Instructions for Specific Types of Anesthesia

Together, you and your dentist will discuss the dental procedure to be completed, as well as the type of anesthesia you will receive. The different types of anesthesia require different pre-operative instructions. If you have any questions regarding these choices, you should contact Dr. Starck prior to surgery.

Local and/or Nitrous Oxide

Little or no special preparation for either of these types of anesthesia is required other than a current medical history.

Oral Pre-Medication

1. You must take the medication 45 minutes prior to your appointment.
2. You must not drive for 12 hours following taking this medication.
3. You must have someone drive you both to and from your appointment.
4. You must sign your consent form and give us an updated medical history prior to taking this medication.

Intravenous (IV) "Conscious" Sedation or General Anesthesia (Deep Sedation)

1. No aspirin, Motrin, ibuprofen, or any other kind of anti-inflammatory medications should be taken for two weeks prior to surgery. Please check with your healthcare provider regarding all medications and supplements.
2. No alcoholic beverages and/or recreational drugs should be taken for two weeks prior to surgery. These will increase your risk of bleeding.
3. Be sure to keep yourself well-hydrated in the days prior to your procedure (this is especially important during hot seasons). Between the hours of 6-8:00 p.m. on the day prior to your procedure, drink two liters of Gatorade or Pedialyte to avoid dehydration on the day of surgery.
4. DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of surgery. This includes water, coffee, tea, etc.
5. If you smoke or dip, DO NOT do so after midnight on the day of surgery.
6. On the morning of surgery, bathe and brush your teeth, spitting out all water. DO NOT swallow any water, use breath mints,
   or chew gum.
7. If you are on any routine medications for diabetes or high blood pressure, or if you take any other medications for any serious condition, please inform Dr. Starck prior to your surgery. These types of medications may often be taken with only a small sip of water on the morning of surgery.
8. DO NOT wear contact lenses; bring glasses for use following your procedure.
9. DO NOT wear any jewelry above the neck of any kind. It is okay to wear pierced earrings, but please inform the nurse if you do. DO NOT wear any form of facial or tongue piercings during surgery.
10. Remove all nail polish and/or fake nails prior to surgery. You must have a clear nail for pulse-ox monitor to be attached.
11. Wear comfortable clothing that is not restricting to the neck or arms, including a top that is loose-fitting so the sleeves can be rolled up to the shoulder. We will routinely monitor your blood pressure and breathing and must be able to easily do so. Wear sneakers or other securely-fastened shoes. DO NOT wear heavy boots, high heels, flip flops, clogs, sandals, or other slip-on shoes. This is for your safety when walking after anesthesia.
12. If you have an illness, such as a cold, a sore throat, a fever, a stomach, or bowel upset, please notify your dentist’s office
13. A parent, a legal guardian, or another responsible adult over 18 years of age must accompany you to the office and remain in the office during the entire procedure. Following the sedation, this adult should be physically capable of assisting and accompanying you home and should remain with you for the next 24 hours. Post-op instructions will be reviewed with this adult immediately following surgery.
14. For 24 hours following the sedation, you should refrain from driving an automobile or from engaging in any activity that requires alertness.
15. For female patients, please note that some antibiotics may interfere with birth control pills. Please check with your pharmacist.

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