Before Anesthesia
Before Intravenous Anesthesia Sedation
Sedation is a method of anesthesia that allows us to perform a procedure while you are calm, comfortable and relaxed.
Technically, you will be “conscious” during the procedure; however, you should not feel any pain and will be very relaxed. You will probably have no memory of the procedure.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short or no sleeves. Do not wear nail polish, contact lenses, or nylons, as they interfere with our monitoring equipment.
- Do not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before your appointment.
- Arrange to have someone wait in our office during your procedure, take you home afterward, and stay with you until you are fully recovered from the anesthesia. We will instruct that person on how to help care for you afterwards. Do not attempt to drive or do work of any kind for 24 hours.
- Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 48 hours after the anesthetic.
- If you are currently taking a daily medication, take it as usual with a minimal amount of water, but please, LET US KNOW.
Before Nitrous Oxide Anesthesia
Nitrous oxide is a method of analgesia that allows us to perform a procedure while you are comfortable and relaxed.
The “laughing gas” creates a more relaxed state and to some degree, dissociation from the environment.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short or no sleeves. Do not wear nail polish, contact lenses, or nylons, as they interfere with our monitoring equipment.
- Do not eat or drink anything for at least four hours before your appointment.
- Arrange to have someone stay with you in our office during the procedure, and stay with you until you are fully recovered from the gas. We will instruct that person on how to care for you afterwards. You should not drive or operate machinery until fully recovered from the gas.
- If you are currently taking a daily medication, take it as usual with a minimal amount of water, but please, LET US KNOW.
“Cooler” Instructions
It is a good idea for patients who live more than 20 minutes from the office to bring a cooler with them.
This idea was prompted by comments from other patients.
Bring a cooler with you the day of surgery. Inside the cooler, you should have:
- Advil (2 tablets), unless you are unable to take Advil
- Ice pack
- Bottle of juice/soda (no milk products or orange juice) NO STRAWS
- Pudding or other soft food and a spoon
By the time you get to the car or pharmacy, it will be time to change the gauze in your mouth:
- Remove your gauze.
- Swallow some juice/soda (this may feel strange as you may still be numb).
- Take 2 Advil.
- Eat some pudding or other soft food.
- Insert new gauze and bite firmly.
- Apply ice to face.
Once you arrive home you can start the pain prescription (remember only ¼ or ½ of a tablet), and eat more substantial food (pancakes, pasta, chicken noodle soup, mashed potatoes, etc.)
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