Anesthesia Preoperative & Postoperative Instructions
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Please read this guide carefully and follow all instructions to endure a smooth and safe anesthesia experience.
Pre-Op Instructions:
Required Paperwork
All medical history and consent forms must be completed in full
Forms must be submitted prior to scheduling
A scheduling deposit is required before your appointment is confirmed
Incomplete forms may result in appointment cancellation
Eating & Drinking instructions
No food for 8 hours prior to the appointment
You may drink clear liquids only until 2 hours before your appointment
Failure to follow these instructions may result in cancellation for safety reasons
Medications
Continue Prescribed medications unless otherwise directed
Take approved morning medications with a small sip of water
Inform our office of:
Blood thinners
Diabetes Medication
Weight-loss medication
Do not stop any medication without medical guidance
Illness or Change in Health
Notify us immediately if you experience:
Fever
Cold, cough or flu symptoms
Vomiting or Diarrhea
Recent ER visits or hospitalization
New medication or diagnosis
Day of Procedure
Arrive on time as instructed
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Avoid makeup, lotion, perfume or nail polish
Remove contact lenses and jewelry
Escort Requirement
A responsible adult must accompany you
They must remain on-site or be immediately available
You may not drive home from your procedure
Marijuana use & Anesthesia safety
For your safety, please inform us of any marijuana or cannabis use, including smoking, vaping, edibles or tinctures.
Do not use marijuana within 1 hour of anesthesia
Use within this time frame significantly increases the risk of heart complications, including heart attack.
Marijuana use can also affect heart rate, blood pressure, and anesthesia requirements.
Failure to disclose recent marijuana use or using marijuana too close to your appointment may result in cancellation or postponement of your procedure. If you have any questions about marijuana use and anesthesia, please contact us prior to your appointment.
Post-Op Instructions
After anesthesia, it is normal to experience drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, or temporary memory changes. These effects may last several hours,
Activity and Supervision
Rest for the remainder of the day
A responsible adult must remain with you for the first 24 hours
Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours
Eating and Drinking
Start with clear liquids once fully awake
Progress to light foods as tolerated
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours
Medications
Take only medications approved or prescribed by your dental provider
Avoid sedatives, sleep aids, or recreational substances unless cleared by anesthesia provider
Common Side Effects
You may experience:
Sleepiness or fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Mild headache
Temporary confusion or forgetfulness
These symptoms usually improve within 24 hours.
When to Contact us immediately
Call our office or seek medical attention if you experience:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Persistent vomiting
Fever over 101 degrees
Severe dizziness or fainting
Uncontrolled pain or bleeding
If a situation feels urgent or life-threatening, call 911 immediately.
Follow-Up
If you have questions or concerns after your procedure, please contact us. Your safety and comfort remain our priority.