It is very important that the oral intake (solid food and liquids) restrictions be understood and followed. Patients cannot eat any solid foods after midnight the night before the anesthesia/surgery. NO BREAKFAST on the day of surgery! For adults, clear liquids may be taken up to 3 hours before the dental appointment and for children (up to age 12 years old), clear liquids may be taken up to 2 hours before the appointment. The reason for the difference is that children empty their stomachs faster than adults. Clear liquids include: water, apple juice, tea or coffee with no milk or sugar. If the patient is taking any medication on a regular basis either the anesthesia care provider or the dental surgeon should approve it. Medications may be taken at any time before surgery with only small sips of water. These restrictions are to protect the patient from inhaling food during surgery. If this occurs the risk of pneumonia is very high and could be life threatening! If the restrictions are not followed, it may require postponing the surgery.
Smoking is strongly discouraged on the day of surgery. This sometimes decreases the amount of oxygen in the body for up to 4 hours after a cigarette!
All patients should have a responsible adult(s) stay in the office during the surgery. This allows the doctors to discuss any unexpected changes in the surgery planned.
