and the tongue, from the local anaesthetic, can last overnight. This may interfere with speech and eating/drinking. In some cases these changes may last longer but can usually be expected to resolve with time. Avoid biting or burning the lip and tongue while they are numb.
surgery at ormiston hospital
Surgery at Ormiston Hospital
Ormiston Hospital is a purpose-built private surgical hospital situated at Botany Junction in Manukau. It opened in June 2009 and has 6 operating theatres and a ward for overnight stay if required.
Street Address: 125 Ormiston Road, Botany Junction, Manukau City, Auckland
Phone: +64 9 250 1157
Website: www.ormistonhospital.co.nz
Please note:
Please remember:
General Information About Your OperationAn oral surgery procedure including the removal of impacted or unerupted teeth is a more significant operation than simple extraction of teeth. You may notice some or all of the following changes after the procedure. These are common and do not necessarily indicate complications.
Ormiston Hospital is a purpose-built private surgical hospital situated at Botany Junction in Manukau. It opened in June 2009 and has 6 operating theatres and a ward for overnight stay if required.
Street Address: 125 Ormiston Road, Botany Junction, Manukau City, Auckland
Phone: +64 9 250 1157
Website: www.ormistonhospital.co.nz
Please note:
- The time will be confirmed close to your date of surgery.
- You may be required to arrive earlier on the day.
- If you need to change your date of surgery please ensure that you contact us as soon as possible.
Please remember:
- If you are having a general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation you must not have anything
- to eat or drink (including water) for six hours prior to your surgery.
- It is preferable not to smoke for at least 24 hours before your operation.
- Take all your usual medication (unless otherwise instructed) with a small sip of water.
- If you are diabetic and/or are taking blood-thinning medicines (e.g. warfarin, aspirin, persantin) you will need to discuss this with your surgeon or anaesthetist.
- All herbal remedies, including St. Johns Wort, Arnica and Garlic, should be discontinued
- 1 week prior to your surgery.
General Information About Your OperationAn oral surgery procedure including the removal of impacted or unerupted teeth is a more significant operation than simple extraction of teeth. You may notice some or all of the following changes after the procedure. These are common and do not necessarily indicate complications.
- Your saliva will usually be tainted with blood for a short time following surgery.
- Your face on the operated side may swell considerably. Some bruising may also develop.
- There may be stiffness of the jaw muscles making it difficult to open your mouth, and eat normally.
- A sore throat may develop.
- Teeth adjacent to the operation may be tender to bite on for a short time.
- If the corners of your mouth have been stretched, they may dry out and crack. The application of a cream or normal cosmetics to lips will make them more comfortable.
- There may be a cavity where the tooth was removed. This should be kept as clean as possible with the mouth rinse prescribed or alternatively, with warm salt water mouth rinses. The cavity will fill in gradually.
- Numbness or tingling of the lower lip and the tongue, from the local anaesthetic, can last overnight. This may interfere with speech and eating/drinking. In some cases these changes may last longer but can usually be expected to resolve with time. Avoid biting or burning the lip and tongue while they are numb.
surgery with intravenous sedation
The Sedation
Before Surgery with Sedation
You must not eat or drink anything (including water), or chew gum, for six hours before your sedation and surgery.
You must arrive with a responsible adult who agrees to drive you home and remain with you for 24 hours.
You should wear loose comfortable clothing.
After Surgery with Sedation
When you have recovered sufficiently from the sedation and surgery, you will be discharged into the care of your accompanying adult.
Your judgment and co-ordination will be affected temporarily. Therefore you must not be alone or assume positions of responsibility for 24 hours. You must not drive a car, drink alcohol, make important decisions, work with machinery, exercise, cook, or look after children.
Numbness or tingling of the lower lip and the tongue, from the local anaesthetic, can last several hours. This may interfere with speech and eating/drinking. In some cases these changes may last longer but can usually be expected to resolve with time. Avoid biting or burning the lip and tongue while they are still numb.
After an extensive or lengthy procedure it is best to rest by sitting in a comfortable chair or by retiring to bed and resting with your head and shoulders elevated on 2 pillows.
- Intravenous sedation will help to relax you during your surgery.
- It does not put you to sleep or result in loss of consciousness.
- The sedation medication will be administered into a vein in your arm.
- Your blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen level will be monitored throughout.
- Local anaesthetic injections will be given in your mouth to numb the surgical site(s) once you are sedated.
- Further sedation will be administered as necessary.
Before Surgery with Sedation
You must not eat or drink anything (including water), or chew gum, for six hours before your sedation and surgery.
You must arrive with a responsible adult who agrees to drive you home and remain with you for 24 hours.
You should wear loose comfortable clothing.
After Surgery with Sedation
When you have recovered sufficiently from the sedation and surgery, you will be discharged into the care of your accompanying adult.
Your judgment and co-ordination will be affected temporarily. Therefore you must not be alone or assume positions of responsibility for 24 hours. You must not drive a car, drink alcohol, make important decisions, work with machinery, exercise, cook, or look after children.
Numbness or tingling of the lower lip and the tongue, from the local anaesthetic, can last several hours. This may interfere with speech and eating/drinking. In some cases these changes may last longer but can usually be expected to resolve with time. Avoid biting or burning the lip and tongue while they are still numb.
After an extensive or lengthy procedure it is best to rest by sitting in a comfortable chair or by retiring to bed and resting with your head and shoulders elevated on 2 pillows.
surgery with local anaesthetic
Dentoalveolar Surgery with Local Anaesthetic
Your mouth will be numb for several hours after.
You should avoid hot food and drinks at this time, and take care to avoid biting a numb lip and tongue. It is best to eat soft or pureed food for the first week or more, and if possible, to favour the other side of your mouth.
You should avoid alcohol or excessive physical activity for the remainder of the day.
After an extensive or lengthy procedure it is best to rest by sitting in a comfortable chair or by retiring to bed and resting with your head and shoulders elevated on 2 pillows.
You should not rinse your mouth out on the day of the operation.
Starting the following day, you should gently bathe your mouth with the mouth rinse prescribed or with a glass of warm water containing half a teaspoon of table salt 3 times a day for 2 weeks. Clean your teeth normally but avoid the surgical site(s). Any stitches should dissolve in approximately 7-10 days.
You may notice blood-stained saliva for the first day or so.
If there is frank bleeding or bleeding is persistent, apply pressure to the wound by biting firmly on a clean rolled damp handkerchief or sterile gauze (not cotton wool) for at least 20 minutes by the clock. Rest in a sitting position and avoid spitting out. If the bleeding continues please contact your surgeon.
Swelling of the face is common after oral surgery.
It develops over the first 24-48 hours and will then gradually improve. Cold packs (e.g. ice cubes or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel) applied to the face overlying the surgical site(s) during the first few hours, will help minimise the swelling. Bruising on the face may also appear and may take 1-2 weeks to fully resolve. You may also have limited mouth opening for a few days after surgery.
Pain-relief medications will be prescribed and will need to be collected from a pharmacy.
Generally, Panadeine and an anti-inflammatory medicine are used, in combination, to good effect. Stronger pain-relief medications are sometimes required. Antibiotics will be prescribed, if necessary. It is important that your medications are taken as directed.
CoePak Dressing (if applicable)
This material protects the area and should not be disturbed. It will be hard within 2 hours. Small particles may chip off over time. This should not be a problem unless it causes discomfort. The dressing will be removed at your next appointment here or with your orthodontist. You will be advised if this applies to you.
By following these instructions you will hasten your recovery and reduce complications.
You should avoid hot food and drinks at this time, and take care to avoid biting a numb lip and tongue. It is best to eat soft or pureed food for the first week or more, and if possible, to favour the other side of your mouth.
You should avoid alcohol or excessive physical activity for the remainder of the day.
After an extensive or lengthy procedure it is best to rest by sitting in a comfortable chair or by retiring to bed and resting with your head and shoulders elevated on 2 pillows.
You should not rinse your mouth out on the day of the operation.
Starting the following day, you should gently bathe your mouth with the mouth rinse prescribed or with a glass of warm water containing half a teaspoon of table salt 3 times a day for 2 weeks. Clean your teeth normally but avoid the surgical site(s). Any stitches should dissolve in approximately 7-10 days.
You may notice blood-stained saliva for the first day or so.
If there is frank bleeding or bleeding is persistent, apply pressure to the wound by biting firmly on a clean rolled damp handkerchief or sterile gauze (not cotton wool) for at least 20 minutes by the clock. Rest in a sitting position and avoid spitting out. If the bleeding continues please contact your surgeon.
Swelling of the face is common after oral surgery.
It develops over the first 24-48 hours and will then gradually improve. Cold packs (e.g. ice cubes or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel) applied to the face overlying the surgical site(s) during the first few hours, will help minimise the swelling. Bruising on the face may also appear and may take 1-2 weeks to fully resolve. You may also have limited mouth opening for a few days after surgery.
Pain-relief medications will be prescribed and will need to be collected from a pharmacy.
Generally, Panadeine and an anti-inflammatory medicine are used, in combination, to good effect. Stronger pain-relief medications are sometimes required. Antibiotics will be prescribed, if necessary. It is important that your medications are taken as directed.
CoePak Dressing (if applicable)
This material protects the area and should not be disturbed. It will be hard within 2 hours. Small particles may chip off over time. This should not be a problem unless it causes discomfort. The dressing will be removed at your next appointment here or with your orthodontist. You will be advised if this applies to you.
By following these instructions you will hasten your recovery and reduce complications.
biopsy surgery
Post Operative Instructions
Your mouth will be numb for several hours after.
You should avoid hot food and drinks at this time, and take care to avoid biting a numb lip and tongue. It is best to eat soft or pureed food for the first week, and if possible, to favour the other side of your mouth.
You should avoid alcohol or excessive physical activity for the remainder of the day.
You should not rinse your mouth out on the day of the operation.
Starting the following day, you should gently bathe your mouth with the mouth rinse prescribed or with a glass of warm water containing half a teaspoon of table salt 3 times a day for the first week. Clean your teeth normally but avoid the wound(s). Any stitches should dissolve in approximately 5-7 days.
You may notice blood-stained saliva for the first day or so.
If there is frank bleeding or bleeding is persistent, apply pressure to the wound with a clean rolled damp handkerchief or sterile gauze (not cotton wool) for at least 20 minutes by the clock. Rest in a sitting position and avoid spitting out. If the bleeding continues please contact your surgeon
Mild swelling around the wound is common afterwards.
It develops over the first 24-48 hours and will then gradually improve. Bruising may also appear and may take 1-2 weeks to fully resolve.
Pain-relief medications will be prescribed and will need to be collected from a pharmacy.
Generally, Panadeine and an anti-inflammatory medicine are used, in combination, to good effect. Antibiotics are rarely necessary. It is important that your medications are taken as directed.
You should avoid hot food and drinks at this time, and take care to avoid biting a numb lip and tongue. It is best to eat soft or pureed food for the first week, and if possible, to favour the other side of your mouth.
You should avoid alcohol or excessive physical activity for the remainder of the day.
You should not rinse your mouth out on the day of the operation.
Starting the following day, you should gently bathe your mouth with the mouth rinse prescribed or with a glass of warm water containing half a teaspoon of table salt 3 times a day for the first week. Clean your teeth normally but avoid the wound(s). Any stitches should dissolve in approximately 5-7 days.
You may notice blood-stained saliva for the first day or so.
If there is frank bleeding or bleeding is persistent, apply pressure to the wound with a clean rolled damp handkerchief or sterile gauze (not cotton wool) for at least 20 minutes by the clock. Rest in a sitting position and avoid spitting out. If the bleeding continues please contact your surgeon
Mild swelling around the wound is common afterwards.
It develops over the first 24-48 hours and will then gradually improve. Bruising may also appear and may take 1-2 weeks to fully resolve.
Pain-relief medications will be prescribed and will need to be collected from a pharmacy.
Generally, Panadeine and an anti-inflammatory medicine are used, in combination, to good effect. Antibiotics are rarely necessary. It is important that your medications are taken as directed.
warfarin and sugery
Pre-operative Information
Warfarin is an anticoagulant medicine (blood thinner) which works by reducing the clotting ability of the blood. The effectiveness of Warfarin and therefore, the ability of the blood to clot, is measured by a blood test known as an INR. Normally, an up-to-date INR is required before surgery to assess whether the Warfarin dose needs to be adjusted.
General Instructions
Tranexamic Acid Mouth Rinse
Tranexamic acid inhibits the breakdown of blood clots and can reduce the risk of post-operative bleeding. For oral surgery, it is effective as a mouth rinse. One Tranexamic acid tablet should be dissolved in 10mls of water (1 tablespoon). This will take 5-10 minutes.
Gently rinse this solution around the mouth and over the surgical site(s) for 2 minutes, and then spit out.
On the day of surgery do your first Tranexamic acid mouth rinse in the evening at 6pm, and then again as late as possible (immediately before going to bed).
The following day and over the next 7 days, use the mouth rinse 4 times a day:
- First thing in the morning when you get up
- 12:00pm (midday)
- 6:00pm (evening)
- As late as possible (immediately before going to bed)
Do not eat or drink for half an hour after using the mouth rinse.
Warfarin is an anticoagulant medicine (blood thinner) which works by reducing the clotting ability of the blood. The effectiveness of Warfarin and therefore, the ability of the blood to clot, is measured by a blood test known as an INR. Normally, an up-to-date INR is required before surgery to assess whether the Warfarin dose needs to be adjusted.
General Instructions
- Take your Warfarin as directed by your doctor.
- Please arrange an INR the day before your surgery.
- Eat only soft or pureed food for the first week or more following the procedure, and if possible, favour the other side of your mouth.
- You may use Paracetamol, Panadeine or Digesic for pain relief as directed. Do not use Aspirin or any other NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Nurofen or Voltaren, as these may cause serious bleeding.
- Apart from using Tranexamic acid mouth rinse, do not rinse the mouth out for 12 hours after your surgery.
Tranexamic Acid Mouth Rinse
Tranexamic acid inhibits the breakdown of blood clots and can reduce the risk of post-operative bleeding. For oral surgery, it is effective as a mouth rinse. One Tranexamic acid tablet should be dissolved in 10mls of water (1 tablespoon). This will take 5-10 minutes.
Gently rinse this solution around the mouth and over the surgical site(s) for 2 minutes, and then spit out.
On the day of surgery do your first Tranexamic acid mouth rinse in the evening at 6pm, and then again as late as possible (immediately before going to bed).
The following day and over the next 7 days, use the mouth rinse 4 times a day:
- First thing in the morning when you get up
- 12:00pm (midday)
- 6:00pm (evening)
- As late as possible (immediately before going to bed)
Do not eat or drink for half an hour after using the mouth rinse.
tmj bite splints
Patient Information
A bite splint is a hard plastic wafer designed to fit over the upper teeth. It has metal clasps that attach to your teeth and help it stay in place.
How can it help you?
The purpose of the bite splint is to change the way your teeth bite together. It will reduce the wear on your teeth if you have a tendency to clench or a grind. Because it is softer than your teeth it will wear in preference to them.
A bite splint also decreases the pressure in the jaw joints or TMJ (temporomandibular joints), reduces the load on the jaw muscles and helps to reduce pain from the jaw joints and the muscles that move your jaws.
Wearing your bite splint
When you first wear the bite splint it will feel unusual in your mouth, particularly for the first few nights. Don’t be concerned as you will quickly become used to it. It may take a week or so to notice a difference in your symptoms so it is important to use the bite splint continually for at least 6 weeks.
Subsequent use is usually tailored to your presenting symptoms and response to therapy.
You should wear your splint at night when you go to bed (unless advised otherwise) as this is when most grinding and clenching occurs. If improvement is demonstrated, with time, you may consider wearing your splint on alternate nights.
If your bite splint is not worn for a long period (weeks to months) it may feel a little tight or not fit your mouth at all. Try wearing the splint for a few consecutive nights to allow it to fit comfortably in your mouth.
Review appointments:
Cleaning and care
A bite splint is a hard plastic wafer designed to fit over the upper teeth. It has metal clasps that attach to your teeth and help it stay in place.
How can it help you?
The purpose of the bite splint is to change the way your teeth bite together. It will reduce the wear on your teeth if you have a tendency to clench or a grind. Because it is softer than your teeth it will wear in preference to them.
A bite splint also decreases the pressure in the jaw joints or TMJ (temporomandibular joints), reduces the load on the jaw muscles and helps to reduce pain from the jaw joints and the muscles that move your jaws.
Wearing your bite splint
When you first wear the bite splint it will feel unusual in your mouth, particularly for the first few nights. Don’t be concerned as you will quickly become used to it. It may take a week or so to notice a difference in your symptoms so it is important to use the bite splint continually for at least 6 weeks.
Subsequent use is usually tailored to your presenting symptoms and response to therapy.
You should wear your splint at night when you go to bed (unless advised otherwise) as this is when most grinding and clenching occurs. If improvement is demonstrated, with time, you may consider wearing your splint on alternate nights.
If your bite splint is not worn for a long period (weeks to months) it may feel a little tight or not fit your mouth at all. Try wearing the splint for a few consecutive nights to allow it to fit comfortably in your mouth.
Review appointments:
- You will need to have the splint checked on a regular basis.
- The first review appointment is normally 6 weeks after fitting.
- Subsequent review appointments depend on your progress.
- Please don’t forget to bring your bite splint to these appointments.
Cleaning and care
- When you are not wearing your bite splint, keep it in the container provided with a little cold water to stop it drying out. Avoid hot water as this can cause the splint to bend and distort!
- Before or after use, the splint should be cleaned with a toothbrush.
- Each week, your splint can be soaked in ½ strength Milton’s solution to prevent staining.
- If metal clips become loose they can usually be tightened.
- A bite splint will usually last 1-5 years before breaking or becoming worn.
use of irrigation syringes
Food-trapping after tooth removal
Following tooth removal, it will usually take 4-6 weeks for the gum to heal completely. Until then, food-trapping in the open tooth socket(s) is common.
Irrigating the extraction socket(s)
Following tooth removal, it will usually take 4-6 weeks for the gum to heal completely. Until then, food-trapping in the open tooth socket(s) is common.
- The sockets of lower molar teeth, including those of lower wisdom teeth, are most commonly affected.
- The trapping of food may delay healing and cause bad breath and a bad taste to develop.
- Despite this, it is rarely a serious problem, but may be associated with pain and/or swelling.
- You can reduce the chance of food collecting in the socket(s) by pureeing your food for the first 1-2 weeks and if appropriate, by favouring the other side of your mouth whilst eating.
- If food-trapping is a problem, your Surgeon may recommend the use of an irrigation syringe.
Irrigating the extraction socket(s)
- Add half a teaspoon of table salt or a capful of the mouthwash prescribed, to a glass of warm water and draw this up into the syringe.
- While looking in the mirror, place the tip of the syringe over the socket and irrigate. Any food trapped in the socket should be flushed out.
- Repeat as required.
