Anesthesia & Surgical Instructions

Anesthesia

Different procedures necessitate different types of anesthesia. With the aid of your surgeon, you will have the opportunity to select the type of anesthetic most appropriate for you and your particular procedure. The range of anesthetics available at The Center includes:

• Local anesthetic/anesthesia — the injection of a local anesthetic in the mouth to numb the area where treatment is to be rendered.
• Intravenous sedation — the intravenous injection of agents into a vein of the arm to sedate you. You will not be totally asleep; however, you will be so relaxed that you will not find the treatment uncomfortable. Local anesthetic/anesthesia is also employed with this technique.
• General anesthesia — the intravenous injection of agents to establish a stage of deep sleep. Local anesthetic is also frequently used in conjunction with this type of anesthesia for post-operative comfort.

Our doctor, nurse, and our surgical staff have been specially trained with the latest in anesthesia techniques, monitoring, and emergency treatment.

Surgical Instructions

Preoperative Instructions for Patients Receiving General Anesthesia

If you are receiving general anesthesia and/or IV sedation, you must follow these instructions to minimize the chance of complications. If these instructions are not followed, we may need to reschedule your procedure.

1. You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for eight (8) hours prior to the appointment.
2. A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, (plan on at least an hour), and be able to drive the patient home following surgery, and stay with the patient for at least eight (8) hours.
3. The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the anesthesia experience.
4. Please wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow, and low-heeled shoes. Jewelry and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery. Contact lenses should be removed prior to your surgery appointment.
5. Take medications as prescribed. If you are asked to take any medication on the morning of your surgery, you may do so using only a small sip of water.

Women please note: Some antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills. Please check with your pharmacist.