Important instructions regarding your anesthesia

You will receive local anesthesia (numbing medication) for your surgery. Additionally, you may choose from several supplemental anesthetic options listed below. Each option requires specific preparation to ensure your safety and the best possible outcome. Please read the following instructions carefully and follow them precisely. If you have any questions or need clarification, do not hesitate to ask your doctor.

Local Anesthesia:

  1. Have a light meal a few hours before surgery.

  2. For more extensive procedures you may want to have someone drive you home.

  3. Plan to rest for a few hours after the surgery.

Oral Premedication:

  1. Have a light meal a few hours prior to surgery, unless you are also having an IV anesthetic (see IV anesthesia below).

  2. You must have someone to drive you home after surgery.

  3. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Do not operate power tools, machinery, etc., or plan to work or make business  decisions while under the influence of sedation.

Nitrous Oxide:

  1.  Have a light meal a few hours prior to surgery, unless you are also having an IV anesthetic (see IV anesthesia below).

  2. Because nitrous oxide may have lasting effects, we strongly suggest that a driver take you home after surgery. If not, you will be required to wait in the office until fully recovered from the effects of nitrous  oxide.

  3. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

IV Anesthesia:

  1. You may not have anything to eat or drink for at least 7 hours prior to surgery. To do otherwise may be life-threatening. You may drink water up to 2 hours prior to surgery. It is still important that you take any regular medications (high blood pressure, antibiotics, ect.) or any prescriptions that we may have provided, using only small sips of water. This should have been discussed with the doctor.
  2. For morning appointments, skip breakfast.
  3. For afternoon appointments, it is important to eat a light breakfast 7 hours before your appointment; then skip lunch.
  4. Please wear a loos-fitting shirt/blouse with short  sleeves or sleeves that are easily drawn up above the elbow.

  5. You must have a responsible adult present at our office throughout the duration of your surgery and to drive you home after.

  6. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Do not operate power tools, machinery, etc., or plan to work or make business decisions while under the influence of sedation
  7. No smoking at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible prior to the day of surgery.
  8. Hard contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.
  9. If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.

In order to do this, it is imperative that we have your full cooperation. Please feel free to call us with any questions concerning your surgery or anesthetic