You will always be given local anesthesia for your surgery, but you may choose any of those listed below as supplements. Each requires different preparation on your part and, for your safety, it is important to read and follow the instructions carefully. If you are unclear about any of the insturctions, please ask your doctor for clarification.
General Pre-Surgical Instructions
Local Anesthesia will produce a numb feeling in the area being operated on and a feeling of pressure during surgery. You will be awake and recall the surgery, but there will be no significant discomfort. Have a light meal a few hours prior to surgery and plan to rest for a few hours after surgery.
Nitrous Oxide (known as laughing gas) is a colorless gas that works very rapidly and is reversed quickly. You will be relaxed and somewhat less aware of your surroundings, but recall most of the surgical events. Have a light meal four hours prior to surgery and clear liquids up to one hour prior to surgery. Plan to rest for a few hours after surgery.
IV Sedation The medications are administered through a vein in your arm, which will cause total relaxation. Although you will not actually be unconscious, there will be very little recall of the events surrounding surgery.
- You may not have anything to eat or drink for eight hours prior to the surgery. However, you may take any regular medications or premedication presciption that we have provided, using only a small sip of water.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and closed shoes. Tops/shirts should have sleeves that are easily rolled up above the elbow. Those who wear contact lenses should wear glasses instead. Females should remove nail polish before surgery, and apply as little makeup as possible.
- A reponsible adult must accompany the patient to the officem remain in the office during the procedure, and drive the patient home.
- Do not smke for at least one day prior to the surgery and four to six days after the surgery.
- Do not drink any alcoholic beverages.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following anesthesia.
- Do not sign on any important documents or make important decisions following anesthesia.
- Do not exercise or perform rigorous physical activities following anesthesia.
- Plan to rest the reminder fo the day after surgery.
Be sure to talk to your oral surgeon if you currently take medications that contain aspirin, Advil, Motrin®, Aleve® (naproxen), ibuprofen, or Tylenol® (acetaminophen); or anticoagulants such as Coumadin, Plavix, Lovenox®, and Heparin.
