Photo credit: Nuffield Health

About your experience

The initial consultation

You will be booked in to see Ben or James depending on availability or specific referral. Our consultant will take a thorough history, listen to any concerns you may have, perform an examination and organise any required investigations immediately. A diagnosis and treatment plan is made and all available options given. You may be listed for a procedure at this point, or return for a review appointment as appropriate.

Surgery

If surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic, you can drive yourself to the hospital, although it is often advisable to come with a companion. These procedures usually take under an hour and you will have the chance to sit with a cup of tea afterwards before heading home.

If surgery is under general anaesthetic, you will be admitted to a private room at the Nuffield Hospital on the morning of surgery. You will have been pre-assessed by the pre-assessment sister beforehand, but will also see the anaesthetist prior to surgery to discuss any medical issues relating to the anaesthetic. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, you will either be a day case patient and go home once recovered from the anaesthetic, or you may stay the night in hospital after the procedure.

Your aftercare

You will be given postoperative instructions and any required prescriptions for medicines after your procedure. There will be an emergency number for you to call if you have any concerns and Ben or James will be immediately notified if their input is required. You will be booked in for a review appointment 1-2 weeks after surgery.

Comfortable, private rooms. Photo credit: Nuffield Health

Frequently Asked Questions

What is oral & maxillofacial surgery?

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialist area of surgery that bridges the two fields of medicine and dentistry. The speciality deals with the surgical management of conditions of the teeth, mouth, jaw and face– including wisdom teeth removal, jaw deformity, facial trauma, dental implants, bone grafting, oral pathology and facial skin surgery and reconstruction.

How long do I have to wait for treatment?

As Ben and James run a combined consultant service, more regular clinics and operating lists can run per week. This should mean minimal waiting times and we will always try to accommodate requests for specific dates where possible.

How do I get my wisdom teeth removed?

A referral from a primary care dentist or orthodontist can be very useful, but you can equally make a self-referral for an assessment. Ben or James will organise a consultation, and if necessary an X-ray will be taken. We can advise you as to whether removing the wisdom teeth would be in your best interest and organise this to happen at your convenience. It is possible for us to remove wisdom teeth under local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthetic depending on complexity and patient wishes.

What's the difference between local and general anesthesia?

Local anaesthetic is where a small area of the mouth or skin is numbed and you remain fully conscious. This is very useful for most skin procedures and simple oral surgery procedures. General anaesthetic is where you are looked after by an anaesthetist and given anaesthetic drugs to make you unconscious throughout the surgery and therefore unaware of the procedure being performed. This requires not eating for 6 hours prior to the anaesthetic, and then a hospital bed to recover in after the procedure and you will need to be driven home from hospital as you cannot drive for 24-48 hours after general anaesthetic.

How do I get my skin mole checked?

If you have concerns with regards to a mole which is changing or bothersome, please make an enquiry for a consultation. Most moles are benign but symptoms such as itchiness, bleeding or colour change should be investigated with biopsy. Unsightly moles can also be removed for cosmesis.

How is a skin mole or tag removed?

Depending on the diagnosis, skin lesions can be removed by superficial/shave biopsy or full surgical excision. This can be simply performed under local anaesthetic and takes less than an hour. You will have a small dressing applied for a few days to keep the area clean. Stitches, if required, are usually resorbable and don’t require removal. You will be reviewed post-operatively for wound care to confirm all is healing well. The lesion is sent for examination under a microscope and you will have the results after a week. There may be a small biopsy scar but aesthetics are carefully considered, especially on the face, to achieve the very best cosmetic outcomes.

I am interested in having jaw surgery to correct my bite, how do I
proceed?

Please do make an enquiry. Mr Gurney and Mr Sloane would be happy to see you for a preliminary assessment and consultation and can put you in touch with a suitable orthodontist as the treatment is usually combined between orthodontist and surgeon. Alternatively you can be referred by your dentist or orthodontist. Mr Gurney and Mr Sloane will liaise frequently with the orthodontist to ensure a smooth process throughout the course of your treatment.