Southside Dental Toowoomba

Patient resources

Preparing for your dental appointment

A little preparation makes your visit smoother — here's what helps before a check-up, and what to plan for before a procedure. These are general guidelines; always follow any specific instructions we give you when you book.

Before any appointment

  • Eat normally beforehand unless we've told you otherwise. There's no need to skip meals before dental treatment — having eaten actually helps, especially if local anaesthetic is planned.
  • Take your regular medications as normal unless we have specifically discussed changing them. Never stop a prescribed medication for a dental visit without medical advice.
  • Tell us about changes to your health — new medications (especially blood thinners), new diagnoses, or pregnancy. It helps us keep your treatment safe.
  • Bring your health fund card, a list of your current medications, and any referral or X-rays you've been given elsewhere. DVA card holders — bring your card.
  • Arrive about 10 minutes early for your first visit so paperwork doesn't eat into your appointment.
  • Brush before you come in if you can — but don't stress if you can't.

Before an extraction or dental surgery

  • Eat a good meal beforehand — you may not feel like eating for a few hours afterwards while the anaesthetic wears off.
  • Avoid smoking on the day of your procedure — it affects healing from the start.
  • Plan your day around resting afterwards. Avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day, and where possible avoid important commitments straight after your appointment.
  • Stock up on soft foods before you come in — yoghurt, soup, eggs, smoothies — so recovery is easier.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and skip lipstick or heavy face make-up on the day.
  • If sedation has been arranged for you, follow the specific fasting and escort instructions we give you — they take priority over everything on this page.

If you're nervous about your visit

Tell us when you book — supporting patients with dental anxiety is something we take real pride in. Coming a few minutes early so you're not rushed, bringing headphones, and agreeing on a stop signal with your dentist all help. There's no judgement here, whatever your dental history and however long it has been.

Anything else?

Back to patient resources, read our aftercare instructions for after your treatment, or contact the practice with any question before your visit.