During your consultation, your oral surgeon will go over some basic guidelines about how to prepare for surgery, and specifically how to prepare for the administration of IV sedation. Here is a summary of the general surgical guidelines. Always ask your surgeon if you have any questions or concerns.

Some guidelines for preparing for your oral surgery include:

  • Avoid having anything to eat or drink, including water, for eight (8) hours before your surgery.
  • Avoid smoking for at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, we recommend patients cut out smoking altogether, as soon as possible.
  • You will need a responsible adult to come with you to the appointment, wait for you, listen to any important post-surgical instructions, and drive you home. We cannot discharge patients who do not have a ride lined up.
  • Following the anesthesia experience, you will need to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours.
  • We advise patients to wear loose-fitting clothes, with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbows. Also, wear low-heeled shoes.
  • Before surgery, you will be asked to remove dentures, contact lenses, and jewelry.
  • On the day of your surgery, avoid wearing lipstick, nail polish, or any kind of excessive makeup.
  • Notify the office if you have any kind of illness on the day of your surgery, including a sore throat, upset stomach, etc.
  • Ensure that you discuss any medications you take with your surgeon. Ideally, you should furnish a current list of medications you take at your consultation, then bring a copy of that medication list on the day of your procedure.
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