Preoperative Instructions

Woman Brushing Her Teeth

General Instructions

  • Wear comfortable clothing.
  • Take regular daily medications unless instructed otherwise.
  • Be sure to take antibiotic pre-medication if required. If you are not sure, ask our office or contact your physician.
  • If it is your first visit to our office, be sure that we are supplied with a written referral to verify the procedure to be performed, any previous x-ray (if applicable), current insurance information, and a list of current medications.

Prior to Surgery

Your surgeon will discuss anesthesia options with you based upon your medical history, the type of procedure you are undergoing, and your anxiety level. If your surgeon and you decide intravenous (IV) sedation/general anesthesia is your best course of treatment, please read the following instructions carefully.

Instructions for IV Sedation/General Anesthesia

It is mandatory that the following steps be taken prior to IV sedation/general anesthesia within our offices:

  • Have absolutely nothing to eat or drink, including water, for at least six (6) hours prior to your appointment. The only exception to this is if you have been instructed by one of our doctors to take preoperative medication with a small amount of water.
  • Bring along a responsible adult/escort to drive you home. Operation of a motor vehicle or machine for 24 hours after general anesthesia is not permitted.
  • If possible, please have someone stay with you at home after surgery.
  • Patients under the age of 18 and those not financially responsible for payment must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. This parent or guardian may need to sign the informed consent if it was not signed at the consultation.
  • Contact lenses should be removed prior to surgery.
  • Wear loose, short sleeved shirt or blouse and low-heeled shoes.
  • If you develop a chest or head cold the week before surgery, please call the office and notify the doctor. Your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

Items you may need at home

  • Two (2) ice packs. Have those frozen and ready.
  • Soft foods - yogurt, pudding, ice cream, Jell-O, soup, etc.
  • Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen), Aleve (Naprosyn) or Tylenol (Acetaminophen).
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