PREOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

General anesthesia/Sedation:

Anesthesia is provided in our fully-accredited Non-Hospital Surgical Facility by a board-certified medical Anesthesiologist. In order for us to provide anesthesia in the safest manner possible, adherance to a few simple rules is essential:

• NO SOLID FOOD AFTER MIDNIGHT A pre-operative fasting period starting midnight the night prior to surgery allows our anesthesia staff to administer anesthetic in a safe and efficient manner. Clear fluids (eg. water, apple juice) can be safetly ingested 4 hours prior to surgery, but you must abstain from milk and juices with pulp.
• ARRANGE FOR A RIDE HOME Please arrange in advance for a responsible adult to escort you home following your sedation/general anesthesia. You will be in no condition to drive yourself home and will need someone who has your best interests in mind assist you with the transition from office to home. You should have supervision for the first 24 hours following surgery.
• NOTIFY DR. FAIRBANKS OF ALL MEDICAL CONDITIONS Please be honest and forthright in providing information regarding past medical and surgical histories, medications taken, illicit substances being used, and allergies. All of this information is required to tailor the anesthetic to your physiological needs and make the experience as safe as possible. Dr. Fairbanks will arrange for an Anesthetic Consultation with our anesthesiologist for those with significant medical histories as well as for children under the age of 8.

Following these simple rules enlists you as an important part of our anesthetic team; a team committed to providing anesthesia in a safe environment.

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.
• While fasting, the patient may drink clear fluids up to 4 hours prior to surgery(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 4 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
            - Steroids
            - Anti-seizure medications
            - Anti-Parkinson’s medications

• Please bring a full and updated list of prescribed medications and supplements to be reviewed at your consultation appointment. We may request that you stop taking some medications 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

• If you are a minor, you must have a parent or guardian present for the extent of your surgery. All patients are required to have a licensed driver take them home after their appointment, and we prefer that you are accompanied by someone for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
• Brush your teeth as usual, but be sure not to swallow any water or toothpaste. Do not wear any make up or nail polish.
• If you regularly wear contact lenses, please remove them prior to surgery. Jewelry and dentures will also need to be removed before surgery.
• We prefer that you wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat soled shoes. Shirts that have ¾ sleeve or shorter are ideal.
• After surgery, you will not be fully aware, therefore cannot return to work or school, and cannot drive or operate other hazardous devices. Also, please make sure that you have assistance when climbing stairs or attempting other difficult tasks.

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 affect delivery of anesthesia 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.