Your consultation
What to expect when you see Chris
A first appointment is there to work out what's going on, explain it clearly and agree what, if anything, should happen next. Nothing is booked until you've had time to think.
Before you come
You don't need a referral to book a private consultation, though most private medical insurers will ask for a GP or dentist referral before they authorise it, so it is worth checking with them first. If your dentist has taken X‑rays recently, ask for a copy or have them sent to the secretary; it saves repeating them.
Bring a list of any medicines you take, including over‑the‑counter ones and blood thinners, and a note of any medical conditions or allergies. If you'd like someone with you, you're welcome to bring them.
At the appointment
Listening
Chris will ask what has been happening, for how long, and what you're most concerned about. This part matters more than people expect.
Examination
A thorough examination of the mouth, jaws, face and neck, as the problem requires.
Imaging
X‑rays or scans are reviewed if you have them, or arranged on site. Both hospitals have imaging departments, and a cone‑beam CT can usually be done the same day.
Explanation and options
Chris will tell you what he thinks is going on, in plain language, and set out the options, including doing nothing where that is reasonable. He'll be direct about risks and about what he would recommend.
Written summary
You'll receive a letter summarising the consultation and the plan, and with your consent a copy goes to your GP and dentist. Self‑funding patients receive a fixed quote for any treatment before it is booked.
A first consultation lasts thirty minutes. Procedures, including biopsies, are not done at the first visit: they take place in theatre or in a dedicated treatment clinic, arranged as a separate appointment once you've had time to consider the plan.
If you need treatment
Minor procedures under local anaesthetic are done in the outpatient clinic or the hospital's day‑case unit. Procedures under sedation or general anaesthetic are done as day cases in the hospital theatres, with a Consultant Anaesthetist. You'll have a pre‑operative assessment, written instructions on eating, drinking and medicines, and a follow‑up appointment with Chris afterwards.
What recovery is really like
Knowing that you need treatment is one thing. Most people want to know something much more practical: what will I feel like afterwards? Will I be able to drive, eat normally, work, exercise, go out at the weekend?
Every procedure is different and every patient recovers differently, but Chris will give you a realistic idea of what to expect before you decide to go ahead. Each treatment page on this site has a "What does the next week look like?" panel for that procedure. In general:
A typical recovery
- That evening
- You may feel tired, swollen or uncomfortable. Depending on the procedure you may need pain relief and softer food. Plan for a quiet evening rather than trying to carry on as normal.
- Day one
- Swelling and tenderness are common. That does not mean anything is wrong; it is part of normal healing. You'll have been told exactly what to do, what to avoid and what to take.
- Days two to three
- For many procedures swelling is at its most noticeable now, before it begins to settle. Expect some disruption to your usual routine.
- By one week
- Most patients are feeling considerably more themselves, although it depends on the operation. Chris will advise you individually about work, driving, exercise and eating.
And if you are worried? You should never be left wondering whether something is normal. You will be given clear aftercare instructions and told exactly who to contact if you have a concern.
After your treatment
Chris regards what happens after an operation as part of the operation, and it is the part of his practice patients most often write to him about.
Before you leave hospital Chris gives you his own mobile number, and he means it to be used: if anything worries you in the days after surgery, text or call him, whatever the hour. The hospital will also give you the ward's contact details, and both hospitals have 24‑hour nursing cover for patients recovering from surgery. You go home with written instructions covering pain relief, eating, cleaning and what is normal in the first few days. Your follow‑up appointment, usually two to four weeks after surgery, is with Chris himself and is included in the fixed price of your treatment. He writes to your dentist and GP so that everyone looking after you knows what has been done.