FAQs oral and maxillofacial surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery: Frequently asked questions
Have a quick question about our team, appointments, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants (including zygomatic implants), or other oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures in Melbourne?
If you cannot find what you need, our reception team can point you to the right page or help you book the next step.
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(03) 9731 8700
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Call us
(03) 9731 8700
About and appointments
Will I see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at my consultation?
Yes. You will usually see one of our Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. We will review your referral and any imaging, talk through what we can see clinically, and explain treatment options, including benefits and risks.
Where are your oral and maxillofacial surgery clinics in Melbourne?
We offer consultations at four locations: Werribee, Glen Iris, Springvale and Box Hill.
For addresses and access details, see:
Do I need a referral to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
A referral is helpful, and it is often recommended, especially if you are exploring Medicare or private health insurance rebates for eligible items. Referrals can come from a general dentist, orthodontist, or GP.
What should I bring to my oral and maxillofacial surgery appointment?
If you have them, please bring:
- Your referral letter
- Recent X-rays or scan reports (your referrer may send these to us directly)
- A list of medications and supplements
- Your Medicare card and private health insurance details (if applicable)
Is there a patient registration form to fill out before my appointment?
We have an online registration form that you could fill in before your appointment.
Our team will guide you through any required registration details and paperwork. If you are having a procedure in hospital, there will also be hospital admission forms to complete.
For appointment enquiries, see:
How do I book an oral surgery procedure in hospital?
After your consultation, you will meet with our admin team. They will go through available theatre dates and times. Our team can help coordinate the hospital booking and next steps.
For related information, see:
What do I need to prepare for a day stay in hospital for oral surgery?
Preparation varies depending on the hospital and your procedure, but it often includes:
- Completing the hospital’s online admission forms
- Following fasting instructions (the hospital will confirm the exact timing)
- Organising a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. You cannot go home on a taxi/ride share without an accompanying person.
- Checking whether the hospital has any pre-admission screening requirements close to your surgery date
For related information, see:
What do I need to prepare for a day stay in hospital?
Procedure: Wisdom teeth removal
What is wisdom teeth removal, and why is it recommended for some people?
Wisdom teeth removal is the surgical removal of one or more third molars. It may be recommended when wisdom teeth are impacted, difficult to clean, repeatedly infected, damaging nearby teeth, or likely to cause problems based on their position.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Some wisdom teeth come through without causing problems. Others can lead to issues such as repeated infections, pain, gum swelling, decay in nearby teeth, or pressure on nearby teeth. An examination and X-ray help confirm what is happening and whether removal is recommended.
Can wisdom teeth cause problems even if they do not hurt?
Yes. Some problems may not always cause pain in the early phase, such as decay or gum disease around a partly erupted tooth. Wisdom teeth can also sit close to nerves or develop cysts in rare cases. That is why xrays and regular checks can matter, even if symptoms are mild.
What happens during wisdom teeth removal?
The steps can vary depending on tooth position and complexity. We will explain what is involved for your specific case, including the type of anaesthesia that may be suitable and what recovery usually looks like.
What is recovery like after wisdom teeth removal?
It is common to have swelling and discomfort for a few days, then gradual improvement. We will provide aftercare instructions, including pain relief guidance, eating and drinking tips, and what signs mean you should contact us.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in Melbourne?
Fees vary depending on factors such as how many teeth are removed, whether they are impacted, and where the procedure is performed. We will provide an itemised estimate after your assessment.
Procedure: Dental implants, including zygomatic
What are dental implants, and how do they replace missing teeth?
A dental implant is a titanium post that acts like an artificial tooth root. Once it has healed, it can support a crown, bridge, or denture. It is one of several options for replacing missing teeth.
Can I get dental implants if I have bone loss?
Sometimes yes. It depends on how much bone is present, where the bone loss is, and your overall health. Options may include bone grafting, alternative implant placement strategies, or different tooth replacement options like Zygomatic implants.
What are zygomatic dental implants?
Zygomatic implants are longer implants that anchor into the cheekbone (zygoma). They may be considered when there is significant bone loss in the upper jaw and standard implants are less suitable. They are not right for everyone, and careful patient selection and planning is essential.
Will I need bone grafting for dental implants?
Not always. Some people have enough bone for standard implants. Others may need grafting to create a stable base. We will explain what we can see on your scans and why a graft may, or may not, be recommended.
How much do dental implants cost in Melbourne?
Costs depend on how many implants are needed, whether grafting is required, and the type of restoration. After your assessment, we provide a written estimate with item numbers where relevant.
What is the role of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in dental implant treatment?
Implant treatment is often shared care. Your general dentist or prosthodontist may plan and fit the crown or bridge, while our surgeons perform the surgical component. We work closely with your referrer so everyone is aligned on the plan and timing.
Other procedures
What other oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures do you provide?
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide a range of procedures beyond wisdom teeth removal and dental implants. This can include management of impacted teeth, surgical tooth removal, exposure of impacted teeth for orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery, where appropriate.
What is tooth exposure surgery, and when is it needed?
Tooth exposure surgery can help an impacted tooth (often a canine) move into the correct position with orthodontic guidance. We work with your orthodontist to coordinate timing and aftercare.
What is corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery)?
Corrective jaw surgery may be considered for significant jaw misalignment that affects bite and function. It usually involves coordinated care with an orthodontist and detailed planning, including scans and measurements.
What is the extraction of difficult teeth (complex tooth extraction)?
Some teeth are fractured, impacted, or awkwardly positioned, and may require surgical removal. We will assess your tooth and imaging, then explain the approach and what recovery can involve.
Do you diagnose and manage oral pathology and mouth cancer?
Persistent ulcers, lumps, or discoloured patches in the mouth need specialist assessment. We provide diagnosis and management for a wide range of oral pathology and cancer cases.
Referring
How do I refer a patient to Oral & Facial Surgery Specialists?
Referrers can access our referral forms here:
What information is helpful in a referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
Helpful inclusions are:
- The main concern and relevant history
- Medications and medical conditions
- Recent imaging (OPG, CBCT where relevant)
- Urgency and preferred clinic location (Werribee, Glen Iris, Springvale, Box Hill)
Medicare and health insurance
Will I get a rebate from my private health insurance for oral surgery?
It depends on your level of cover. If your policy includes cover for eligible dental or hospital items, we can provide a detailed estimate for you to discuss with your insurer. Your insurer can confirm what you are eligible to claim, plus any waiting periods or excess.
Related pages:
Will I get a rebate from my private health insurance?
Will Medicare cover my oral surgery?
Medicare generally does not cover dental items, so procedures such as tooth extractions are usually not covered. Medicare may cover some costs for certain medical procedures, such as biopsies or removal of cysts and lesions, and some bone grafting procedures when applicable. We will outline any expected out-of-pocket costs during your consultation.
Related pages:
What can you do now?
If you are a patient
- Gather any recent X-rays or scan reports
- Write down your symptoms and how long they have been happening
- Book a consultation at the location that suits you
Next step:
Questions to ask your referrer (GP, general dentist, or orthodontist)
- What did you see on my X-ray or scan?
- Do I need a CBCT scan (a special type of 3D dental X-ray) before a surgical consult?
- Are there non-surgical options worth considering?
- If oral surgery is recommended, what is the goal of the procedure?
- What symptoms should prompt me to seek help sooner while I’m waiting?
- Are there any medical conditions or medications I should mention to the oral surgeon?
- Can you send my referral and imaging directly to the oral & maxillofacial surgeon, and can I have copies too?
When to seek urgent help
Contact your dentist or GP promptly, or seek urgent care (call 000), if you have:
- Worsening facial swelling
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Uncontrolled bleeding after a dental procedure