Home Instructions PRIOR TO IV SEDATION

Please follow these instructions to prepare for your procedure. These are very important for you to adhere to so that we can ensure your safety during anesthesia.

  • You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water, gum, candies) for eight hours prior to your surgery. 
  • If you take routine oral medications, please check with our office prior to your surgical date for instructions.
  • A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive the patient home. If you are a minor, your parent or legal guardian must be with you.
  • The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following anesthesia as your ability will be impaired.
  • No smoking for at least 12 hours before surgery. To allow for optimal healing, abstain from smoking at least 3 days prior and 3 weeks after your surgery. 
  • Please wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow and shoes that are easy to walk in (preferably sneakers).
  • Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.
  • Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
  • If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or upset bowels, please call the office for further directions.

HOME INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO NITROUS OXIDE (LAUGHING GAS) 

These are instructions for patients who are ONLY receiving nitrous oxide gas and not any sedation. When you receive nitrous oxide you are still awake and aware of everything around you, but you will feel slightly more relaxed than normal. 

  • Take your daily medications as prescribed.
  • There are no strict eating restrictions. However, we recommend not having a large meal prior to your appointment as some patients can experience nausea. 
  • You cannot have nitrous oxide if you may be pregnant or if you have any pulmonary problems such as COPD or emphysema. Please notify us if your medical history has changed and you have one of these conditions. 
  • As with any oral surgery procedure, abstain from smoking for 3 days prior and 3 weeks following your procedure for the best healing. 
  • Nitrous oxide quickly exits the body once the treatment is over. If you drove to the office, you will be able to drive home. 
  • The nitrous oxide gas will be delivered to you through your nose, so if you have a cold, congestion, or difficulty breathing through your nose this may not be effective for you. Please contact our office and we can reschedule when your cold subsides or switch to a different anesthetic treatment modality.
  • We will be monitoring your oxygen status throughout the procedure so please do not wear any nail polish, gel or acrylic on your nails as this may interfere with our equipment. 

Home Instructions PRIOR TO LOCAL ANEsthESIA

These are instructions regarding procedures done with only numbing medicine. 

  • Take your daily medications as prescribed. 
  • We always check blood pressure prior to a procedure. Please try to avoid stimulants such as caffeine on the day of your appointment. 
  • No specific diet restrictions. For patients with diabetes, please have a meal high in protein and avoid excess sugar prior to your appointment.