FAQS
Everything you need to know about our dental services
General
How long does it take to get an appointment?
Currently, there’s a high demand for dental services across Canterbury, so you may need to wait around a month for a consultation, with surgery typically scheduled about a month after that. We recommend getting in touch as soon as possible to start the process.
Do I need a referral?
Not necessarily. We accept private bookings as well as referrals. Also, if you have been referred elsewhere by your dentist, you can choose to book in with us instead.
Are you a dentist?
Yes and no. We are a qualified dentist by trade, but we don’t provide the usual set of services a general practice dental clinic does. Our main focus is tricky tooth removal and complex extractions — this is where our expertise lies
How much does it cost?
We wish we could answer this for you right now, but every person’s needs are different and we would need to assess the work properly at a consultation. However, what we can assure you of, is that our hourly rate for these professional services is amongst the most affordable in Christchurch and Canterbury.
Your procedure
Will my procedure hurt?
Once sedated, you will still be awake but not aware of what’s happening.However, IV does stand for intravenous, which means we insert a tiny tube into a vein in your arm so we can administer the sedative. It can be a little painful when we insert the IV so if this is something that worries you, be sure to let us know at the consultation so we can make the process as easy and as comfortable as possible.
At your consultation, we will also provide you with a prescription and instructions for pain management following your procedure.
What is IV sedation?
IV sedation is a technique that uses a strong sedative, injected into a vein in the arm to produce a relaxed state. This helps us carry out difficult procedures effectively without causing you excessive stress or anxiety. You remain conscious under IV sedation, but most patients have little to no memory of the procedure after the fact. It’s a great option for those who usually have high levels of anxiety around dentist visits, or for more complicated procedures.
Do I have to have IV sedation?
Sedation is completely optional. However, most patients prefer it, as it makes unpleasant procedures far more manageable. Whether you opt for sedation or not, we will inject a local anaesthetic to numb the area we're working on. And if you choose not to have sedation, we’ll also numb the area with ointment before injecting the local anaesthetic for an almost pain-free experience.
Are dental implants the same as dentures or a bridge?
In short, no. Traditional dentures rest on top of the gums and a bridge is fixed to the surrounding teeth. A dental implant, on the other hand, is secured by an artificial tooth root in the jawbone. This makes it a more natural and long-lasting option for many situations. Occasionally traditional dentures or bridges are a better solution but we will discuss these options with you based on your situation.
Wisdom teeth and dental extraction
Do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?
The problem with wisdom teeth is there often isn’t room in your mouth for them to grow into the right position. Because of the crowding, wisdom teeth sometimes grow at a funny angle, get stuck or only partially erupt. A consultation and radiographs help us understand any potential issues and give you unbiased advice on whether surgery is the right option for you.
What if my wisdom teeth are impacted?
Impacted wisdom teeth are a bit more complicated to remove, but this is exactly where our expertise lies. We specialise in tricky procedures and have the experience to ensure safe, effective removal.
Do you do emergency wisdom tooth removal?
If you’re having severe pain from wisdom teeth coming through, you may need to have them removed as soon as possible.We will to our best to help as soon as possible and if we are unable to, we’ll try to find someone who can. Please call us on 03 242 0362.
How is a tooth removed?
Depending on their location and the rest of your teeth, it can be simple or more complicated.Some teeth pop right out easy as, while others (sorry, we’re about to get a little graphic) need to be cut out and your gums stitched up.
That sounds scary, yes, which is why we offer IV sedation so you experience none of that.
Are there risks with tooth extraction?
As with any medical procedure, there is always some risk. Each procedure is unique, but we are here to help you understand what risks are involved in your procedure and how we can manage, reduce, or avoid them.
