Preparing For Surgery

Same Day Surgery

When a minor procedure is planned occasionally the surgery can be performed on the same day as your examination/consultation. If such minor procedures are performed it is under a local anesthetic or "numbing" medication. This may be completely appropriate for uncomplicated extraction of teeth, biopsy or removal of small lesions of the mouth or face.

Other more complicated procedures such as the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, multiple extractions, implant placement, bone graft jaw augmentation or certain cosmetic surgeries are more appropriately treated with IV sedation or IV anesthesia. This requires special preparation and usually is scheduled for a day other than your consultation.

Pre-Anesthesia Instructions

For patients who have had prior consultation and are to be treated utilizing IV sedation or IV anesthesia it is important to follow these instructions. Deviation from these instructions can result in a situation that can cause harm or injury to the patient and could cause prolonged healing after surgery.

• The patient must have nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to surgery and anesthesia.
  
  
• The patient must be accompanied by a responsible adult to the office who can remain in the office during the procedure and is able to drive the patient home after surgery/anesthesia.
  
  
• It is advisable to have the parent or responsible adult remain with the patient for several hours after surgery and anesthesia.
  
  
• The patient should not operate dangerous equipment or drive a motor vehicle for 24 hours after receiving anesthetic medications.
  
  
• The patient should wear loose fitting clothing with short sleeves and a button-down-the-front shirt/blouse (or a T-shirt) to allow placing monitors and IV line.
  
  
• The patient should wear low-heeled or flat-soled shoes. Do not wear high heels or platform shoes.
  
  
• Patients should NOT wear jewelry or make-up for surgery.
  
  
• The patient must remove all oral piercing type jewelry including tongue or lip posts and rings.
  
  
• DO NOT bring valuables to the office. Leave any purses, wallets, cell phones, watches at home or with your adult escort. Do not bring unneeded valuables to the office.
  
  
• We encourage patients to practice normal hygiene including tooth and tongue brushing prior to surgery. DO NOT swallow any of the water or take a drink of water when you cleanse or rinse your mouth.
  
  
• Patients should remove contact lenses prior to coming to the office for surgery. Bring your eyeglasses instead.
  
  
• DO NOT wear or apply body lotion or powder. This can affect lead connection for the heart monitors used during sedation and anesthesia.