Preoperative Instructions
APPOINTMENT: Please call and confirm the date and time of your appointment 3-5 days prior to your surgery. Please arrive 15 minutes before any surgery. Please be on time - delays affect the doctor, staff and every other patient scheduled that day.
LOCAL ANESTHESIA: If you are having local anesthetic (numbing) only: Eat as usual (especially diabetics). Take all medications as usual. You may drive and come alone unless instructed otherwise.
IV OR GAS ANESTHESIA: If you are having intravenous medication or nitrous oxide/gas:
Have no food after 8:00 p.m., nor liquids for eight (8) hours prior to appointment. HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOU TO REMAIN IN THE OFFICE DURING YOUR TREATMENT, TO DRIVE YOU HOME, AND TO ATTEND TO YOU UNTIL FULLY RECOVERED FROM THE ANESTHETIC. THIS MAY TAKE THE ENTIRE DAY.
MEDICATIONS/PRE-MEDICATIONS: Have prescriptions filled prior to arrival, so it is not necessary to stop for them on your way home and delay your post-operative care. If we have prescribed a pre-medication to be taken prior to your appointment, please remember to take it one hour prior to your scheduled visit with as little water as possible. (Especially patients with a history of a heart murmur or hip/knee replacements.)
CLOTHING: Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing - preferably short sleeves. Avoid long sleeve sweatshirts, sweaters and knits. Avoid turtlenecks. Jackets, contact lenses and jewelry must be removed. Do not wear finger nail polish or acrylic nails.
PREMEDICATIONS: If you require antibiotic pre-medication or any other medication prior to treatment, please take these medications approximately one hour before your scheduled visit with as little water as possible.
- Please start antibiotic one day prior to treatment unless directed otherwise.
- Take Benadryl at bedtime and one hour prior to appointment as recommended.