For IV Anesthesia

Because Oral Surgery, including the removal of teeth, may be an unpleasant experience, it is often valuable to administer anesthetic medication to the patients for the purpose of reducing anxiety, stress and discomfort of the procedure. The anesthesia involves the injection of a sedative medicine into the vein, followed by an injection of local anesthetic in the area of surgery. The oral surgeon is the best able to determine the medication to be used and the way in which it is to be given for your safety and benefit. Pre-operative instructions are given prior to your visit to prepare you for the surgery and anesthesia, and to prevent any unnecessary complications from occurring. For your safety, the instructions are to be followed carefully.

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Pre-Operative Instructions for Patients to Receive Intravenous Anesthesia

The evening before surgery:

  1. Eat a light dinner and nothing to eat or drink after midnight
  2. Get a good night’s rest.

The day of surgery (unless told otherwise):

  1. Do not eat anything before surgery, not even a sip of water.
  2. A relative or friend MUST accompany you home.
  3. Do not plan to drive a car or return to work until the day after surgery providing you have stopped taking any prescribed narcotic pain medicine.
  4. Wear short sleeve, loose fitting clothing, NO sweaters.
  5. Minors MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents will be asked to wait in the waiting room during surgery.
  6. Refrain from alcohol and smoking.
  7. Use the restroom just before the appointment.
  8. Do not wear contact lenses.

NOTE: Please notify this office of any changes in health, e.g. stomach upset, cough, cold, or post nasal drainage prior to surgery appointment.

Following your surgery, effects of the anesthesia may cause you to be dizzy. Because it takes time for your body to eliminate all the medications, you should expect to feel sleepy and a little weak for several hours after surgery. Your reflexes will be slowed even though you think you are fully awake, and it might be difficult for you to walk without assistance for the first few hours after surgery. In

addition, you may have an upset stomach due to the anesthesia medications, although this is not common.

Post-Operative Instructions for Patients to Receive Intravenous Anesthesia

  1. Return home accompanied by an adult. DO NOT DRIVE a vehicle for 24 hours.
  2. Get your prescription(s) filled as soon as possible and take as directed. (Have someone get the prescriptions for you)
  3. Follow the post-operative instructions carefully.
  4. Go to bed and “sleep off’ the medication. Sleep with 2-3 pillows behind your head and shoulders.
  5. If you experience nausea and vomiting, take sips of cola or ginger ale. The prescription pain medication may cause nausea and may have to be stopped. If the nausea persists, call this office.
  6. Some bruising, tenderness or a hard area at the injection site occasionally occurs and usually resolves without treatment.
  7. Any unusual post-operative discomfort or problems should be reported to this office.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK FOR CLARIFICATION PRIOR TO SURGERY