Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that oral and maxillofacial surgery can feel unfamiliar, and it’s natural to have questions about your treatment, recovery, and what to expect. To help you feel informed and confident, we’ve compiled answers to the questions we are most commonly asked by our patients.

Whether you're preparing for surgery, considering a procedure, or simply seeking more information, this page is designed to provide clear, practical guidance. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, our team is always happy to assist—please contact us anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialised branch of dentistry and medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, face, and related structures. Procedures range from simple tooth extractions to complex reconstructive or corrective surgeries.
An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is both a medical and dental specialist, uniquely trained to provide comprehensive care for conditions affecting the mouth, face, and jaws. At Capital Oral & Facial Surgery, your consultation and treatment will always be carried out by a specialist.

To access Medicare and private health insurance rebates, a referral from your GP or dentist is required. Please ensure you bring this referral to your first appointment, or that it has been forwarded to Capital Oral & Facial Surgery in advance.
You should consider seeing a specialist if you have:

Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth.

Facial trauma or fractures.

Jaw misalignment or bite issues.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.

Oral lesions or suspicious lumps.

Planning for dental implants or reconstructive surgery.
Not always. Wisdom teeth are only removed if they are causing pain, infection, crowding, or if they are likely to be problematic in the future. During your consultation, we assess whether removal is necessary and discuss the safest approach for your situation.
During your initial appointment, we will:

Review your medical and dental history.

Conduct a thorough examination.

Take any necessary imaging, such as 3D scans.

Discuss your condition, treatment options, and expected outcomes.

Our goal is to make you feel informed and comfortable with your care plan.
We use advanced anesthesia and pain management techniques to minimize discomfort during surgery. Some soreness or swelling is normal afterward, but we provide clear post-operative instructions and medications to ensure a smooth recovery.
Recovery time depends on the procedure. Simple extractions may take a few days, while more complex surgeries like jaw realignment or bone grafts can take several weeks. Your surgeon will provide a tailored recovery plan, including guidelines for diet, oral care, and follow-up visits.
As with any surgery, there are potential risks such as infection, bleeding, or temporary nerve irritation. These risks are rare, and our team takes every precaution to ensure your safety. We will discuss any risks specific to your procedure during your consultation.
We treat patients of all ages. Certain procedures, like wisdom teeth removal, are more common in young adults, while other treatments, such as jaw correction, may be needed at any age. We tailor our approach to each patient’s needs.
Preparation depends on your procedure, but generally includes:

Following any fasting or medication instructions.

Arranging transportation if sedation is used.

Ensuring someone can help you at home if needed.

Our team will provide detailed instructions before your surgery.
There are three main costs involved with surgery:

Surgeon’s fee.

Anaesthetist’s fee.

Hospital fee.

The amount covered by Medicare and your private health insurer will depend on your level of cover. At your consultation, we will provide you with an itemised quote, which you can then check with your health fund to confirm how much is covered.

Dental extractions and wisdom teeth.
Please note that dental extractions are not covered by Medicare.

Anaesthetic fees

If your procedure is performed under general anaesthetic (while you are asleep) or IV sedation (twilight), you will be cared for by a Specialist Anaesthetist. The anaesthetic fee depends on the type of surgery and your health fund cover. The anaesthetic team will contact you directly with a detailed breakdown.

Hospital fees
Hospital costs for insured patients vary depending on your health fund and level of cover. Once you receive your quote and item codes, the hospital will be able to provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses.
You can book a consultation by calling our clinic on 02 6282 3848. Our friendly staff will help you find a convenient appointment time and answer any preliminary questions you may have.

Still have questions? We are here to help!

We hope these answers have helped clarify your treatment options and what to expect during your care with us.

Every patient’s situation is unique, and our team is always available to provide personalised advice and support.

If you need further information or would like to discuss your treatment in more detail, please contact our practice—our staff are happy to assist.