Before Anesthesia
Intravenous anesthesia sedation is a very safe and effective means of preventing pain and reducing patient anxiety during a surgical procedure. Furthermore, it can be administered from the comfort of an oral surgeon’s office, often preventing the need to be admitted to a hospital. Unlike most dentists, who use local anesthetics, an oral surgeon can quickly complete complex procedures while a patient is comfortably asleep.
There are some general prerequisites and instructions that patients must follow prior to IV sedation or general anesthesia to ensure the safety of the procedure. It is important that all patients undergoing any kind of anesthesia thoroughly read and understand the directions we provide prior to the procedure and contact our office with any questions or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About IV Sedation:
Can I eat prior to undergoing IV sedation?
In most cases, patients will not be allowed to eat or drink anything – including water – after midnight the night before the surgery. There are some slight exceptions for those who need to take their regular medications, though even those will need to be taken with only a small sip of water as necessary.
Can I drive myself home after being sedated?
No. We require that all patients undergoing IV sedation at our office arrive for their procedures with a responsible adult driver. It is not possible for you to safely drive after your procedure, nor should you drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after your procedure. It is normal to remain drowsy during this time as your body gradually eliminates the sedative agents used during the procedure.
What should I wear for my procedure?
We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing when you arrive at our office. Contacts, dentures, and detachable bridgework must be removed prior to surgery. Please also avoid wearing makeup, fingernail polish, and jewelry on the day of the procedure.
