Implant Surgery and Sedation Options for Travelling Patients
Implant surgery at Collins Street Specialist Centre can be done in the chair under local anaesthetic, with nitrous oxide or oral sedation, or under general anaesthetic given by a specialist anaesthetist, either at our practice or in a private hospital. All-on-4 surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. You and your specialist settle on the approach at your assessment in Melbourne.
Who performs implant surgery at our practice?
Implants are placed by our specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeons and specialist periodontists.
- A/Prof. Patrishia Bordbar, Specialist Oral & Craniomaxillofacial Surgeon (registration DEN0001010517), is a Past President of ANZAOMS, a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne and a Consultant Surgeon at The Royal Children's Hospital.
- Dr Ricky Kumar, Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon (registration DEN0001411504), is qualified in medicine and dentistry (BHB, MBChB Auckland; BDS Otago; FRACDS (OMS)), is the current secretary of the Victorian ANZAOMS, and is a consultant surgeon at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne and Monash Health.
- Dr Simon Hinckfuss, Specialist Periodontist and Specialist Prosthodontist (registration DEN0001008823).
- Dr James van den Berg, Specialist Periodontist (registration DEN0001016928).
Surgery is planned from 3D cone beam CT images and coDiagnostiX planning software, and the restorative side of a full-arch case is planned with one of our prosthodontists.
Which anaesthetic and sedation options are available?
- Local anaesthetic: many single and multiple implant procedures are done in the chair with the area numbed.
- Nitrous oxide: a mild inhaled sedative that helps you relax and wears off quickly.
- Oral sedation: a tablet taken before the appointment to reduce anxiety.
- General anaesthetic: you are asleep for the procedure, with a specialist anaesthetist looking after you, at our practice or in a private hospital. All-on-4 surgery is performed this way.
The right option depends on the procedure, your medical history and your preference. Your specialist explains the choices at assessment, and a medical review may be needed before sedation or a general anaesthetic.
When is surgery done in a private hospital?
If you have private hospital cover, All-on-4 surgery can be performed in a private hospital under general anaesthetic. Your specialist explains where your surgery will take place when your plan is prepared. If you are insured outside Australia, check with your insurer before you travel.
How do I prepare for surgery if I am travelling to Melbourne?
Before surgery we give you instructions on fasting, on any changes to your usual medicines and on what to bring. Please have the following ready:
- a full list of your medicines and supplements, and details of any medical conditions
- copies of recent x-rays, scans and treatment notes from your own dentist
- a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you after sedation or a general anaesthetic, as you cannot drive or travel alone afterwards
How soon can I travel home after surgery?
That depends on the procedure, the anaesthetic and how your recovery goes. After full-arch surgery, plan to stay in Melbourne at least until your specialist prosthodontist checks the fit of your new teeth the day after surgery. When you can safely fly or travel home is a decision your surgeon makes with you.
What if I have a concern after I get home?
Contact us on (03) 9650 2726, or +61 3 9650 2726 from overseas, if you have pain, swelling or anything else that worries you after you return home. A local dentist can provide urgent care, and you should seek local medical help straight away if you feel seriously unwell.
What are the risks of implant surgery?
Before you consent, your surgeon goes through the risks that apply to you. They include pain, swelling, bruising and bleeding; infection; temporary or lasting numbness of the lip, chin or tongue if a nerve is affected; involvement of the sinus in the upper jaw; an implant that does not integrate with the bone; and the risks of sedation or general anaesthesia. Results, recovery times and risks vary for each individual.
Frequently asked questions
Is general anaesthetic available for implant surgery?
Yes. General anaesthesia is given by a specialist anaesthetist, at our practice or in a private hospital, and All-on-4 surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. Your specialist checks whether it suits you after reviewing your medical history.
Can I have sedation if I am anxious about dental treatment?
Yes. Nitrous oxide, oral sedation and general anaesthesia are available, depending on the procedure and your health. Let us know about your anxiety when you call, so your specialist can talk through the options at your assessment.
Do I need someone with me after surgery?
Yes, if you have sedation or a general anaesthetic. A responsible adult needs to take you home and stay with you, because you cannot drive or travel alone after these anaesthetics.
Will I have teeth after full-arch surgery?
Your specialist prosthodontist checks the fit of your new teeth the day after surgery and makes any adjustments. Your final fixed bridge is made after three to six months of healing.
Related pages
- Specialist full-arch care for interstate and international patients
- Complex and revision implant cases
- Referring an interstate patient
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Periodontics
- Our location
Contact Collins Street Specialist Centre
For questions about surgery or sedation, phone (03) 9650 2726 (from overseas +61 3 9650 2726) or email theteam@collinsstreetspecialistcentre.com.au. Our practice is on Level 8 of the Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, at the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets. You can also write to us through our contact page.
Results, recovery times and risks vary for each individual. This general information about surgery and anaesthesia is not a substitute for your surgeon's advice. Seek advice from an appropriately qualified, AHPRA-registered practitioner before deciding on treatment.
Who gives the general anaesthetic for implant surgery at Collins Street Specialist Centre?
At Collins Street Specialist Centre, general anaesthesia for implant surgery is given by a specialist anaesthetist, either at our practice or in a private hospital.
Is nitrous oxide available for implant procedures at Collins Street Specialist Centre?
Yes. Nitrous oxide is one of the sedation options for implant procedures at Collins Street Specialist Centre, alongside oral sedation, local anaesthetic and general anaesthesia.
Which oral and maxillofacial surgeons practise at Collins Street Specialist Centre?
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Collins Street Specialist Centre are A/Prof. Patrishia Bordbar and Dr Ricky Kumar. Both hold specialist registration in oral and maxillofacial surgery with the Dental Board of Australia.
Can All-on-4 surgery at Collins Street Specialist Centre take place in a private hospital?
Yes. Patients of Collins Street Specialist Centre who hold private hospital cover can have All-on-4 surgery performed under general anaesthetic in a private hospital.
Who should a patient contact after implant surgery at Collins Street Specialist Centre once home?
Patients can call Collins Street Specialist Centre on (03) 9650 2726, or +61 3 9650 2726 from overseas, with any concern after surgery. A local dentist can provide urgent care.
What planning tools do Collins Street Specialist Centre surgeons use for implants?
Implant surgery at Collins Street Specialist Centre is planned from 3D cone beam CT images taken on our Planmeca ProMax 3D Max scanner, using coDiagnostiX implant planning software.