Pre-Procedure Instructions

Below are pre-procedure instructions on what to expect as you prepare for your oral surgery with our office. It is IMPORTANT to follow these instructions so that your procedure can be completed promptly, properly, and safely. 

Procedures with IV Sedation or Nitrous Oxide:

  1. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK (EVEN WATER) FOR 6-8 HOURS before your appointment. If you take prescription medication for a heart condition, high blood pressure, infection or other illness, and are advised by your doctor to continue your medications, then take it with a small sip of water. 
  2. You MUST BE ACCOMPANIED by a responsible adult. This person may wait in the waiting area or if leaving, make sure to leave name and number to be reached at with front office staff. You will not be able to drive a car, walk or ride in a cab or bus by yourself after the procedure. Make arrangements for someone to stay with you at home the day of your SEDATION.
  3. Please wear a loose fitting short-sleeved shirt.
  4. Please do not wear lipstick, blush, jewelry, acrylic nails or nail polish. It will have to be removed, so that our monitoring instruments will work properly.
  5. Patients under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or a designated responsible adult with a TREATMENT CONSENT FORM SIGNED BY A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN.
  6. Please brush your teeth several times the day before surgery and at least once on the day of the procedure to help decrease the chance of infection.
  7. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.

Procedures with Local Anesthesia:

Local anesthesia, commonly referred to as local Novocaine, is used to numb an area in the mouth for an oral surgery procedure. Patients who use local anesthesia and no other type of sedation are able to drive themselves home from a procedure unless otherwise specified. Patients using only local anesthesia are not required to fast from food or drink and are encouraged to eat something prior to the appointment that will settle well on his or her stomach, as the patient may not feel like eating after the procedure. Patients should still come with their teeth freshly brushed and should arrive 15 minutes prior to the appointment.