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Dr Dobes consulting with patient

Preparing For Your Surgery

At Capital Oral & Facial Surgery, we want every patient to feel informed, comfortable, and confident before their procedure. Our surgeons perform treatments under local anaesthetic, IV sedation in our rooms, or general anaesthetic in hospital—selecting the option best suited to your needs.

Local anaesthetic appointments are safe, straightforward, and commonly used for many oral surgical procedures. IV sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation and is ideal for those who feel anxious or prefer added comfort.

For patients undergoing general anaesthesia, we understand surgery can feel overwhelming. Our preparation guide below outlines what to expect and how to get ready for your procedure, helping the process feel simple and stress-free.

By following the guidelines below, you can help ensure your appointment runs safely and smoothly. If you have any questions, our team is always here to help.

  • 1. Before Your Appointment
     

    Medical Information

    • Please ensure you have provided an up-to-date medical history, including:

      • current medications

      • allergies

      • recent illnesses

      • any changes in your health

    • If you take blood thinners, diabetes medication, or have a medical condition requiring special consideration, please notify us prior to your appointment.


    Eating & Drinking

    • You may eat and drink normally before your appointment.
      Fasting is not required for local anaesthetic.


    Medication

    • Continue taking your normal medications unless your surgeon has advised otherwise.

    • If you require antibiotics prior to dental procedures (e.g., certain heart conditions or joint replacements), please take these as directed.
       

    2. On the Day of Your Procedure

     

    Arrival

    • Please arrive 10 minutes early to ensure all forms and consent documents are completed.

     

    What to Wear

    • Comfortable clothing is recommended.

    • Avoid heavy makeup or lipstick, as the surgical area must remain clean.

     

    Driving

    • As you will only receive local anaesthetic, you may drive yourself to and from the appointment, unless otherwise advised.

     

    Pain Relief

    • You may take over-the-counter pain relief (e.g., paracetamol or ibuprofen) before your appointment if recommended by your surgeon.

    • Your surgeon will advise you on appropriate pain-relief options following the procedure.

    ​

    3. During Your Appointment

    ​

    Local anaesthetic will numb the surgical area, ensuring that you do not feel pain during the procedure.
    You may still feel:

    • pressure

    • vibration

    • movement

    These sensations are normal and expected. If at any time you feel discomfort, our team can provide additional anaesthetic to keep you comfortable.

    ​

    4. After Your Appointment

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    Numbness

    • The numbness typically lasts 2–4 hours.

    • Avoid:

      • hot drinks

      • chewing on the numb side

      • touching or biting your lips, cheeks, or tongue

    ​​

    Bleeding & Wound Care

    You will receive specific post-operative instructions tailored to your procedure.
    These may include:

    • biting on gauze to control bleeding

    • avoiding vigorous rinsing for 24 hours

    • using salt-water rinses from the following day

    • activity restrictions

     

    Driving & Work

    • You may return to normal activities unless you have been advised otherwise.

    • Some procedures may require time off work; your surgeon will provide guidance.

  • 1. Before Your Appointment

    ​

    Arrange a Carer

    You must have a responsible adult accompany you to and from your procedure.

    • Your carer must stay in the practice for the duration of  your surgery (usually 30 minutes unless advised otherwise).

    • A carer must stay with you for 24 hours post-procedure.

    • If more than once carer is involved, their handover must overlap.  Surgery cannot proceed if you arrive without a carer.

     

    Fasting Instructions

    For IV sedation, you must fast for 6 hours before your appointment.

    • No food or drink during this period, including water.

    • A small sip of water is allowed for regular medications.

    • If you feel unwell or require pain relief before surgery, please tell us on arrival.

     

    Anaesthetist Contact & Fees

    You will be contacted by our anaesthetist’s rooms in the week before your procedure.
    Their fee is payable directly to them prior to surgery.

    ​

    Prepare Your Recovery Essentials

    Have the following ready at home for after surgery:

    • Soft or liquid foods (soups, yoghurt, smoothies, ice-cream, etc.)

    • Pain relief: paracetamol and ibuprofen (unless otherwise advised).

     

    Time Off Work

    Please arrange one week off work to allow for proper recovery.

    • Gentle walking is usually fine after the first few days.

    • Avoid the gym, sports and heavy activity for 7 days.

    • A medical certificate will be provided.

     

    2. On the Day of Surgery

     

    Arrival Time

    Please arrive 10 minutes early to complete consent forms and payment.
    Payment for surgery is due at the time of arrival.

    If You're Running Late call us as soon as possible, we may be able to adjust or reschedule your appointment. If the phone is diverted, please leave a message.

    ​

    3. After Your Surgery

    • You will receive gauze and ice packs if needed.

    • Your carer will accompany you to the recovery area where aftercare instructions will be provided.

    • A follow-up appointment will be scheduled. Some patients may not require one—please check with reception if unsure.

  • ​1. Before Your Surgery

     

    Surgery Booking

    Your procedure will take place at:

    • Canberra Private Hospital, or

    • Calvary John James Hospital

    Your confirmed surgery date and location will be discussed with you during your consultation.

    ​

    Admission & Consent

    • Your Request for Admission form must be signed by both you and your surgeon.

    • Your Hospital Admission Forms must be completed online prior to your procedure. The links to each of the hospital's online admission portal are:

    ​​

    Fee Estimates & Payments

    • You will receive a surgeon’s fee estimate after your consultation.
      This estimate covers the surgeon’s fee only. It does not include hospital or anaesthetist fees.

    • Surgeons’ fees must be paid 7 days before your surgery.

    • The anaesthetist’s rooms will contact you in the week leading up to your surgery. Their fee is payable directly to them before the procedure.

    • Hospital fees are payable on the day of surgery directly to the hospital.

      • If you have private health insurance, you will be required to pay your excess.

      • If you do not have private health insurance, please contact the hospital for a fee estimate.

     

    2. Three Weeks Before Surgery

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    Confirmation Email

    You will receive a surgery confirmation email approximately 3 weeks before your procedure, including:

    • Your appointment details.

    • A copy of your invoice.

    • Post operative information.

    ​​Be sure to check your spam or junk folder if it does not appear in your inbox.

    ​

    3. The Day Before Surgery

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    Hospital Text Message

    The hospital will send a text message the evening before your surgery confirming:

    • your admission time, and

    • your fasting instructions
      This information is essential for your safety during general anaesthesia.

    Please follow the fasting instructions exactly as provided.

    ​

    4. On the Day of Surgery

    ​

    Please arrive at the hospital at the time indicated in your pre-admission text message. Bring:

    • Photo ID

    • Medicare card / private health insurance details

    • Any required payments (hospital excess, if applicable)

    ​​

    5. After Your Surgery

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    Post-Operative Appointment

    We like to ensure that you are recovering comfortably. A post-operative review appointment will be arranged for you.

    • For some patients, this appointment may be optional. If you are unsure whether you require a review, please speak with our reception team.

Capital Oral & Facial Surgery - reception
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