Pre-Operative Instructions

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Pre-Operative Instructions for Patients Undergoing Intravenous anesthesia

IV sedation is a common and a highly recommended approach for performing routine oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. This technique provides complete comfort, as you will be asleep during the procedure. The technique is safe and recovery is very quick. Should you decide to have IV sedation for your planned surgery, please review the following important pre-operative instructions:

Clothing

Wear loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up.

Transportation

Arrange to have someone at least 18 years old to accompany you and drive you home afterward. You will be drowsy for a while after anesthesia, and driving is not recommended for 24 hours.

Diet

Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for at least 8 hours prior to your surgery appointment. Any medications may be taken with a small sip of water.

Medications

Take any prescribed medication by the surgeon as directed. Antibiotics and pain medication may be started right after your procedure. Any medications prescribed by your physician for other conditions may be taken normally on the morning of surgery with a small sip of water.

• Asthmatic Patients: please bring your inhaler with you on the day of surgery.
• Diabetic Patients: If you are insulin dependent, please take half of your normal dosage the morning of surgery (IV fluids with sugar will be administered).
• Steroid Medications: On the morning of surgery, please double you normal dosage of medications.
• For patients with a heart murmur requiring antibiotic prophylaxis, take antibiotics 1 hour before surgery (call us before surgery for correct medication and dosages).

Others

Do not wear contact lenses; Do not smoke for at least 24 hours before anesthesia; Please do not wear eye makeup, lipstick, or nail polish.

The following conditions may occur with oral surgery procedures. This is variable based on the type of the surgery:

• Swelling: Dr. Kazemi uses special skills and approaches that often prevent facial swelling after surgeries, especially impacted third molars. He uses a conservative and quick approach in performing oral surgery procedures that result in minimal post surgical pain and swelling. Ice packs will be provided and should be used in the first 24-36 hours after surgery.
• Swelling peaks on the 2nd or 3rd post-operative day.
• Trismus (stiffness) of the jaw muscles may occur and cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few days.
• You may experience some radiating discomfort.
• Your other teeth may ache temporarily. This is referred pain and is a temporary condition.
• The corners of the mouth may be stretched and crack if dry. Your lips should be kept moist with cream or ointment.
• There will be a space where the tooth was removed. After 24 hours this area should be rinsed with warm salt water until it is healed. This space will gradually heal and fill in with new tissue in 6 weeks.
• There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24 to 48 hours. If temperature continues, notify us.
• Bruising is rare, but possible. This resolved gradually in 5-7 days.

For more information or questions, please contact us.