Before Intravenous Anesthesia  

Avoid the use of aspirin or aspirin products for pain management such as Anacin, Bufferin, or AlkaSeltzer, for at least three days prior to surgery; Tylenol is OK to use instead. If you are taking an anticoagulant (Coumadin, Plavix) or daily aspirin you may continue to do so, do NOT discontinue these medications.

If you are going to have local anesthesia only, you may eat prior to your appointment and do not need someone to accompany you to the office unless you are under 18.

If you have general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, a responsible person must accompany you, remain in the reception area, and take you home.

You must NOT drive a car or operate machinery for 24 hours after intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

It is also recommended that a responsible person be with the patient at home for the first day.

Please read these additional important preoperative instructions:

1. If you choose to have general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, do not have anything to eat or drink, including water, after midnight the night before your surgery.
2. Also, any additional medications, which might be prescribed to you by our office, such as preoperative antibiotics should be taken with a small sip of water 2 hours prior to scheduled surgery time. Please inquire about how to take your prescription medicines the day of surgery. If you are required to take a preoperative antibiotic you may do so with small sips of water.
3. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing with short sleeves.
4. Do not wear jewelry, including any nose, mouth, tongue or other facial piercings or makeup, including nail polish or eye cosmetics. Please tie long hair back off to the side.
5. If you wear contact lenses, please remove them prior to your appointment.
6. No smoking the morning of surgery and preferably for at least one week afterwards.
7. Your mouth and teeth should be well cleansed to help avoid infection.
8. Do not ignore a head or chest cold when oral surgery is to be performed. Please call the office if you have any symptoms, as an appointment change may be necessary.
9. If you wear dentures, please do not use denture adhesive.

Remember do not eat or drink anything 8 hours prior to surgery if you are having IV Sedation or General Anesthesia!