For your convenience we accept cash, cheques, credit and debit cards (excl American Express, Diners). Electronic payments can be made from home the day before treatment.

Cost of implant components are to be paid at least three working days prior to surgery. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the surgery.

All treatment costs are payable by the patient directly after every procedure, as the practice does not submit any claims to medical aid funds. This will remain the responsibility of the patient. Our treatment is based on your dental health needs and not on your medical aid coverage.

It is important that you understand and consent to both the treatment plan and the estimated cost of treatment.It is your right to accept or decline our recommended treatment plan. If you reject or delay recommended treatment, please understand the risk that you are accepting.

You will be requested to sign acceptance of our treatment plan and cost estimate. If clinical conditions require a change in treatment, details and costs will be provided or discussed before proceeding.

The final treatment plan and costs may differ from the proposed treatment plan, as every treatment is determined by the clinical circumstances, this will however be discussed with the patient.

We do not accept any responsibility for your medical scheme coverage and reimbursement; you remain responsible for payment of all accounts.

Benefits provided by medical schemes are “Medical Aid Rates” and doctors are not obliged to charge that fee.

Patients are encouraged to submit cost estimates to their schemes before proceeding with treatment so that they may budget accordingly.

Pre-operative Instructions
The following instructions may be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any last minute questions. We can be reached telephonically on 012 460 7085 during regular business hours.

If you are taking any “blood thinning” medication, please discuss this with Dr.Dippenaar. It may be necessary to alter the dose or discontinue the medication before surgery. This must be done in conjunction with the prescribing medical practitioner.

Dr.Dippenaar will provide you with a script for medication which should be taken strictly as prescribed.

General Surgery in our Office:

• Take medication as prescribed.
• One hour before surgery have a meal with the anti-biotics.
• Bring your pain medication with you to the appointment.
• Always remember to drink plenty of fluids with your medication.
• You will be able to drive after your surgery unless specified or advised to the contrary by our staff.

Surgery under General Anaesthetic [In clinic/hospital or our surgery]

• Do not eat or drink anything for a minimum of 6 hours before surgery (to be confirmed by Anaethetist)
• Routine medicine should not be taken in these 6 hours unless instructed by your medical pratitioner.
• All current medication and medical conditions must be declared at admission (or before the time if surgery done in office)
• Do not take any valuables with you
• Please take note that you may not drive or operate machinery for a minimum of 24 hours after surgery. Ensure transport is arranged.
• Ensure payments are settled before surgery, or in the case of clinic/ hospital admission, arrange for reliable payment to be taken with you for any excess or co-payments.

Post-operative Instructions

• It is not abnormal to experience a degree of discomfort after surgery.  Everything possible has been done to ensure a speedy recovery
• Slight bleeding may be detected for the first day or two and is not abnormal. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you are concerned.
• Elevate your head when lying down
• For extractions, use gauze provided or purchased at any pharmacy, to bite down on, to stop bleeding.
• If bleeding continues, bite down on a dry,new teabag.The tannins and pressure will assist in stopping the bleeding.
• Hot beverages should be avoided during the first 24 hours after surgery. Excessive rinsing may also elicit unwanted side effects.
• Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and will typically increase 2-3 days after the procedure. To minimize the swelling on the first day, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
• Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed. A soft diet is recommended.Clean breakable foods such as chicken, fish, vegetables, eggs, yogurt and fruits are more easily eaten. Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing
• Oral hygiene procedures must commence immediately. Do not brush directly on the surgical site until the following day. You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas. Light brushing from the first day and flossing after the first week is required.
• Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.
• It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure. You will be given a prescription for medication to help you tolerate the discomfort. Please take your medications as directed. It is advisable to not take pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result.
• An antibiotic may be prescribed following your surgical procedure. Take as directed until the entire prescription has been completed. Failure to take all antibiotic pills as prescribed can increase your chances of creating antibiotic resistance. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of contraceptives.
• You may notice increased discomfort 4-5 days after the surgical procedure. As the tissues begin to heal, they may pull against the sutures and dressing. You may choose to take some form of pain medication to minimize tenderness.
• Rest for at least two days after oral surgery. Physical activity is not recommended for 2 to 3 days after your surgery. Typically, you should be able to resume normal daily activities within 48 hours after surgery.
• A follow-up appointment is usually required after 14 days. Please contact us to make the arrangements.

Please contact our offices if you are concerned about any aspect of your surgery.
012 460 7085
Speedy recovery        
Dr.A.P.DIPPENAAR

Download Instructions

Your pet depends on you for protection
Major advances in treating serious infectious and other pet diseases has exposed oral disease - most importantly periodontal or gum disease caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar ,as the number-one health problem for dogs. It is estimated that without proper dental care, 80% of dogs will show signs of oral disease by age three. With your help, your pets can have healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives.

You simply need to provide them with a few things:

• A nutritious diet
• Chew treats
• Regular brushing at home
• Yearly dental checkups by a veterinary surgeon

Good dental health begins with the proper diet
The wrong kind of food can cause dental distress in pets. Feeding your dog a dry food rather than a moist, canned one will, through its mild action on the teeth, help remove the bacterial plaque that can harden into tartar. Dry food also provides adequate chewing exercise and gum stimulation. Avoid giving your pet sweets and table scraps as they may also increase plaque and tartar formation. Your veterinary surgeon may recommend the use of special dry foods designed to reduce plaque and tartar build-up, especially if your pet is prone to dental problems due to breed or individual genetic history.

Brushing your pet's teeth
Dogs need to have their teeth brushed in order to eliminate the dental plaque that can cause tooth decay and the formation of tartar, which can lead to gum disease. You should begin a regular, daily brushing routine when your puppy is between six and eight weeks of age. Even older dogs can be trained to accept having their teeth brushed. You simply need to introduce the activity gradually and make the experience a positive one for your pet. Reassure and praise them profusely throughout the process and reward them with a very special treat when it’s finished.

Step 1
• Start by dipping a finger in beef paste. 
• Rub this finger gently over your pet’s gums and one or two teeth. 
• Repeat until your pet seems fairly comfortable with this activity.

Step 2
• Gradually, introduce a gauze-covered finger and gently scrub the teeth with a circular motion.

Step 3
• Then, you can begin to use a toothbrush, either an ultra-soft model designed for people or a special pet tooth-brush or finger brush, which is a rubber finger covering with a small brush built in at its tip.

Step 4
• Finally, once your pet is used to brushing, introduce the use of pet toothpaste in liquid or paste form. Most of these contain chlorhexidine or stannous fluoride - ask your veterinary surgeon for his/her recommendations. Don’t use human toothpaste, as it can upset your pet’s stomach. Your veterinary surgeon may also advise the use of an antiseptic spray or rinse after brushing

Don't forget a yearly dental checkup
Doing your best to ensure that your dog receives the proper diet and regular brushing at home will help maintain teeth and gums in top condition. To provide optimum dental care at home, you need to start with a clean bill of dental health. That’s where your pet’s veterinary surgeon comes in. 

He/she will give your pet a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity to determine whether there are any underlying problems and, especially important, tartar buildup. Brushing removes plaque but not tartar, so if your pet’s teeth do have tartar, your veterinary surgeon will have to remove it with a professional cleaning and polishing, usually accomplished under anaesthesia. After removing the tartar above and below the gum line, your veterinary surgeon will provide you with instructions for home care and follow-up.

A few tips:

• Chew treats, including hard meat-protein biscuits and rawhide chews for dogs, can help remove plaque, and provide stimulation for the gums.
• Watch out for wood - throwing sticks for dogs or letting your cat pick up a piece of wood with his/her mouth can result in splinters and gum damage.

Don’t let your pet chew on hard materials like bones or stones. They can wear down, even break teeth, damage gums and lead to infection.