Prior to your dental surgery you will have the opportunity to address any concerns you might have during your pre-op appointment. We encourage you to ask questions and make us aware of any fears you might have. Our main goal is to create a secure, comfortable environment for our patients on the day of surgery so the more you communicate with us, the easier we can accommodate your needs. The following guidelines are meant to serve as reminders in helping you prepare for your dental surgery. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our practice.

Leading Up to the Day of Surgery

• Fasting must begin at midnight the night before surgery for patients with a morning appointment.  If you have an afternoon appointment, do not eat anything 8 hours prior to your scheduled dental surgery.
• While fasting, the patient may only drink clear fluids (Ex: water, apple juice, black coffee, and sports drinks).  Beverages that are not allowed to be consumed are alcohol, orange juice, milk, creamer, and other opaque drinks.  Patients should avoid drinking all fluids within 6 hours of their surgery.  If you are unsure about what can and cannot be consumed, please ask during your pre-op appointment.
• Patients may continue taking the following medications with a small sip of water prior to surgery:

• Cardiac medications
• Pulmonary medications
• Anti-seizure medications
• Anti-Parkinson’s medications
  

• Medications that patients are prohibited from taking are MAO inhibitors, anti-depressants, aspirins, anti-coagulants, and anti-inflammatory drugs. We request that patients stop taking these medications at least two days prior to surgery because they can create complications during dental surgery.
• Patients are not to consume alcoholic beverages or use tobacco products within 24 hours of their appointment and are asked to refrain from drinking or smoking for 24 hours after their surgery.

Day of Surgery

• • Take all of your regular medications with a minimal amount of water unless you are instructed to do otherwise by a doctor in this office or your primary medical doctor.
  • If you are scheduled to have intravenous sedation: You may not have anything to eat or drink for 8 hours before your appointment. For morning surgery, no food or liquids after midnight the night before surgery. Clear liquids (anything you can see through) may be taken up to 4 hours before surgery.
  • If you are scheduled to have nitrous oxide analgesia (N2O): You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for 3 hours before the appointment unless otherwise directed.
  • No smoking for at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible before the day of surgery.
  • A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive the patient home.
  • Plan to rest for the remainder of the surgery day. The patient should not drive a vehicle, operate any machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours following intravenous anesthesia.
  • Please wear loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow and low-heeled shoes.
  • Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed before surgery.
  • Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
  • The use of alcohol or recreational drugs can have an adverse effect on the anesthesia medications that we use. Please discontinue the use of such for at least 72 hours before your procedure.
  • If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, or stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.
  • If, for some reason, you are unable to keep your surgery appointment, we request 48 hours’ notice of cancellation.

  Women, please note: Some antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills. Please check with your pharmacist.

  
  

If you have any change in health the morning of you appointment, please contact the practice immediately. A cold or fever with chest and sinus congestion may dangerously affect surgery so it is imperative that our practice is made aware of the situation. If it is necessary to reschedule your appointment, we will notify you.

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