Pre-Operative Instructions

Thank you for choosing our oral surgery practice for your upcoming procedure!

We understand that surgery can be stressful, so we’ve prepared these instructions to help you feel prepared and ensure a smooth experience.

This page covers some general things to do before your surgery, from what to wear to medications and dietary restrictions. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure a successful surgery and a comfortable recovery.

If you have questions, feel free to contact our office before your procedure.

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What to Wear

• Wear loose clothing.
• Anesthesia monitoring requires access to your arms and upper chest, making a T-shirt a good choice.
• Wash your face on the morning of surgery and consider not putting on makeup.
• Some dark nail polish can interfere with oxygen level monitoring, and we might have to remove the nail polish from one fingernail.
• Consider not putting in contacts on the morning of surgery.

Bring Someone

• It is important that you bring a responsible adult that will remain in the office while you are here.
• If you are under age 18, you must bring a legal guardian or parent.
• It is better if you don’t bring small children with you.

Medications

• Unless instructed otherwise, please take all your normal medications with a very small sip of water if it is within the 8 hours prior to surgery.
• Certain diabetes medications and blood thinner medications may need to be withheld prior to surgery. Your oral surgeon will have discussed this with you.
• If you normally premedicate with antibiotics because of a joint replacement or valve replacement, make sure your oral surgeon knows that.
• Make sure your surgeon knows what medications you take, as some can negatively interact with anesthesia medications.

Diet

• Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to your sedation or general anesthesia. No food, water, coffee, or juice.
• Certain patients with diabetes may have a different requirement. Your doctor will advise you of your diet requirement prior to anesthesia if it is different.

Are You Sick?

If you are getting sick with a cough, cold, or flu-like symptoms prior to surgery, call the office to discuss your case. Anesthesia may not be safe for you if you are sick.

Anesthesia Recovery

• Plan to rest comfortably at home.
• A responsible adult should stay with you for the remainder of the day.
• Don’t plan on driving any vehicle for the remainder of the day.
• Don’t make or undertake any business negotiations that day.
• Alcohol should not be consumed for the remainder of the day.
• Nausea and dizziness are uncommon. Please call the office if those symptoms are present.

Questions?

We are here for you.

If you have a question about your procedure or treatment plan, our center has 24-hour surgeon availability. If you would like to speak to your surgeon, please contact us at any time. During business hours, please call our office. After hours, please call our office, and our answering service will page a surgeon. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.