Pre-operative Instructions

We want you to feel as comfortable as possible. Our doctors will discuss with you your anesthetic options during your consultation appointment as many factors determine the best type of sedation for you. Safety is our primary concern and we reserve the right to cancel or postpone surgery if any of the instructions are not followed.

Please arrive 15 minutes (30 minutes if you are having sedation) prior to your appointment to take care of paperwork, financial arrangements and to use the restroom.

General Surgical Instructions:

• Get a good, filling, but easily digestible dinner and enough sleep the night prior to the procedure.
• Please bathe prior to surgery, emphasizing on your neck and face.
• Please brush your teeth prior to appointment to reduce chances of infection.
• Please wear a loose, short sleeved shirt and comfortable pants. “Tank top & PJs are perfect!” This allows us to place monitors as necessary. Blankets will be provided.
• Please wear flat soled shoes with ankle support such as sneakers.
• Please do not wear contact lenses, jewelry, make-up or fingernail polish (especially on your index fingers) to your appointment.
• If you develop a cold, sore throat, sinus drainage, fever, cold sores, fever blisters, or flu-like symptoms, please call our office prior to your surgical date.
• If you take routine oral medications, please check with our office prior to your surgical date for instructions.
• Any patients under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the time of surgery.
• If you have any changes in your medical or dental history, please notify our office.
• If you think you might be pregnant, please inform our office before your appointment.
• If you have asthma, please bring your emergency inhaler to your appointment.
• Alcoholic beverages should be avoided 36 hours before and after surgery.
• It is strongly advised that you not smoke or use smokeless tobacco for 2 weeks before and after your surgery.
• Please do not take medications containing aspirin, ibuprofen or other NSAIDs 5 days before your appointment unless approved by the doctors.
• An ice pack and post-op kit with instructions will be provided for you when you return home from your surgery.
• Please take your pain medication and prescriptions as directed. Complications from medications, including diarrhea, must be brought to our knowledge.

Local Anesthesia: an injection is given in the mouth to numb where treatment is required.

• Follow General Instructions.
• Blood pressure will be monitored, and additional monitors will be added as needed.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation: “Laughing Gas”

• Follow General Instructions.
• Do not eat or drink 2 hours before appointment.
• Blood pressure will be monitored, and additional monitors will be added as needed.

Conscious Sedation with Local Anesthesia: IV or Oral sedation with local anesthesia.

• Do NOT eat 6 hours before procedure.
• Clear liquids (coffee is ok) up to 2 hours before procedure.
• You must have a driver to take you home and stay with you until you are no longer drowsy.

Eat a light, easy digestible meal the night before the procedure.

Soft Food List

Being well prepared will usually lead to a smoother recovery. Purchase soft food items prior to surgery.

Remember to avoid straws!

Knife and Fork Diet: Cut food into small enough bites that only a few chews will allow you to swallow it. If a fork can cut/mash it, it’s ok to eat.

The following are examples of soft food items:

Protein Shakes (look for over 20 g of protein per bottle if possible)

Broth or Hearty Soups (stew, cream of ______, lentil, miso, minestrone, split pea, chili)

Herbal Teas or Juice (cranberry, apple, grape, pineapple (8oz max/day))

Jell-O/Pudding/Custard

Yogurt (soft or frozen)

Cottage Cheese, Hummus

Soft Fruit (banana, papaya, berries, mangos, canned peaches or pears)

Vegetables (steamed, squash, spinach, refried beans, canned peas)

Applesauce

SNOW CONES, Ice Cream, Milkshakes, Fruit Smoothies, Popsicles or Sherbet

Oatmeal/Cream of Wheat

Eggs (scrambled, soft boiled, omelets, egg salad)

Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Polenta, Rice, Risotto

Noodles or Pasta (plain or with sauce), Macaroni and Cheese, Ramen Noodles

Ground beef or shredded chicken (meatloaf, spaghetti, lasagna, casseroles, etc.)

Fish (flaky is ideal: tuna, lox, soft white fish, sole, trout, snapper)