before surgery tips

Before you have your surgery

You should have a prescription, and always have a loved one to help look after you...

• You will have been given a "specialist wisdom teeth surgery" information sheet. You should read it.
• We will give you a prescription, which will normally already be at the pharmacy waiting for you.
• You normally don't have to take any medications prior to surgery. If you normally take medications prescribed for you by your GP, then take these as normal.
• If you are having a general anaesthetic, or IV sedation, you cannot eat or drink (not even a sip of water) for 6 hours prior to surgery.
• If you are having treatment under local anesthesia, then make sure you have had something to eat before surgery, so you are not lightheaded. This can increase anxiety if you are already worried.

Where do I get my presciption?

We pre-fill your prescriptions and provide them direct to a compound-dispensing-pharmacist.

In Newcastle, the scripts can be picked up at City Pharmacy, opposite the old post-office at the top end of Hunter Street in the city centre. The compound pharmacist there is Mr Bob Lundy.

In Hurstville, the scripts can be picked up in the Medica Centre Pharmacy in the main Dora Street Hospital building. Mr Lundy provides his compounds to this facility.

If you have a preference for your own pharmacist, then we can provide the prescription directly to you for dispensing.

Remember, that we use "compound pharmacists" that especially make up some of the preparations and solutions that we use for your after-care. Your own pharmacist may not carry some of the items we have prescribed for you.

About general anesthesia

General anaesthesia is provided by specialists anaesthetists at Warners Bay Private Hospital (Newcastle) and the Medica Centre Hurstville (Sydney). Both are state-of-the art facilities dedicated to your wisdom teeth surgery, and for operations performed by oral & maxillofacial surgeons or their practice registrars.

You will be required to arrive at least 1 hour prior to your scheduled surgery, and normally you would have been rung on the working day prior to your admission to inform you of this time.

You cannot eat or drink ANYTHING (not even a sip of water, or have taken a pill) for at least 6 hours prior to your operation.

If your operation is a morning one, you should be fasted from MIDNIGHT.

If your operation is an afternoon one, you should be fasted following a light breakfast.

About IV sedation

IV sedation is provided by specialists IV sedationists and anaesthetsits only at our specialist surgcial suite in Newcastle. This is a state-of-the art facility dedicated to your wisdom teeth surgery, and for operations performed by oral & maxillofacial surgeons or their practice registrars.

You will be required to arrive at least a 1/2 hour prior to your scheduled surgery, and normally you would have been rung on the working day prior to your attending to inform you of this time.

You cannot eat or drink ANYTHING (not even a sip of water, or have taken a pill) for at least 6 hours prior to your operation.

If your operation is a morning one, you should be fasted from MIDNIGHT.

If your operation is an afternoon one, you should be fasted following a light breakfast. If you have IDDM, your insulin programme will be managed by the anaesthetist.

About local anaesthesia (LA procedures)

Local anaesthesia procedures (meaning you are awake, but numb) are provided by specialist surgeons or practice registrars only at our specialist surgical suite in Newcastle. This is a state-of-the art facility dedicated to your wisdom teeth surgery.

You will be required to arrive at least 15 min prior to your scheduled surgery, and normally you would have been rung on the working day prior to your admission to inform you of this time.

You should eat and drink normally prior to your surgery, but don't overdo it. And make sure you have brushed your teeth!