Before Intravenous(IV) Anesthesia/Sedation

Home Instructions Before Oral Surgery

Please follow these instructions to prepare for oral surgery with Intravenous(IV) sedation/IV anesthesia.  Our goal is to provide you with a safe, pleasant and effective IV anesthetic.  In order to ensure we can do so it is imperative that we have your full cooperation.  You are encouraged to call the office prior to your appointment with question or concerns.

• For your postoperative safety, YOU MUST HAVE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT ESCORT EIGHTEEN(18) YEARS OR OLDER, WITH A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE, DRIVE YOU TO THE OFFICE AND PLAN TO REMAIN INSIDE OF THE OFFICE THROUGHOUT THE DURATION OF THE PROCEDURE.  They must take responsibility for driving you home, filling your prescriptions, starting you on your medications and making sure you follow your postoperative instructions.  It is recommended that they VISUALLY MONITOR YOU FOR 24 HOURS FOR YOUR SAFETY FOLLOWING DISCHARGE BECAUSE THE EFFECTS OF SEDATION MAY LINGER.  RIDE SERVICES SUCH AS LYFT, UBER OR TAXIS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE, and if used your appointment will be rescheduled.
• YOU MUST MAKE YOUR ESCORT FULLY AWARE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES.  IF YOUR ESCORT IS UNAWARE AND UNWILLING TO PERFORM THESE RESPONSIBILITIES, IT WILL BE UNSAFE FOR YOU TO HAVE IV ANESTHESIA.
• YOU MUST NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING FOR EIGHT(8) HOURS PRIOR TO IV ANESTHESIA.  EATING A MEAL OR DRINKING HEAVY FLUIDS LIKE COFFEE AND CREAM WITHIN EIGHT(8) HOURS OF IV ANESTHESIA WILL POSE A LIFE THREATENING RISK, and your appointment will be rescheduled.
• In order to decrease the chance of dehydration and to aid in placement of an IV catheter, you are encouraged to stay hydrated during this time and A 20 OZ CUP OF WATER MAY BE SAFELY DRANK WITHIN FOUR(4) HOURS OF IV ANESTHESIA.
• NO SMOKING WITHIN TWELVE(12) HOURS OF AN IV ANESTHETIC.  Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible prior to the day of surgery.
• YOU MUST NOT STOP ANY OF YOUR REGULAR MEDICATIONS.  YOU MUST CONTINUE TAKING THEM ACCORDING TO YOUR REGULAR SCHEDULE UNLESS SPECIFICALLY ADVISED TO DO SO. 
• If you are DIABETIC, CHECK YOUR BLOOD GLUCOSE IN THE MORNING AND ONLY DOSE INSULIN IF REQUIRED ACCORDING TO YOUR PHYSICIANS NORMAL INSTRUCTIONS. Please make sure to bring your blood glucose monitor to your appointment.
• If you have ASTHMA, BRING YOUR RESCUE INHALER AND USE IT UPON ARRIVAL.
• Please BRING A SWEATER WITH SLEEVES THAT CAN BE ROLLED UP PAST THE ELBOW AND WEAR A T-SHIRT  TO ALLOW FOR PLACEMENT OF AN IV CATHETER AND VITAL MONITORS ON YOUR ARMS.  The surgical rooms tend to be cool so please bring a blanket.
• SLIPPERS/SANDALS/HEELS ARE PROHIBITED.  Wear flat, enclosed or tie up shoes to allow you to safely walk without losing balance.
• Facial jewelry, oral jewelry, and dentures MUST BE REMOVED at the time of surgery.
• For your SAFETY, NAIL POLISH AND FAKE NAILS MUST BE REMOVED PRIOR TO IV ANESTHESIA TO ALLOW PLACEMENT OF AN OXYGEN MONITOR, failure to do so may result in your appointment being rescheduled.
• YOU MUST BATHE, BRUSH YOUR TEETH AND RINSE YOUR MOUTH and it is best to SHAVE YOUR FACE IF YOU HAVE FACIAL HAIR prior to arrival for IV anesthesia.  Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or false eyelashes on the day of surgery.
• If you have an ILLNESS such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or upset bowels, PLEASE NOTIFY THE OFFICE PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL.
• THE EFFECTS OF IV SEDATION CAN LINGER AND YOU MUST REST AFTER SURGERY.  You MUST NOT drive, climb stairs or shower unsupervised, operate machinery, exercise, or perform any activity that may pose risk for physical injury for at least twenty-four(24) hours after surgery.
• Please understand that YOUR SAFETY IS OUR UTMOST PRIORITY.  UNFORTUNATELY, FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY MAKE IT UNSAFE TO PERFORM AN IV ANESTHETIC AND RESULT IN CANCELLING YOUR PROCEDURE.